SUIT AFFECTING THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP CHILD CUSTODY PREPARATION

SUIT AFFECTING THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP CHILD CUSTODY PREPARATION

This blog is designed for parents or non-parents involved in an original custody litigation, family law matter, to include divorce  as a template for topics to show Best Interests of the Child.

WARNING:

• DO NOT discuss the litigation with your children.
• DO NOT show this form to your children or request their assistance in completing it.
• DO NOT make inquiries to your children related to this form.
• DO NOT speak negatively or disparagingly about the other parent (or his or her relatives or friends) to your children or in front of your children.

Such behavior is frowned upon by the Court and may negatively affect the outcome of your custody case. It is NOT healthy for your children to be involved in your custody litigation. They do not “deserve” nor are they “entitled” nor do they “need” to know what is going on in your custody litigation. It is not healthy for your children to hear negative or disparaging remarks about either of their parents (or that parent’s relatives or friends).

Where do the above-named child(ren) primarily reside? _______________________________

Is the primary residence of the child(ren) listed above in compliance with a current court order? If not, indicate the current circumstances related to the child(ren)’s current primary residence that deviates from current court orders (for example, the parents have agreed to the new residence, etc.)

_______________________________________________________________________________

For Your Other Children who are NOT the subject of this custody litigation, please list:

1. Name: _______________________________ Age: _______ Date of Birth: _________________
2. Name: _______________________________ Age: _______ Date of Birth: _________________

Where do your other children who are not a part of this custody litigation reside? Please give details regarding any currently existing orders or information agreements regarding the child(ren)’s custody, visitation and current living arrangements, including how long these arrangements have been in effect:

___________________________________________________________________________________

For the Other Party’s Other Children who are NOT the subject of this custody litigation, please list:

1. Name: _______________________________ Age: _______ Date of Birth: _________________
2. Name: _______________________________ Age: _______ Date of Birth: _________________

Where do the other parent’s children from outside the relationship currently reside? Please give details regarding any

currently existing orders or information agreements regarding the child(ren)’s custody, visitation, and current living arrangements, including how long these arrangements have been in effect:

______________________________________________________________________________________

EDUCATION

The following information relates only to the children who are the subject of this custody litigation, not your children or your other party’s children who are not the subject of this custody litigation.

For each child, please provide the following information. A separate section has been provided for each child, so do not attempt to include all of the information in the first section.

Name of Child: __________________________________ Grade: ________________  

School: ______________________________ Dates attended: __________________________

School Address: _______________________________________________________________

Name(s) of Teacher(s), Counselor(s), & Principal(s):

1. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________
2. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________
3. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________

If any of the aforementioned teacher(s), counselor(s), or principal(s) might have knowledge of information significant to your custody case, other than the standard information a school would normally maintain (such as attendance records and grades), please state the name of the person with the information and give a brief description of the information. An example of this information might be having witnessed behavior by a parent or child relevant to this case:

________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Child: __________________________________ Grade: ________________  

School: ______________________________ Dates attended: __________________________

School Address: _______________________________________________________________

Name(s) of Teacher(s), Counselor(s), & Principal(s):

1. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________
2. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________
3. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________

If any of the aforementioned teacher(s), counselor(s), or principal(s) might have knowledge of information significant to your custody case, other than the standard information a school would normally maintain (such as attendance records and grades), please state the name of the person with the information and give a brief description of the information. An example of this information might be having witnessed behavior by a parent or child relevant to this case:

________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Child: __________________________________ Grade: ________________  

School: ______________________________ Dates attended: __________________________

School Address: _______________________________________________________________

Name(s) of Teacher(s), Counselor(s), & Principal(s):

1. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________
2. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________
3. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________
4. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________

If any of the aforementioned teacher(s), counselor(s), or principal(s) might have knowledge of information significant to your custody case, other than the standard information a school would normally maintain (such as attendance records and grades), please state the name of the person with the information and give a brief description of the information. An example of this information might be having witnessed behavior by a parent or child relevant to this case:

______________________________________________________________________________

Name of Child: __________________________________ Grade: ________________  

School: ______________________________ Dates attended: __________________________

School Address: _______________________________________________________________

Name(s) of Teacher(s), Counselor(s), & Principal(s):

1. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________
2. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________
3. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________
4. ___________________________________________ Position: ______________________

If any of the aforementioned teacher(s), counselor(s), or principal(s) might have knowledge of information significant to your custody case, other than the standard information a school would normally maintain (such as attendance records and grades), please state the name of the person with the information and give a brief description of the information. An example of this information might be having witnessed behavior by a parent or child relevant to this case:

______________________________________________________________________________

CARE OF THE CHILDREN 

The following information relates to responsibilities for the care of the children. Please describe the degree to which the parties to this custody litigation share these responsibilities, if applicable. We understand that some children are old enough to provide a certain level of care for themselves. If that is the case, please indicate in your answer.

