How to Transfer Child Custody in Texas

Sometimes it's necessary for the custody of a child to be transferred from the parent to someone else. In some cases, one or both parents may be deemed unfit in which case the courts often determine who gets custody of the child. In other cases, the parent may voluntarily transfer custody to a grandparent, another family member or a close friend. This arrangement can be permanent or temporary.

Consider Your Decision Carefully

Step 1: Make sure this is something that you need to do for the good of the child. Explore all options before going to court to ask permission to transfer custody of your child to another person because there may be other alternatives available.

Step 2: Speak with an attorney to find out how this decision will affect your rights to the child should you want custody back in the future.

Step 3: Once you are clear on the Texas laws, proceed to the next step.

Discuss This Decision with the Person Receiving Custody

Step 1: Determine who will be receiving custody of the child and whether or not it will be a permanent or temporary situation.

Step 2: Discuss this with him or her and make sure they agree with the arrangement.

Step 3: Make sure he or she understands that they will be responsible for the health and well-being of that child and his future.

Gather Together All of the Necessary Information

Step 1: Contact the courthouse and find out what papers are needed to request a custody transfer and pick these up.

Step 2: Provide the reason why you feel it necessary to transfer the custody of your child to another and gather any supporting information you have.

Step 3: Understand that the main reason parents transfer custody of a child is when that parent is suffering from some type of illness that will interfere with his or her ability to care for the child but other reasons do exist.

Complete the Process

Step 1: Contact your attorney and provide him with the appropriate paperwork.

Step 2: Have your attorney set the court date and time to appear before the judge.

Step 3: Await the decision of the judge who will determine if the request to transfer the custody of the child will be permitted.

References:

Child Joint Custody.com- How To Write a Statement of Voluntary Transfer of Child Custody