Child custody agreements can be made through informal negotiations that are conducted between parents and other parties through an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). It's an emerging concept that covers a number of situations where disputes between parties can be resolved without going through a lengthy trial.
Your first step is to use the Petition for Custody form available at your local courthouse. I have also attached a copy here for your reference. Once you have it filled out, you will need to submit the petition to the Family Law Division of the District Court in the county where you or the other parent reside.
A letter of agreement between two parents should clearly state the terms of their co-parenting arrangement, including custody, visitation, decision-making responsibilities, and financial obligations. Both parents should sign the letter, which should be notarized to ensure enforceability.
Yes you do need a court order. You need to go to your local domestic relations department to file for custody/partial custody that an order can be put in place. They will schedule a hearing for you both come in and get a written court order in place. Law enforcement cannot intervene with out a court order.
In Texas, even if there is no formal custody order in place, both parents generally have equal rights and responsibilities to their child. However, the absence of a custody order can lead to confusion, disagreements, and potential legal complications in the future.
Provide a concise summary of the key issues and events pertaining to the custody situation. Focus on highlighting factors that would be in the best interests of any children involved, such as stability, safety, and meeting the children's needs. Avoid making accusations or attacking your former spouse directly.
To get a copy of your custody order in Texas, you can contact the district clerk's office in the county where the custody case was filed. You can also search for your case number online using public access systems provided by the Texas court system.
To enforce a court order, you must file a motion for enforcement. This motion must call out the specific provisions that were violated, as well as the relief you are requesting from the court. Given the penalties that can be imposed on violators, it's very important that the language in the motion is very precise.