Additionally, because this is a custody modification, some of these questions may apply differently depending upon whose possession the children are in. If you are answering a question that relates only to your periods of possession, please indicate the same in your response.

1. Who helps dress the child(ren) in the morning?   ☐ Mom ☐ Dad ☐ Child(ren)
2. Who bathes and grooms the child(ren)? ☐ Mom ☐ Dad ☐ Child(ren)
3. Are any of the child(ren) nursing? ☐ Yes ☐ No 
4. Who takes care of the child(ren) during the day? ☐ Mom ☐ Dad☐ Other

If other, please specify who: ______________________________________________________

5. If the children are in daycare, after school care, or otherwise cared for by a sitter or person other than a parent, please provide the following information:

Name: ___________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________

Hours per week spent in such care: ____________________

6. Who arranged for the child(ren)’s daycare? ☐ Mom ☐ Dad
7. Who arranges for playdates with friends?  ☐ Mom   ☐ Dad  ☐ Child(ren)
8. Who takes the child(ren) to extracurricular activities?  ☐ Mom  ☐ Dad  ☐ Child(ren)
9. What is each parent’s level of participation in the child(ren)’s extracurricular activities? (For ex. an assistant coach, a team parent, or a frequent or sometimes spectator________________________________________________________________

10. Who puts the child(ren) to bed at night? ☐ Mom ☐ Dad ☐ Child(ren)
11. Who prepares the child(ren)’s meals? ☐ Mom ☐ Dad  ☐ Child(ren)
12. Who arranges for medical and dental care for the child(ren) and takes the child(ren) to the doctor, dentist, or therapist? ☐ Mom☐ Dad  ☐ Child(ren)
13. Who takes the child(ren) to school?  ☐ Mom ☐ Dad ☐ Child(ren)
14. Who picks the child(ren) up from school?  ☐ Mom  ☐ Dad  ☐ Child(ren)
15. Who shops for the child(ren)’s clothes?☐ Mom ☐ Dad  ☐ Child(ren)
16. Who shops for the child(ren)’s food and hygiene needs? ☐ Mom ☐ Dad ☐ Child(ren)
17. If your child(ren) play video games (computer or television), who, if anyone, monitors the child(ren)’s video game usage: ☐ Mom ☐ Dad           

Please include comments, as applicable, regarding restriction of the level of videos the child(ren) are allowed to purchase and/or play: _________________________________________________________________________

18. If your child(ren) watch movies, videos, or Tik Toks, who, if anyone, monitors the type of movie the child(ren) are allowed to watch?   ☐ Mom ☐ Dad  ☐ Child(ren)
19. If the child(ren) use the internet for social networking, what social networking sites do they use?

☐ Facebook                ☐ Instagram               ☐ Twitter                   ☐ Snapchat                ☐ TikTok

            ☐ Other: ________________________________________________

20. If the child(ren) use the internet for purposes other than social networking, please describe those other purposes: __________
21. Is the child(ren)’s use of the internet monitored? ☐ Yes             ☐ No

If so, by whom and under what circumstances? Are there rules the child(ren) must follow? If so, what are they?                 __________________________________________________________________________________________

25. If a child has his/her own computer, where is it located? And can he/she access it privately without supervision? ___________________________________________________________________________________________
26. Do the child(ren) have their own cellphone?    ☐ Yes             ☐ No
27. Is their use of the cell phone monitored or otherwise limited by an rules or regulations? ☐ Yes             ☐ No
28. Describe the child(ren)’s religious training if any, including the level of parental participation in such training: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
29. Who arranges the child(ren)’s birthday parties? ☐ Mom           ☐ Dad

Who purchases & prepares gifts for the child(ren) to take to other birthday parties? ☐ Mom           ☐ Dad            ☐ Child(ren)

