Can Someone Use Money to Influence Custody Outcomes?

 Posted on April 25, 2025 in Child Custody

Divorcing parents with significant assets often face concerns beyond dividing property and investments. One of the more subtle — and serious — concerns in a high-asset divorce is whether one parent might use their financial advantage to sway the outcome of a custody case. It is a valid fear, especially when one spouse has historically controlled the family's wealth or earns significantly more.

In Texas, courts are required to focus on the best interest of the child, not the financial status of either parent. Still, money can influence custody disputes in indirect ways that merit careful attention. After reading this blog, contact our Austin child custody lawyers to learn more.

How Texas Courts Approach Custody Decisions

Texas law refers to custody as "conservatorship," which includes both legal rights and responsibilities toward a child, along with parenting time (called "possession and access"). The primary legal standard judges must follow is the "best interest of the child," as outlined in the Texas Family Code.

Judges look at several factors to evaluate what will best support the child’s physical and emotional well-being. These include the stability of each home, the child’s relationship with each parent, past caregiving roles, and any history of abuse or neglect. While a parent’s financial situation may be one piece of this evaluation, it is never the deciding factor by itself. Courts do not award custody to the wealthier parent just because they can afford more amenities.

How Money Can Complicate the Process of Making Child Custody Decisions

Even though wealth alone does not determine custody, it can shape the way a case unfolds. A parent with more financial resources may be able to hire more experts, afford private evaluations, or fund extensive litigation. In some cases, this creates pressure on the other parent to settle or give up certain rights simply because they cannot afford to fight back.

There are also instances where a parent tries to demonstrate their value by funding elite private schooling, hiring full-time childcare, or showering the child with expensive gifts. While these efforts may reflect genuine care, courts are more interested in the child’s emotional support, routine, and sense of stability than luxury.

It is also not uncommon for wealthier parents to use financial delay tactics or refuse to cooperate with court-ordered disclosures. These behaviors are viewed negatively by the court, especially if they interfere with the other parent’s ability to maintain a meaningful relationship with the child.

Working With a Lawyer Who Understands High-Asset Custody Cases

If you are navigating a custody dispute where financial pressure is a concern, it is essential to work with an attorney who understands both family law and complex financial litigation. At Powers Kerr & Rashidi, PLLC, our Austin-based team handles high-asset divorce and child custody cases with precision and discretion. We help clients document manipulative behavior, ensure accurate financial disclosures, and craft strong parenting plans that keep the child’s well-being at the center of the case.

Contact an Austin, TX Child Custody Attorney

Do not let financial pressure dictate your future or your child’s. Contact a Travis County, Texas child custody attorney at Powers Kerr & Rashidi, PLLC by calling 512-610-6199 to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can protect your parental rights in a high-asset divorce.