The Law Office of Eric R. Little The Law Office of Eric R. Little 2026-06-10T16:13:12Z https://www.erllaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1505036/2021/11/cropped-Favicon-32x32.jpg On Behalf of The Law Office of Eric R. Little <![CDATA[Does your child understand your custody schedule?]]> https://www.erllaw.com/?p=48791 2026-05-28T02:56:22Z 2026-05-28T02:56:22Z Explaining the custody schedule to your child helps them know what to expect, reduces anxiety and sets clear expectations. Starting a custody schedule before they understand it can be confusing and stressful.    Here is how you can help your child understand the custody schedule:

Use age-appropriate language

Before getting into the schedule, reassure your child that you both love spending quality time with them and that they belong to both homes. Then, use age-appropriate language when explaining it.  If your child is a toddler or a preschooler, focus on day-to-day routines. If you have a school-age child, help them understand how they will be going to school and spending time with friends.  It helps to use simple terms when explaining a custody schedule to a younger child. You should also consider using visual aids. For example, mark days on a calendar with different colors or magnets, showing when they will be with each parent. Let them mark a few weeks as an exercise.  If you have a teenager, you want to help them know what to expect. Additionally, focus on how the schedule accommodates their social life, school and extracurricular activities.

Inform them they can contact either parent at any time

It’s vital to inform your child that they can communicate with either parent at any time. Doing this helps reduce separation anxiety, as many children believe they aren’t “allowed” to contact the parent they are not with. Reassuring your child that they can speak with any parent at any time puts them at ease.

Encourage them to ask questions

Encourage your child to ask questions throughout the conversation. This allows you to uncover and address hidden concerns. How you explain your custody schedule to your child determines how they internalize it. Learn more about helping your child accept their new routine and protecting them in this new normal.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Eric R. Little <![CDATA[International travel when child custody is a factor]]> https://www.erllaw.com/?p=48790 2026-05-15T21:08:22Z 2026-05-15T21:08:22Z Parents who aren’t in a relationship with each other any longer may want to make plans to go on vacation with their children. While many people don’t think much about making those plans, parents with child custody orders have several considerations.  One of the first things that parents should do in these cases is review the order. This can let the parent know if they can take the child out of a specific geographical area. There may be certain restrictions. For example, if child abduction is a concern, the custody order may forbid international travel. 

If international travel is allowed

If international travel isn’t forbidden by the custody order or if the other parent or court permits the travel, the parent who’s traveling with the child will need to ensure they get things in order. The child will need a passport, which requires the permission of both parents. Because getting a passport can take considerable time, it’s necessary to start this process well in advance of the trip.  Another consideration for international travel is having a notarized document that permits the travel. In most cases, this will come from the court or the other parent. Different countries have different requirements, so it’s critical to learn about the requirements for the countries you will travel to with the children. Some countries may also require you to have the child’s birth certificate.  Planning summer travel can always be challenging, so it’s best for parents to get started on the plan early. Getting the parenting plan set up in the child’s best interests requires more than just outlining travel restrictions and requirements, so it may be beneficial to work with someone who can assist with this process.   ]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Eric R. Little <![CDATA[Try not to involve children in parental disputes]]> https://www.erllaw.com/?p=48789 2026-05-18T05:20:19Z 2026-05-01T18:30:59Z During a divorce, it is important not to make children feel like they have to choose sides. Even when parents do not get along, the children are still going to be involved in both of those parents’ lives, in most cases. It is best for parents not to make their kids feel like they need to alienate one parent or prefer one over the other. To that end, parents should try to keep children out of any adult disputes. Even if they have to have heated discussions or arguments over things that they strongly disagree on, they should not do this while the children are present to witness those disagreements. Around the kids, parents should try to be civil, even when they do not necessarily get along or agree on everything.

Do not make the children become messengers

Similarly, when parents are not on good terms, they are sometimes tempted to have the children act as messengers. If one parent needs their ex to sign a certain piece of paperwork, for example, they might tell the child to remind that parent about it during their next custody visit. The problem with this is that it puts children directly in the middle of the conflict. They are the ones who have to deliver the message to the other parent and experience the reaction to that news. This can often make children feel stressed and anxious, so it is best for parents to handle these types of communications on their own.

Navigating a high-conflict divorce

Not all divorces go smoothly, and conflict is certainly possible between adults. If you find yourself in this position, it is very important that you understand exactly what legal steps to take and how to help things go as smoothly as possible for your children.  ]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Eric R. Little <![CDATA[Virtual visitation is an option in some custody cases]]> https://www.erllaw.com/?p=48788 2026-05-18T05:20:14Z 2026-04-14T10:25:28Z Child custody cases don’t always involve parents and their children remaining in the same area. Finding ways to stay in contact can be challenging, but technology makes it a little easier. Virtual visits, which include things like video chats, text messages, phone calls and instant messaging, can help to bridge the gap.  While this isn’t the same thing as being able to spend time together in person, it can help parents and their children to remain in contact and build their relationship even though they’re apart. Making virtual visits work isn’t always easy, but it’s likely what’s best for the children. 