28. Who helps the child(ren) with their homework? ☐ Mom           ☐ Dad             ☐ Child(ren)
29. Who attends parent-teacher conferences? ☐ Mom           ☐ Dad
30. Do either parent, or both, participate in regular daily school activities? (for example, providing assistance for school parties, dances, sports activities, etc.)                        ☐ Mom           ☐ Dad            ☐ Both           
31. Are the child(ren) more likely to turn to you or the other parent when they have problems? ☐ Mom           ☐ Dad

32. Do you feel the child(ren) are closer to you or the other parent? ☐ Mom           ☐ Dad
33. Who cares for the child(ren) when they are ill?   ☐ Mom           ☐ Dad             ☐ Both
34. Who cares for the child(ren) when they are on a school holiday? ☐ Mom ☐ Dad   ☐ Both           ☐ Other: _________________

35. Who disciplines the child(ren)? ☐ Mom             ☐ Dad             ☐ Both
36. What method of discipline is used? ____________________________________
37. Are you and the other parent able to agree on the method of discipline used?☐ Yes       ☐ No

38. Has the division of responsibility for childcare changed during the course of the children’s lives?  ☐ Yes        ☐ No

If so, please specify how and explain why such responsibilities have changed:_____________________________

39. What time do you return home from work? _________________________
40. Do you have flexible working hours?  ☐ Yes             ☐ No
41. Does your job require travel? ☐ Yes             ☐ No

If so, please specify the time and distance involved: _________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

44. Is your work schedule likely to change in the future? ☐ Yes             ☐ No 

If so, please specify the anticipated change: ________________________________________________________

45. What are the other party’s working hours? _________________________________________________________
46. What time does the other party leave home for work? _________________________
    46. What time does the other party return home from work? _______________________
    47. Does the other party have flexible working hours?  ☐ Yes             ☐ No
    48. Does the other party’s job require travel?   ☐ Yes             ☐ No
    49.  If so, please specify the time and distance involved: _________________________________________________
        50. Is the other party’s work schedule likely to change in the future? ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        If so, please specify the anticipated change: ________________________________________________________

        51. If you are awarded primary custody of the child(ren), what are your plans for the child(ren)’s care? (Ex. daycare, after school program, etc.): _____________________________________________________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        52. What are your current housing arrangements? (including the size of the residence, number of bedrooms, and who resides with you): ____________________________________________________________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        53. Will your current housing arrangements change at the conclusion of the litigation or do you have plans on changing your current housing arrangements in the near future? ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        If so, please specify details: ____________________________________________________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        54. Describe the other party’s current living arrangements: ____________________________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        55. Do the child(ren) have any special or unusual educational needs? ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        If so, please explain how such needs are being pursued, if at all: ________________________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        56. Who has worked to pursue those needs during the relationship? ☐ Mom           ☐ Dad
        57. If you are awarded custody of the child(ren), explain how you will continue to pursue and address this need? ______________________________________________________________________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        58. Do the child(ren) have any special or unusual athletic, musical or other gifts or talents?

        ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        If so, please explain how such gifts or talents are being pursued, if at all: _________________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        59. Who has worked to pursue those gifts or talents during the relationship? ☐ Mom           ☐ Dad
        60. If you are awarded custody of the child(ren), explain how you will continue to pursue and address this gift or talent: ______________________________________________________________________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        61. Do the child(ren) have any special or unusual physical/medical needs? ☐ Yes             ☐ No
        62. Who has addressed these needs during the relationship?   ☐ Mom           ☐ Dad
        63. If you are awarded custody of the child(ren), explain how you will continue to pursue and address these needs: ______________________________________________________________________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        64. Has your child(ren)’s academic performance changed during the pendency of the separation (and litigation)?  ☐ Yes             ☐ No
        65. Has your child(ren)’s attitude or emotional state changed during the pendency of the separation (and litigation)?   ☐ Yes             ☐ No
        66. Have your child(ren) voluntarily indicated to you a preference to reside with one party over the other?

                  ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        If so, what statements have they made? ___________________________________________________________

         

        WARNING: DO NOT ASK YOUR CHILDREN THIS QUESTION OR ELICIT THIS INFORMATION

        IN ANY MANNER OR FORM. DO NOT ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO TALK ABOUT INFORMATION THAT MIGHT BE RESPONSIVE TO THIS QUESTION OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS FORM. We are only inquiring as to information that may have been voluntarily conveyed without suggestion or any type of encouragement by you.

