Emergency Temporary Custody in Texas

The worst feeling a parent can have is worry about the wellbeing of their children, especially if their child is not in their current custody. When parents reach a custody arrangement, this order dictates when a parent has custody of their child, and when the other parent has custody time. However, when one parent, legal caregiver, or legal guardian, believes that the child is in danger at the other parent’s home, an emergency custody order is available.

In this guide, we shall explain how to file for emergency custody in Texas, how to modify it in case of emergency, and the relation to temporary custody in Texas.

For an emergency custody order Texas to be filled, a legal caregiver must believe that their child is in danger. We will outline what actually is required in order to claim an emergency is taking place later, however, what is most important to know at the beginning is that the emergency custody Texas process can be highly emotional.  

Whenever children are believed to be in a dangerous situation, it is understandable for a parent or caregiver to feel alarm, anger, fear, etc. It is also very difficult to guide your way through the process of obtaining emergency custody Texas because there are many forms that must be filled out correctly and a hearing must take place.  

Hiring a family law attorney in Texas is recommended to help you through emergency custody order Texas. Due to high emotions and the complexity of the filing requirements, having the advice and years of experience from a family law attorney can be invaluable and reassuring. Your attorney will attend the hearing with you in which case, the judge will decide what is in the child’s best interest. Your attorney will help you prepare an emergency child custody petition Texas and provide evidence to ensure the safety of your child.

While Texas Family Law Code does not specifically state what an emergency is, what is most important in the eyes of the court is the “safety and welfare” of the child. Whenever the safety and welfare of the child are threatened, the parent is within their right to request a motion for an emergency modification of custody Texas. Some potential safety and welfare issues include:

These are just a few examples why you should file an emergency child custody petition Texas, however, this list is not exhaustive. There are unfortunately other situations children can be in that affect their safety and welfare negatively. Your family law attorney is the best resource to help you identify your concerns, prepare your case, and possibly find other cases like yours to help support your claims.

When asking yourself ‘what do I need to file emergency custody?’, there are two forms that your family law attorney will review with you. The first form is the Request to Order an Emergency Temporary Order. This form will outline what temporary custody order Texas rights need to be changed and will be accompanied by a declaration by the moving party. The declaration will outline why the emergency child custody petition Texas needs to take place immediately and refer to exhibits, or evidence, that substantiates your claims.

The second form your family law attorney will help you file is an Order to Appear. This form is filed with the court and the court clerk assigns a department, date, and time that the emergency order will be heard.

There are several steps that will take place after your family law attorney files the emergency temporary custody petition. The other parent or caregiver must be told of the upcoming hearing and you will go to the hearing with your family law attorney with confidence about how to get temporary custody of a child in Texas.

Once your attorney files the initial two forms with the correct district court, the other party must be given notice. Notice is given when the other party is served with copies of both forms by an individual not a party to the case. This is usually a process server that your family law attorney typically uses regularly. Once either party is aware of the filing and has the hearing date and time, the notice is complete.

Your family law attorney will help prepare you for the hearing. You will have an opportunity to speak before the judge. Advice your family lawyer can give you includes:

The judge reviews the evidence, documents, and testimony once both parties speak and will make a temporary order.

Knowing how to get emergency custody in Texas and hiring a family law attorney in Texas is not just helpful when preparing for the case, but it also helps with communication between the parties. In emergency temporary cases, feelings can become heated, and communication breaks down. A reasonable and intelligent attorney representing your interest can help ensure the safety of your child in a timely manner.