As a parent, the most important thing in your life is protecting the time you have with your children. In order to protect your parental rights and establish a parenting plan that protects the best interests of your children, it is useful to understand standard possession and expanded standard possession in Texas.
Custody is one of the most emotionally charged and contentious issues between parents who are getting divorced or who are not married at the time that their child is born. Although an incredibly complex issue, with help, you can find a solution to your child custody and visitation concerns that is both sustainable and beneficial to every member of your family.
What should you know about possession and your parental rights?
Possession refers to the time custodial and non-custodial parents have their children. Two unmarried parents must share parenting time, but the way a parenting schedule works can differ on a case-by-case basis. Your family may benefit from one of two types of possession, standard and expanded standard possession; the differences between the two are as follows:
- Standard possession: People consider standard possession to be the most common type of custody plan. The parent will have the children every first, third and fifth weekend of the month. This plan is especially beneficial for a family in which one parent does not live close to the other parent or the child's school.
- Expanded standard possession: When parents live close enough to each other, an expanded standard possession plan allows the non-custodial parent more time with his or her child by allowing the child to be picked up directly from school on Thursday and returned to school on Monday. This also allows parents to avoid high-tension child hand-off scenarios.
A parenting schedule should work for your family and make sense according to the special needs and concerns of your kids. You have the right to fight for a plan that protects their best interests and upholds your rights as the parent.
Which plan is right for you?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to child custody concerns. It is best to seek the counsel of a family law attorney who can help you understand your options and pursue an outcome that suits you and your kids for years to come.