         

        QUESTIONS REGARDING THE PARTIES

        1. Has the other party ever made unwanted negative physical contact with you, or physically abused you? (Example, hitting, shoving, dragging during an argument):  ☐ Yes             ☐ No
        2. If you answered “yes,” please answer the following questions:

        – Did you report the abuse to the authorities:

        ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        – Did the authorities take any action regarding the abuse:

                                       ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        – Did you tell anyone about the abuse:

        ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        – If yes, who did you tell and when did you tell them: ___________________________________

        ______________________________________________________________________________

        – Is there any remaining evidence of the abuse? (Example: photos, physical injuries/ bruises, broken furniture or walls, etc.)  ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        3. Have you ever made unwanted negative physical contact with the other party, or physically abused the other party? (Example: hitting, shoving, dragging during an argument):☐ Yes ☐ No
        4. If you answered “yes,” please answer the following questions:

        – Did you report the abuse to the authorities?

                                            ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        – Did the authorities take any action regarding the abuse?

        ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        – Did you tell anyone about the abuse?

        ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        – If yes, who did you tell and when did you tell them: ___________________________________

        ______________________________________________________________________________

        – Is there any remaining evidence of the abuse? (Example: photos, physical injuries, bruises, broken furniture or walls, etc.) ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        5. Do you currently have a paramour?  ☐ Yes             ☐ No
        6. If you answered “yes,” please answer the following questions:

        – Has your paramour had contact with your child(ren)?   ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        If so, explain the nature of and amount of such contact: _______________________________________

        _____________________________________________________________________________________

        – Have you and your paramour had physical contact in the presence of your child(ren)? (Example, handholding, kissing, etc.)  ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        – Has your paramour spent the night with you while you had possession of the children?

        ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        7. If the other party has a paramour, have your child(ren) ever voluntarily mentioned him/her to you?

        ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        If so, what statements have they made? ___________________________________________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        WARNING: DO NOT ASK YOUR CHILDREN THIS QUESTION OR ELICIT THIS INFORMATION IN ANY MANNER OR FORM. DO NOT ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO TALK ABOUT INFORMATION THAT MIGHT BE RESPONSIVE TO THIS QUESTION OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS FORM. We are only inquiring as to information that may have been voluntarily conveyed without suggestion or any type of encouragement by you.

        14. Are you currently married?   ☐ Yes             ☐ No
        15. Do you believe that you and the other party will be able to successfully communicate regarding your child(ren) after the litigation is concluded? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        16. To what extent do you and the other party share or not share values regarding how the child(ren) should be raised, including discipline, education, religious training, etc.? _______________________________________________                        – Name of Step-Parent/Spouse: ____________________________________________________- Does the Step-Parent/Spouse have any children from a prior relationship? ☐ Yes     ☐ No– If so, please list the name, age, date of birth, and residence of each child below:
            1. Name: _______________________________ Age: _____ Date of Birth: ____________

            Residence: ____________________________________________________________________

            2. Name: _______________________________ Age: _____ Date of Birth: ____________

            Residence: ____________________________________________________________________

            – Please briefly summarize any current court orders relating to the custody, visitation and support of the children: _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

            10. Is your spouse court-ordered to pay child support? ☐ Yes             ☐ No
            11. Is he/she behind in his/her child support obligation? ☐ Yes             ☐ No

            If so, please explain: __________________________________________________________________________

            12. If the other party has a spouse, have your child(ren) ever voluntarily mentioned him or her to you? If so, what statements have they made?                         ☐ Yes             ☐ No

                      ___________________________________________________________________________________________

                      ___________________________________________________________________________________________

            WARNING: DO NOT ASK YOUR CHILDREN THIS QUESTION OR ELICIT THIS INFORMATION IN ANY MANNER OR FORM. DO NOT ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO TALK ABOUT INFORMATION THAT MIGHT BE RESPONSIVE TO THIS QUESTION OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS FORM. We are only inquiring as to information that may have been voluntarily conveyed without suggestion or any type of encouragement by you.

