Do Living Accommodations Affect Child Custody Arrangements?

Top Divorce Lawyer

The courts consider a number of factors before deciding on the appropriate child custody arrangement. One of the most important things judges look for is a parent’s living accommodations. Where and how a parent lives can have a big impact on a child’s wellbeing. Child custody lawyers can provide a list of some of the things judges consider when there is a challenge to living accommodations for custody.

Child’s Age

The judge will consider the child’s age when deciding on the appropriate child custody arrangement. For example, if a child is older than 12 or 13, he or she may require more space than a younger child. The court might not like it if an older child has to share a room with a sibling in grade school or sleep out on the couch.

Child’s Safety

A child’s safety is one of the most important things a judge will consider when deciding on a custody arrangement. If a parent lives in a neighborhood with a lot of crime, the judge may want to limit the time the child spends there. That’s why it is important to thoroughly research a neighborhood before you move there. If a lot of crimes occur there, it might not be a good idea to live there.

Number of Children

The number of children you have can also affect your custody arrangement. If you have three children, for example, the judge may want you to live in a bigger home with several bedrooms. If you live in an apartment and your children have to share bedrooms, the judge might not that is such a good arrangement.

Child’s Ability to Adjust

Some children adjust better to different living accommodations than others. If you had to move into a smaller space, the judge will determine if your child is psychologically ready for a big change in his or her environment. If the judge believes that your child will have difficulty adjusting, he or she may give custody to the parent who stays in the family home.

Parent’s Financial Situation

Another factor judges will consider is a parent’s financial situation. For example, if a parent is the one who has to pay child support, he or she might not have enough money to buy a larger home for the child. If you don’t think that you can afford a big house for your child, don’t fret. The judge will consider your unique circumstances before he or she decides on a child custody arrangement.

If you need assistance with your child custody case, you should schedule an appointment with a reputable LSR child support lawyer Dallas, TX relies on.

 


 

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC for their insight into child custody.