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In this article, you can discover…
- How possession schedules work for infants and toddlers.
- Mediating custody issues when very young children are involved.
- How an attorney can help you design a successful schedule for small children.
Why Are Specialized Possession Schedules Needed For Infants And Toddlers?
In Texas, the type of possession schedule ruled for a very small child will depend on what is in that child’s best interest. If you’re concerned that your very small child needs a specialized possessions schedule, you and your attorney can petition the courts for this.
What will this require? You will have to demonstrate that a specialized possession schedule is in the best interest of the child, and show the court what the infant or toddler’s schedule with each parent looked like before the lawsuit to divorce was filed.
For example, if you as a mother spent most of your time with your infant day and night, doing nightly feedings and taking your baby to appointments, it’s likely that you will stay on that full-time possession schedule.
This doesn’t mean your baby’s father won’t be able to see or spend time with his child; it simply means that the infant will be with you the majority of the time as a primary parent, as this is what your baby is used to.
How Can Parents Who Disagree On Possession Schedules Come To An Agreement?
This is a juncture where mediation is best, prior to divorce being finalized. A caring and attentive attorney can help you get a big-picture sense of what your small child’s daily routine was like prior to the divorce being filed for.
Mediation can help you and the other party come to an understanding of what is in the child’s best interest. Who handles the doctor’s appointments? Which parent knows your child’s pediatrician’s name? Which parent is more aware of details such as nap schedules, feeding schedules, or how often your infant wakes up in the night?
Getting a sense of this can help direct mediation toward a decision that is best for your infant or toddler. It’s very likely that mediation will conclude the more active parent is best suited for primary possession, at least while your child is very small.
Attorney Sarahi Saucedo is a caring and principled attorney serving Texas. She’s made family law her primary practice and has helped clients just like you design successful and meaningful possession schedules for their young children.
Have questions about navigating divorce with small children? Reach out to The Law Office of Andy Nguyen at (817) 532-5666 for an initial consultation today!
How Does An Attorney Design A Possession Schedule For Very Young Children?
A good attorney will consider what your young child’s daily routine was like prior to the divorce being filed. Small babies need continuity, stability, and a great deal of attention, and the parent who provided the most of that will likely be awarded initial primary possession.
What can you do if you’re the parent who provides less attention? Can you still see your child?
Yes, you can. Your attorney can work closely with you to gain an understanding of your work schedule and the other party’s work schedule and consider how a child’s needs will change over time. It’s possible to go before a judge and request a possession schedule closer to 50-50 once your child is older and a bit more independent.
For example, a mother may be given primary possession until a child is done breastfeeding and can eat solid food. After this milestone is reached, more time with the father can be agreed upon, as this works best for the child and allows both parties time with their son or daughter.
Future possession schedules can be seen as a step-by-step journey that takes into account your child’s growing independence. This can help you and the other parent design a current and future proposed schedule that is focused on your child’s needs yet allows more time to be evenly split as your young child grows.
A judge is likely to view this positively as a sign that you and the other party are able to work together reasonably and selflessly to consider your child’s wellbeing alongside each parent’s desire to be involved in the child’s life.
For more information on Your Guide To Designing Possession Schedules For Infants And Toddlers In Texas, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (817) 532-5666 today.