            13. Are you and the other party able to communicate with each other regarding your child(ren)?

            ☐ Yes             ☐ No

            – If you answered “yes,” briefly summarize the subject matter, nature, and regularity of such communications:__________________________________________________________

            – If you answered “no,” briefly summarize the communications attempt made, if any, and describe how such communications have failed: _______________________________________

        17. How well do your children get along with each other? _______________________________________________
    50.           ___________________________________________________________________________________________
        17. How well do your children get along with their step-siblings and half-siblings? ____________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        18. How well do your children get along with your spouse / the step parent? _________________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        19. How well do your children get along with the other party’s spouse / other step parent? _____________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        20. Do your child(ren) have a close relationship with any of their grandparents? ______________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        21. Do your child(ren) have a close relationship with anyone else that you believe is significant? _________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        22. What are your future goals for your child(ren) and what reasons do you have for those goals? ________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

        23. Have you and the other party attempted to work out a settlement of the issues regarding your children?

                         ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        If so, please summarize the result: _______________________________________________________________

        POTENTIAL WITNESSES

        Who do you think would make good witnesses for you and what do you think the testimony would be? Examples of potential witnesses include teachers, counselors, friends, doctors, daycare providers, clergy, co-workers, employers, and family members.

         

        1. Name: ____________________________________ Relationship: ________________________

        Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

        Telephone: ____________________________

        Summary of information this witness might testify to: ________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________________________________________

        Do you believe this witness would voluntarily testify?         ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        If not, please state why you believe this witness would not voluntarily testify: _____________________

         

        2. Name: ____________________________________ Relationship: ________________________

        Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

        Telephone: ____________________________

        Summary of information this witness might testify to: ________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________________________________________

        Do you believe this witness would voluntarily testify?         ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        If not, please state why you believe this witness would not voluntarily testify: _____________________

         

        3. Name: ____________________________________ Relationship: ________________________

        Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

        Telephone: ____________________________

        Summary of information this witness might testify to: ________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________________________________________

        Do you believe this witness would voluntarily testify?         ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        If not, please state why you believe this witness would not voluntarily testify: _____________________

         

         

        4. Name: ____________________________________ Relationship: ________________________

        Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

        Telephone: ____________________________

        Summary of information this witness might testify to: ________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________________________________________

        Do you believe this witness would voluntarily testify?         ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        If not, please state why you believe this witness would not voluntarily testify: _____________________

         

        Who do you think will testify against you and what do you think the testimony would be?

         

        1. Name: ____________________________________ Relationship: ________________________

        Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

        Telephone: ____________________________

        Summary of information this witness might testify to: _____________________________________

                   

        2. Name: ____________________________________ Relationship: ________________________

        Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

        Telephone: ____________________________

        Summary of information this witness might testify to: _____________________________________

         

        3. Name: ____________________________________ Relationship: ________________________

        Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

        Telephone: ____________________________

        Summary of information this witness might testify to: _____________________________________

         

        SKELETONS

        REMINDER: IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU BE OPEN AND HONEST IN ANSWERING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. ANY DISCUSSION OF THESE TOPICS BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR ATTORNEY (AND YOUR ATTORNEY’S STAFF) WILL BE PROTECTED BY THE ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE. FAILURE TO BE COMPLETELY HONEST WITH YOUR ATTORNEY COULD BE DISASTROUS TO YOUR CASE. 

        IF YOUR ANSWER TO ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IS YES, PLEASE GIVE DETAILS IN THE SPACE PROVIDED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THIS SET OF QUESTIONS:

         

        HAVE YOU:

        1. Been arrested? ☐ Yes    ☐ No                                     
        2. Been indicted? ☐ Yes   ☐ No
        3. Been no-billed?  ☐ Yes ☐ No
        4. Been convicted?  ☐ Yes ☐ No
        5. Been acquitted?  ☐ Yes   ☐ No
        6. Been put on probation? ☐ Yes  ☐ No
        7. Been placed on deferred adjudication? ☐ Yes  ☐ No
        8. Been incarcerated?☐ Yes ☐ No
        9. Used illegal drugs?☐ Yes  ☐ No
        10. Used marijuana or any other narcotic or hallucinogen at a location where the use is legal? ☐ Yes ☐ No

        If so, provide the location, approximate date and drug used: ___________________________________________

        11. Abused prescription drugs?  ☐ Yes  ☐ No
        12. Been hospitalized for drug use? ☐ Yes   ☐ No
        13. Abused alcohol?  ☐ Yes  ☐ No
        14. Been hospitalized for alcohol use? ☐ Yes  ☐ No
        15. Attempted suicide?  ☐ Yes  ☐ No
        16. Been hospitalized for a mental health disorder? ☐ Yes  ☐ No
        17. Received mental health treatment of any kind? ☐ Yes    ☐ No
        18. Taken prescription medication for your mental health? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        19. During the marriage (or relationship), had a homosexual or bisexual relationship? ☐ Yes  ☐ No
        20. During the marriage (or relationship), engaged in unusual sexual practices? ☐ Yes☐ No
        21. Had a pregnancy outside of marriage? ☐ Yes  ☐ No
        22. Had a sexually transmitted disease?  ☐ Yes  ☐ No
        23. Failed to timely or completely pay court-ordered child support? ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
        24. Denied court-ordered visitation to another person?   ☐ Yes    ☐ No    ☐ N/A
        25. Executed an affidavit of relinquishment of the parent-child relationship between yourself and a child?

