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vFamily Mattersv What Does Best Interest Of The Child Mean?WBy Crista Branch, Attorney, Branch Family Lawe have all heard the term best interest of the child. But in a legal sense what does it reallymean? In child custody cases, the court will look at what is best for the child. There is not a clear definition or standard that the courts use to determine what is the best interest of the childCourts will looks at and want evidence showing how the child is doing in school; how the child interacts with the other parent; who has the primary caregiver in the past; are there alcohol or drug problems with either of the parents (must have evidence of this- allegations alone will not hold up); is the child going to have to move schools; is the child in therapy- if so, why and how are they doing; does the child have any disabilities or special needs; are there any safety concerns with either of the parents; how well do parents communicate with each other and are the parents bad- mouthing. These are just a few things that can make up best interest.What one parent feels is in the best interest is often different to the other parent, especially In a custody case. I have seen too many parents get on the stand and state what is better for them, what is convenient for them and how horrible the other parent is. Courts do not want to hearGetting You Back To The Things You Love, FASTER!Physical Therapy & Sports RehabYour premier physical therapy provider for one -on-one care.www.promotionpt-sa.com5 locations serving San Antonio & surrounding areas 210-257-8272Salveo Direct Care WelcomesDr. Sabina LalaniBSy Salveo Direct Carealveo Direct Care is thrilled to welcome Dr. Sabina Lalani, a board- certified Family Medicine physician,to our Stone Oak location! She’s a Houston native who moved to San Antonio to earn her degrees in Neuroscience, Osteopathic Medicine, and Family Medicine.Dr. Lalani chose to work in a direct primary care model because she loves providing personalized whole-person health to her patients. She’s excited to start seeing primary care and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) patients in October.What is OMM? It’s a hands-on holistic approach that can help us diagnose, treat, and support your body to heal and move more easily. It focuses on muscles, joints, and nerves to reduce pain, improve motion, and support overall health.Whether you’ve been injured, sick, or stressed out, pain and stiffness can affect how your muscles, nerves, lungs, and even gut function. Osteopathic manipulation uses gentle stretching, pressure, myofascial release, and muscle energy to improve motion, reduce discomfort, and restore balance to your body and treat many common ailments.OMM treatments are safe, individualized,Octoberr 2025Prisiliano Salas, M.D.this, you can often turn off the judge with this type of testimony. Now, that doesn't mean you can’t state your concerns, you absolutely need to do that, but keep the emotional hatred out of it.Ultimately, the Court will look at the child’s physical, mental and emotional well- being in determining what is in the best interest of that particular child.Crista Marichalar Branch, P.C.549 Heimer Rd., Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78232 (210) 229-2088 www.branchfamilylaw.comand designed to complement your overall medical care. The goal is always to help you move better, feel better, and support your body’s natural healing process. We invite you to schedule a free meet-and-greet with Dr. Lalani and start your health journey with us today!Call us at (210) 899-2549 or visit our website at www.SalveoDirectCare.com.Monica Salas, M.D.Sabina Lalani, D.O.Sharvari Parghi, M.D.13TOGETHER, We Will Change the Story of Your HealthWhy Choose Us?Primary Care & MoreWhole Person Health & WellnessTransparent PricingDirect Access to Your Physician Flexible SchedulingNo Co-paysSchedule a FREE Meet-and-Greet with Our Doctors!New Stone Oak Location! www.stoneoakhighlights.com