A Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship, or SAPCR, is essentially a legal request for a visitation, child custody, child support, or any other order which will impact the interests of a child. Due to the high-stakes nature of these requests, it is crucial for parents to be adequately prepared before they start the SAPCR process. In this blog, our Katy child custody attorney takes a look at some of the most important things you need to know before filing a SAPCR.
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Who Can File an SAPCR?
Although Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship most commonly involve the birth parents of the child, there are a variety of other parties who may also have legal standing for such a claim. These parties include, but are not limited to:
- The child’s legal guardian
- A man who is claiming to be the father
- Another individual with visitation rights
- The child’s foster parent
- Grandparents who meet certain requirements
- Department of Family and Protective Services, or other authorized government entity
These parties may all have a vested interest in the child’s interests, and as a result they may file a suit for an order that will aid in these interests.
The Best Interests of the Child
As previously mentioned, the best interests of the child will be the determining factor in ordering or rejecting a SAPCR. This is a somewhat subjective decision that must be made by the judge, but there are a set of factors the court will look at when making their determination. These factors include, among others:
- The child’s own desires
- The needs of the child, both present and future
- Any danger the child is potentially facing
- The stability of each parent’s home, as well as their parenting ability
Choose A Quality Katy Child Custody Lawyer
If you are attempting to bring a SAPCR, you most likely believe your request is in the best interests of your child. However, proving this in court is a far more difficult task. Except in cases of a clear and present danger to the child, judges are often hesitant to make a dramatic change in the child’s life. For this reason, you need skilled representation from a lawyer who can build a strong case on your behalf.
At Hunt Law Firm, our Katy family lawyers are highly knowledgeable about SAPCRs and related matters of child custody. When you retain our firm, you can expect dedicated counsel from an attorney who knows how to get results, and who will work tirelessly to achieve them for you.
Don’t hesitate to pursue the dedicated counsel you need – Call (832) 781-0320 today.