        ☐ Yes             ☐ No              ☐ N/A

        26. Had the parent-child relationship between yourself and a child terminated?

        ☐ Yes             ☐ No              ☐ N/A

        27. Do you drink socially? ☐ Yes             ☐ No 

        If so, what do you drink and with what frequency? ______________________________

        Comments related to your answers to the above questions: _______________________

        _____________________________________________________________________

        _____________________________________________________________________

         

         

        If there are any other matters regarding yourself, your lifestyle and your history that might be perceived as negative by others, please briefly summarize these matters: ____________________________________________________________

        _______________________________________________________________________

        _______________________________________________________________________

         

        HAS YOUR CURRENT SPOUSE (A STEP-PARENT):

        1. Been arrested? ☐ Yes ☐ No                                     
        2. Been indicted? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        3. Been no-billed? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        4. Been convicted? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        5. Been acquitted? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        6. Been put on probation? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        7. Been placed on deferred adjudication? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        8. Been incarcerated? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        9. Used illegal drugs? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        10. Used marijuana or any other narcotic or hallucinogen at a location where the use is legal?

                          ☐ Yes             ☐ No

        If so, provide the location, approximate date and drug used: ___________________________

        11. Abused prescription drugs?                         ☐ Yes             ☐ No
        12. Been hospitalized for drug use? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        13. Abused alcohol? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        14. Been hospitalized for alcohol use?   ☐ Yes   ☐ No
        15. Attempted suicide?  ☐ Yes   ☐ No
        16. Been hospitalized for a mental health disorder? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        17. Received mental health treatment of any kind? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        18. Taken prescription medication for your mental health? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        19. During the marriage (or relationship), had a homosexual or bisexual relationship? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        20. During the marriage (or relationship), engaged in unusual sexual practices? ☐ Yes ☐ No
        21. Had a pregnancy outside of marriage? ☐ Yes     ☐ No
        22. Had a sexually transmitted disease?     ☐ Yes             ☐ No
        23. Failed to timely or completely pay court-ordered child support? ☐ Yes ☐ No  ☐ N/A
        24. Denied court-ordered visitation to another person?     ☐ Yes  ☐ No  ☐ N/A
        25. Executed an affidavit of relinquishment of the parent-child relationship between themselves and a child?

        ☐ Yes             ☐ No              ☐ N/A

        26. Had the parent-child relationship between themselves and a child terminated?

        ☐ Yes             ☐ No              ☐ N/A

        27. Does your current spouse drink socially? ☐ Yes ☐ No             

        If so, what do they drink and with what frequency? ___________________________________

        ____________________________________________________________________________

        Comments related to your answers to the above questions: ___________________________

        If there are any other matters regarding your current spouse, their lifestyle and their history that might be perceived as negative by others, please briefly summarize these matters: __________________________________________________________________________

        CLOSING QUESTIONS:

        Why should you be awarded primary custody of your children?

        ______________________________________________________________________________

        Why should the other party not be awarded primary custody of your children?

        _______________________________________________________________________________

        If you are awarded primary custody of your children, what type of visitation schedule should the other party be awarded?

        _____________________________________________________________________________________________

        If the other party is awarded primary custody of the children, what type of visitation schedule should you be awarded?

        __________________________________________________________________________________________

        If there are any facts or other issues that were not addressed in this questionnaire, but you believe are important to your custody case, please summarize them below:

        __________________________________________________________________________________________

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Busby Jr. is a divorce & family law attorney,  who practices in Harris and Fort Bend Counties, Texas.

He has been in practice for over 20 years and has tried over 300 cases.  He is familiar with the policy and procedures of the Harris and Fort Bend County Texas family law courts.

Our office is open until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for working folks. Michael Busby Jr. 6100 Corporate Dr. Suite 190 Houston, Texas 77036 (713) 974-1151 Visit me on the web at www.busby-lee.com