Splitting Custody of the Children in a Texas Child Custody Case

While Texas child custody law has some common guidelines, quite a bit still depends on the individual case. This is apparent in cases involving multiple children where the judge orders or approves a split custody arrangement.

In split custody, the parents have custody of one (or more than one) of the children. For example, in a family with four children, the father may end up the custodial parent of two kids and mother may have custody of the other two.

Many people see split custody as an unconventional – or even inadvisable – arrangement; and for many reasons this is true. However, in some families this type of custody plan may work.

Types of Split Custody

One common split custody arrangement is the male children going with the father while the female children go with the mother. Many times, this arrangement is made because it is the preference of the children to be with the parent of the same sex.

Of course, this isn’t the only way that split custody can play out. Sometimes one parent gets the older children while one gets the younger, or the decision is made based on other factors like finances or any special needs the children may have.

Family courts normally try and avoid splitting the children in custody cases, because their goal is usually to limit the amount of upheaval the children experience. It can be difficult enough for kids when their parents break up; having to separate from their siblings can make the situation even harder.

Many times, a split custody decision is made by the parents through mutual agreement or mediation, and is brought before the court for approval. 

Seeking Legal Guidance

If parents want to make a split custody arrangement work, they will need to focus on efficient scheduling for visitation as well as on helping their kids through the emotional process of adjusting to a very new family structure.

If you’re facing a child custody case that includes multiple children and you have questions about split custody or any other custody issue, contact a Texas family law attorney today.