Once your Texas divorce is over and you have adjusted to not being married to your former partner, you may still be surprised by how much you remain in contact with him or her if you still share minor children. This may be distressing for some parents and less so for others, but one thing that is for sure is that you are still required to follow the legally-enforceable parenting agreement contained in your divorce decree.
However, circumstances can change greatly over the years, and you may find that your current custody order is no longer workable for any number of reasons. If you need to modify your custody order, you will need to file a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship, or SAPCR. Just like with your divorce, a mediator can help you overcome differences with your child’s other parent so you can create a custody agreement that benefits everyone. Here are three situations in which you may want the help of a mediator during your SAPCR.
Your Child Has Their Own Preferences
As children get older, they begin to have opinions about where they want to live and why. Once children are 12 years old, they are legally allowed to give their input and have it considered when making custody adjustments. When one parent does not agree with the child’s preferences, a mediator can help both parents discuss the situation with the child and try to find a good balance of everyone’s preferences and concerns. While minor children are still children with limited knowledge and wisdom, many parents find that respecting their wishes when practical and possible makes for a happier, more cooperative kid.
...