Considerations for virtual visits

One of the most difficult factors in some cases involving virtual visits is living in different time zones. When this happens, the schedule for virtual visits will usually have to be made based on the child’s time zone instead of the parent’s. The children’s school, sleep and extracurricular activity schedules are all factors.  Another consideration is determining what to do during the virtual visits. These don’t have to be just normal conversations. Instead, this time can be used to read books, play games, watch movies or anything that the parent and child want to do together.  Virtual visits are supplementary, so they don’t replace in-person visits. But, they must still be taken seriously. The parent and child should be able to spend their time without being monitored by the parent who’s with the child.  It’s critical that the terms, including the schedule, for virtual visits is included in the parenting plan. This is only one part of a comprehensive plan, so it’s usually best for the parents to work with someone who understands the situation and can help them to get everything set.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Eric R. Little <![CDATA[Co-parenting and technology: How you can benefit from it]]> https://www.erllaw.com/?p=48786 2026-03-30T11:01:40Z 2026-03-30T11:01:40Z Advancements in technology have significantly changed co-parenting. Digital tools help co-parents improve organization and communication, which has proven to reduce conflict. Co-parents should consider embracing technology. Here is how you can use it:

Shared calendar

With shared calendars, co-parents can easily track school events, doctors’ appointments, extracurricular activities and pick-up/drop-off times, among other things. This can prevent scheduling conflicts and reduce the need to constantly send updates via text.

Document sharing

Co-parents can upload documents on several apps. In this way, if a parent needs to access a medical record, a school report or an insurance card, they don’t need to call the other. They can instantly access it.

Expense tracking

Money is a crucial subject in co-parenting. Unfortunately, it often leads to conflicts, especially when there is no clarity about shared costs. Co-parents should agree on which expenses are covered by child support, how to pay for expenses beyond the child support and how reimbursements will be handled.  Then, use specialized apps to make automatic payments, automate expense tracking and facilitate instant reimbursements. Co-parents can also use these apps for documentation by uploading photos of receipts and invoices.

Communication

Typically, co-parents communicate via in-person meetings, calls, emails or texts. Technology has added other options. They can now communicate via apps, which substantially helps in high-conflict co-parenting. Co-parents who are unable to have conversations without arguing can use communication apps.

Virtual visitation

Various technological tools that allow virtual visitation are available. Co-parents can remotely read bedtime stories, assist with homework and so forth, which helps maintain bonds. Technology became an integral part of co-parenting a few years ago, and this is expected to grow with new tools being introduced. Get more information about other ways to improve your co-parenting. ]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Eric R. Little <![CDATA[Common mistakes when requesting a custody modification]]> https://www.erllaw.com/?p=48785 2026-03-13T17:28:27Z 2026-03-13T17:28:27Z Child custody arrangements aren’t always permanent. Children grow, and family circumstances change, requiring adjustments to existing custody orders. This means petitioning the court to modify the terms of the parenting time order. But seeking a modification isn’t always cut and dry, especially when parents unintentionally weaken their case by making avoidable mistakes.

Protecting your child’s best interests

When the judge implemented the existing child custody order, they determined it was in the child’s best interest. Therefore, they will consider any modification requests based on how a change will impact the child. In other words, courts do not change custody arrangements lightly.  A custody order can’t be modified simply because a parent wants a different schedule. Instead, the parent requesting the modification must typically show that a material and substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the court issued the original order. This may include:
  • A significant change in a parent’s work schedule
  • A parent relocating
  • Concern about the child’s safety or well-being
  • Changes in the child’s needs
The court may deny the request unless there is clear evidence of a substantial change. Some parents make the mistake of altering the parenting schedule on their own without first obtaining court approval. Keeping the child longer than allowed, denying the other parent their parenting time or moving the child to a new location can seriously harm their credibility with the court. Judges expect parents to follow court orders until they are officially modified. Another mistake is allowing frustration or conflict to guide your decision. A custody modification should always focus on the child’s best interests. Some parents seek modifications because they are unhappy with their co-parent or want to “win” in court. The court will likely deny requests that appear motivated by anger, retaliation or personal conflict. Attempting to navigate the legal process of custody modification on your own can also cause significant issues. There are specific procedures that you must follow, and failing to do so can lead to unnecessary delays or procedural mistakes. A legal representative can help by evaluating if your circumstances meet the requirements for modification and guide you through the process.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Eric R. Little <![CDATA[Updating a custody order when one parent moves]]> https://www.erllaw.com/?p=48784 2026-03-02T01:29:21Z 2026-03-02T01:29:21Z The parents must update the custody arrangement The simplest solution when a parent intends to move to buy a house or take a better job is to work cooperatively with the other parent to modify the custody order. Typically, the standard custody restrictions in Texas limit parents to relocations within the same county or a group of neighboring counties. In scenarios where one parent intends to relocate a substantial distance from the other, they likely need to work cooperatively with the other parent to negotiate an uncontested custody modification. The parents can agree to new terms that they then submit to the courts to update their current order. If parents disagree about how to address a relocation, then the matter may require litigation. Contested relocation hearings can be unpredictable, and the burden of proof to show that the move is in the best interest of the children usually falls to the parent hoping to relocate. Reviewing an existing custody order and the reason for a move with a skilled legal team can help parents determine the best strategy for addressing a custody modification. Parents expecting conflict over a proposed relocation may need to work with a lawyer to understand their options, and that’s okay.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Eric R. Little <![CDATA[3 tips for telling the kids you are getting a divorce]]> https://www.erllaw.com/?p=48783 2026-02-11T18:26:26Z 2026-02-11T18:26:26Z When you and your spouse decide that you are going to get a divorce, one step you may need to take is to inform the children. It is important to consider this conversation carefully. It can shape how they respond to the divorce and how smoothly things go. To that end, here are three tips to keep in mind when starting this conversation.

