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Full-Text Articles in Law

Child Custody In Texas And The Best Interest Standard: In The Best Interest Of Whom., Raymon Zapata Oct 2003

Child Custody In Texas And The Best Interest Standard: In The Best Interest Of Whom., Raymon Zapata

The Scholar: St. Mary's Law Review on Race and Social Justice

Texas courts should not apply the best interest standard established in Holley v. Adams to all child custody disputes because it is not a one-size-fits all approach. In Holley, a parental rights termination case, the Texas Supreme Court listed factors to consider when evaluating the best interest of the child. These factors, however, do not adequately address all the issues in a child custody case. Additionally, specific factors including parent’s wishes, religion, race, or the parents' sexual preference are not considered Holley factors. Another significant problem with relying on Holley is that judges are not required to address each factor …


In Re V.L.K. V. Troxel: Is The Best Interest Standard In A Motion To Modify The Sole Managing Conservator Subject To A Due Process Or Course Challenge., David F. Johnson Jan 2003

In Re V.L.K. V. Troxel: Is The Best Interest Standard In A Motion To Modify The Sole Managing Conservator Subject To A Due Process Or Course Challenge., David F. Johnson

St. Mary's Law Journal

Texas Family Code section 156.101 is unconstitutional. In In re V.L.K, the Texas Supreme Court held that the Texas Legislature removed the injurious retention element from section 156.101 and no longer required a finding that the natural parent be injurious to the welfare of the child. The Texas Supreme Court’s ruling is contradictory to the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in Troxel v. Granville. In Troxel, the Supreme Court struck down a state statute that effectively permitted any third party to file a motion to challenge custody. Under Texas law, any affected party, not limited to parties named in the …