How Will a Military Deployment Affect My Custody Arrangement?

Child custody cases can be complex even under the best of circumstances. For military families, the difficulties of these matters are often magnified by the unique challenges military members face.

If you serve in the armed forces, you likely have questions about how a deployment could impact your custody arrangement. Here is what you need to know if you are an active-duty military member in Texas.

Considerations For Custodial Parents

As the custodial parent, you will not lose primary custody of your child because of deployment alone. Another person will take temporary guardianship during your absence, and you will resume your previous arrangement upon your return.

Generally, Texas courts will prefer to award temporary custody to the other parent of the child. However, in some circumstances, you may be able to appoint a preferred guardian if it is in the best interest of the child.

Considerations For Noncustodial Parents

If you are a noncustodial parent serving overseas, you may want to maintain your custody schedule by appointing a person to exercise temporary visitation rights while you are gone. Temporary visitation is often given to grandparents or other close relatives.

After your deployment period ends, you can petition the court for additional visitation to compensate for the time you were away.

Before issuing any temporary custody orders, courts will consider what is best for the child before any other factor. A legal representative can help you navigate the custody process and reach an agreement that best provides for your child.