A child can be interviewed by the judge in
chambers to determine the child’s preference to conservatorship, possession,
access or any other issue. While the
child’s preference will be noted, the best interest of the child is still the
standard with any decision.
If the court finds that there is a history of
conflict in resolving issues of conservatorship, possession or access, the
court may order the parties to participate in counseling.
If you are in a custody dispute and make a false
report of child abuse, you can be sanctioned and evidence of the false report
is admissible in the suit.
If the court orders supervised visitation, there
are places to go where you can have neutral parties present. Most larger counties have these facilities
available.
Sometimes, physical possession of the child just
doesn’t work. The court can order
periods of electronic communication between a parent and a child. While this doesn’t take the place of actually
being with your child, skyping can help keep you involved.
If both parents are appointed conservators, the
court shall specify the rights and duties of each parent and how they are to be
exercised: by each parent independently,
by agreement of the parents, or exclusively by one parent.
If you are appointed a conservator of your
child, you have certain rights at all
times, such as receiving information from the other conservator regarding
health and education, access to medical and educational records, attending
school functions, being an emergency designee.
These rights can be limited by the court.