No matter what kind of custody agreement you're looking for, proving you're a responsible parent will be a big part of your custody hearing. You may also wish to demonstrate that you're more responsible than your former spouse, and there may be several ways to do that. Speak to your child custody lawyer in Houston about how you can show the court that you're the more responsible one.

Why Would You Want to Prove That You're the More Responsible Parent?

If you're seeking sole custody, or you wish to have joint custody, but you want sole managing conservatorship of your child, then you may wish to prove that you're the more responsible parent for the job. Proving that you're the more responsible one will generally be a mixture of proving that you are responsible and that the other spouse is either an unfit parent or a less fit parent than you are.



Check out this site to learn more about the different custody arrangements in a Texas divorce, along with information on what's factored in when determining custody.

Ask a Child Custody Lawyer in Houston: How Can You Prove You're the More Responsible Parent?

1. Demonstrate a Safe and Stable Home

Your home must be free of hazards, and it's best if it's in a safe area near your child's school and other important places for your child. If your home has mold or water damage, or if it's in an area with unsafe streets and lots of crime, then that may work against you.



Part of proving you're the more responsible parent is showing how you've provided a safe environment you can raise your child in. If the home you provided is safer and better for your child than the home your spouse provided, then it may work in your favor to show that you're the more responsible one in this regard.

2. Demonstrate Access to Healthcare

Your child needs access to healthcare. Demonstrate that your child is registered at a doctor's practice locally, and also ensure the court knows that you can pay for it. Show that your child is on your insurance plan and that it's a good plan that adequately covers what you need it to. If your insurance plan is better than your former spouse's insurance plan, then make sure everybody involved knows this fact.



If your child is not on your healthcare plan and cannot be added, show that you've looked into plans such as Children's Medicaid or similar and have provided your child with the best healthcare plan you possibly can.

3. Demonstrate Age-Appropriate Limits

Part of being a responsible parent is only allowing your child to do things and consume media that is age appropriate. If you have any evidence showing that your former spouse exposes your child to things that aren't age-appropriate, then do what you can to prove this. Testimonies from loved ones or photos/videos of your child being involved in or watching something that isn't age-appropriate may be helpful.



Talk about what you would have done to prevent the exposure to this inappropriate situation, and ask loved ones to testify regarding whether you would ever expose your child to something that was not age-appropriate.

4. Demonstrate That Your Child Is in Good Health

If you've been the one looking after your child the most, then showing they're in good health shows that you're a responsible parent. The child shouldn't have any untreated conditions or ailments, and they shouldn't have any marks or bruises on their skin that you can't explain.



If your child routinely comes back from spending time with your other parent and seems to have new cuts or bruises that can't be explained, then this may work against the other parent. It's not within the child's best interests to be put in a situation that allows them to come into harm's way.

5. Demonstrate Parental Involvement

The judge bases part of the custody decision on each parent's involvement with the child up to now. If you can demonstrate that you've always been heavily involved in your child's life more than the other parent, then this may work in your favor.



Pictures and videos of family trips between you and your child may be helpful, especially if the other parent was not present. Showing that you're the parent who usually takes the children to engagements can also work in your favor.

6. Demonstrate Financial Stability

A responsible parent must be financially stable enough to care for themselves and their child. If you're financially stable and your former partner isn't, then it shows that you may be more financially responsible right now. Show that you can provide for yourself and your child's basic needs better than your former spouse can.



Showing that you can provide for your child, that you're there for them, and that you're looking after them appropriately is key to proving you're the more responsible parent out of you and your former spouse. If your former spouse has any shortcomings or if you believe they're an unfit parent in any way, then discuss how to prove this with your attorney.