When to Seek Emergency Child Custody After Divorce
Ending a marriage is difficult under even the best of circumstances. When children are involved, the stakes become even higher.
While our Fort Worth divorce lawyers see many parents through to amicable child custody arrangements, there are unfortunate situations when one parent is unfit to care for the child, putting their safety and well-being at risk.
As a divorced parent, you must remain alert to any signs that your child may be endangered in the home of your ex-spouse or partner.
If you recognize multiple troubling indicators, it may necessitate taking legal action with Nilsson Legal Group in Fort Worth, Texas to gain emergency custody until a full investigation can be conducted.
Drastic Changes in Typical Behavior
One of the most common warning signs that a child is struggling in the other parent’s care is dramatic shifts in their typical demeanor when they return to your home.
Traumatic or unstable environments can cause changes in mood and actions. It warrants a closer look if your once upbeat and cheerful child has become withdrawn, aggressive, anxious, or abnormally secretive.
Children who are overwhelmed by neglect, mistreatment, or abuse often exhibit depression, anger issues, clinginess, trouble sleeping, regression in skills, or compulsions like hair pulling.
Also, pay attention to stories your child may tell about people and activities in the other home that do not seem age-appropriate.
For example, if your young child uses words or references things you would not expect them to know, it may indicate a lack of supervision or exposure to adult situations like violence, substance abuse, or explicit media. Do not simply dismiss such remarks.
Keep written records and look for any additional signs of potential endangerment.
Declining Health or Hygiene
A sudden decline in your child’s physical health or appearance may also imply the other parent fails to provide adequate care and necessities.
Weight loss, lack of personal hygiene, untreated medical issues, dental problems, and chronic hunger or fatigue all signal that basic needs are being overlooked or disregarded.
Just as you would rush your child to the doctor if they demonstrated these symptoms under your roof, you should not delay in seeking professional help or legal remedies if such indications surface after time spent in the other home.
Isolation from Family and Friends
Abusers and unfit parents often seek to isolate a child from other relatives and friends who could detect signs of mistreatment. It should raise red flags if your ex-spouse prohibits you from seeing or communicating with your child, especially if you have a co-parenting agreement in place.
Pay attention if your child stops mentioning friends they used to play with, activities they enjoyed, or family members who were once close. Check in with grandparents, siblings, or teachers to find out if they have also been cut off from contact without reasonable explanation.
This type of isolation implies your ex is attempting to escape the scrutiny of their caretaking practices.
Hints of Violence, Substance Abuse, or Instability
It is vital that you listen to and believe your child if they disclose any incidents of violence, substance abuse, or other behaviors in the other home that seem inappropriate or dangerous.
Do not shrug off subtle hints about people arguing or using nicknames referencing things like drinking or drug use. Even if your ex seems fine on the surface when you interact at custody exchanges, trust signs from your child that things are not okay behind closed doors.
If they tell stories that do not make sense, allude to “secrets” they were told to keep, or appear fearful to return to the other parent, believe them, and take action.
Stonewalling Communication and Visitation
While an amicable, cooperative relationship with your ex is ideal after divorce, some controlling or abusive former partners seek to sever contact and block access to the child.
If your ex consistently refuses to answer calls, reschedules visitation, moves without notifying you, or denies you time with your child for questionable reasons, it points to unreasonable obstruction.
Even if they charm and manipulate others to paint you as “crazy” or “unstable” for questioning their behavior, trust your gut if every attempt to see your child is thwarted.
Fort Worth Child Custody Lawyer
If you have observed one or more warning signs that your child may be in an unhealthy or dangerous situation with your ex, it is time to talk to a child custody lawyer in Fort Worth, TX.
Document everything you have noticed, even if details seem minor. Our experienced Fort Worth child custody lawyers can advise you on the best legal course of action, which may include filing for emergency custody.
We can also instruct you how to gather evidence in a way that will be usable in court, help you understand the investigation process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. With a child attorney’s help, you may be able to remove your child from a hazardous environment and keep them safe as you pursue permanent custody.
Emergency Child Custody
No loving parent wants to disrupt their child’s life further after divorce. But occasionally, it becomes necessary when faced with a former partner who puts their own interests before the child’s welfare.
By staying alert and trusting your judgment, you can gain the legal footing to intervene and do what is required to ensure your child’s long-term health and happiness. If you find yourself in a situation where emergency custody seems inevitable, don’t wait! Your child is ar risk!
At Nilsson Legal Group, we help you document your ex-spouse’s situation and ensure you retain your rightful custody.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss emergency custody at our office located at 930 W. 1st St, Suite 200 in Fort Worth, Texas today or call (817) 953-6688. A legal staff member will reply within 24-48 hours.