Emergency Custody Orders in Houston
When it comes to a divorce or separation involving children, one serious topic of discussion is that of the custody of the children involved. There are many situations in which the custody of a child may come into question. As a parent, your child’s safety is of the utmost importance. However, if you do not have custody, or only have been granted partial custody, it can be difficult when you are seemingly unable to be there for them if you suspect they are in danger. If you are concerned about your child’s safety while in the care of their other parent or legal guardian, you have the ability to file for emergency temporary custody in Houston, Texas.
At Stepp & Sullivan, our attorneys have more than 70 years of combined experience helping our clients protect their children and apply for emergency child custody orders. As a parent, you will do everything in your power to help keep your children safe. Our team of Houston lawyers have the skills and dedication to help your emergency custody order be granted by the Texas courts. When you partner with us, we will provide you with the trusted legal representation necessary for the best possible outcome for your case.
What is an Emergency Custody Order in Texas?
An emergency custody order is a way to put legal measures in place that protect minor children from their parents or legal guardians who may be putting them in danger. If you have evidence that your child’s well-being is at risk, filing for an emergency custody order in Houston, Texas, can temporarily change the custody rights for the child without notifying the current owner of custody.
When you are working to acquire an emergency custody order in Texas, you may also be granted a Temporary Restraining Order, or TRO, that comes with a Request for Extraordinary Relief. This would allow you to put the emergency custody order in place before having a hearing in cases where the child is in grave danger. However, you will be required to provide support for your statement that your child is in danger. To get help gathering the evidence needed to support your statement, get the help of one of our Houston emergency custody lawyers.
What Are the Steps to File an Emergency Child Custody Order in Houston?
In Texas, your first step in filing an emergency child custody order should be to file a custody petition with the help of a Houston emergency custody lawyer. There are various different petitions you may choose from which include:
- Establishment of paternity
- Petitions related to divorce
- Modification of an existing custody order
The knowledgeable family lawyers at Stepp & Sullivan can help you choose the petition that will best suit your case. Your next step after selecting and filing a petition should be to request a TRO that asks for Extraordinary Relief.
Your petition for custody will need to detail what the danger threatening your child is and why the judge has a duty to sign the motion without notifying the current guardian first. This can be accomplished by providing evidence of why this is an emergency that is putting your child at risk.
Evidence Needed for an Emergency Child Custody Order in Houston
When filing your emergency child custody order in Houston, there are several types of evidence you must be able to provide in order to have the order granted. Texas courts require you to provide evidence that your child is in immediate danger. This danger could be due to physical, sexual, or drug or alcohol abuse by their guardian.
In most cases, verbal or emotional abuse will not qualify as dangerous enough for emergency child custody in Texas. The evidence needed to help you be granted an emergency child custody order in Houston includes the following:
- Police reports
- Pictures
- Affidavits
- Text messages
- Videos
With the help of one of our Houston emergency custody lawyers, we will do our best to gather the necessary evidence to prove that an emergency child custody order is needed to help keep your child safe.
How Long Does it Take to Be Granted an Emergency Child Custody Order?
There is no exact time period in which you can expect to have your emergency child custody order granted. However, the Texas family courts will typically try to move fast due to the nature of the situation. In some cases, the courts can grant the order the same day it is filed. In other cases, the courts may require you to wait for the judge to review the petition and supporting evidence. When you have the help of one of our trusted Houston emergency custody lawyers, we may be able to help you ensure that your order is reviewed in a timely manner.
Contact a Houston Emergency Child Custody Orders Lawyer Today
One would hope that they could trust the care of their children with their other parent or guardian. However, that is not always the case and your child may be in grave danger while in their care. If that is the case, it is crucial that you get the help of a Houston lawyer to obtain an emergency child custody order.
The skilled Houston emergency custody attorneys at Stepp & Sullivan are dedicated to helping clients keep their children safe by pursuing emergency child custody orders in Houston. We have several decades of experience helping Houston residents navigate the family court system in regard to custody issues. To discuss your next steps with a dedicated and trusted Houston emergency custody attorney, call us today at (713) 336-7200 or complete our contact form.