Tell all children at once

First and foremost, for parents with multiple children, it is important to tell them together. You never want a child to find out about the divorce from a sibling or another family member. You want them to hear it from you at the same time. Ideally, both you and your spouse will have this conversation with all of the children together.

Avoid placing blame

The conversation should not be a chance to blame your spouse or demonstrate division or accusations. The children will still have a relationship with both you and the other parent after the divorce. Your goal should be to reassure them, stress that you both still love them, and try to present a united front.

Let them ask questions

Finally, do not think of this as a one-sided conversation, but as a dialogue or a discussion. Children may have questions about issues you never even thought to address. Give them a chance to speak and do your best to answer their questions honestly and lovingly.

Child custody issues

For parents who are getting a divorce, the child custody arrangement is one of the most important parts of the process. Take the time to carefully consider your legal options as you move forward.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Eric R. Little <![CDATA[3 steps victims of domestic violence may take before a divorce]]> https://www.erllaw.com/?p=48781 2026-01-30T14:41:05Z 2026-01-30T14:41:05Z 1. Collect thorough records Documentation of the actual violence and its aftermath is critical for the protection of victims. Audio and video recordings of actual incidents, photographs of injuries, pictures of damaged property, screenshots of written threats and medical records can all help validate claims that a person endured physical abuse.

2. Request a protective order

The Texas courts can issue an injunction prohibiting contact between two parties. When there is evidence supporting the claim of previous violence, stalking or harassment, a judge may agree to issue a protective order. While a protective order doesn't prevent abuse and communication, it creates consequences if the abuse continues.

3. Obtain an alternate address

Those leaving abusive spouses frequently choose not to disclose their current living arrangements. They may actually be eligible for a post office box provided by the state as the victim of domestic violence. People with injunctions or other compelling evidence of prior abuse can obtain an alternate address so that they do not need to disclose their current residence on divorce or custody paperwork. Anyone trying to remove themselves from a volatile marriage likely needs support. Working with a family law attorney familiar with domestic violence divorces can help abused spouses make the best use of the resources in place for their protection.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Eric R. Little <![CDATA[What if your child is taken out of the country without your consent?]]> https://www.erllaw.com/?p=48780 2026-01-22T20:52:53Z 2026-01-22T20:52:53Z Does the Hague Convention apply? The Hague Convention is an international treaty designed to protect children from being wrongfully taken to or kept in another country by a parent or guardian. Its main goal is to return children to their country of habitual residence. The Hague Convention may apply if:
  • Your child is under 16 years old.
  • The child was taken from their habitual residence (where their life is centered).
  • You had custody rights under that country's laws.
  • The country your child was taken to is part of the treaty.
If the destination country is not a party to the treaty, your options may be more limited. You may need to look at alternative methods for retrieving your child. If your child was taken from the United States, you should contact the U.S. Department of State's Office of Children's Issues as soon as possible. They can help determine whether the Hague Convention applies, communicate with foreign authorities, provide guidance on the recovery process and assist in locating your child. You also need to immediately begin collecting documentation, including:
  • Custody orders
  • Proof of your child's habitual residence, such as school and medical records
  • Text messages, emails or communications that show you did not give consent for them to leave
As tempting as it may be to travel abroad and attempt to retrieve your child on your own, it's crucial to understand that it can seriously harm your legal case and even expose you to criminal charges in another country. International child abduction is not handled like a typical custody dispute. You need a legal team with experience in the Hague Convention. They can determine whether the removal was unlawful and act quickly to prevent further relocation or concealment of your child. Their involvement can make the difference between a successful return and a prolonged separation.]]>