[cbrouk9199]

In Texas, can my husband who is a lot older than I get custody of our 8 year old, he is planning on retiring soon so he will look like he can spend more time with her, does this matter, I would like for her to live with me and he can see her whenever she wants.

[N0help4u]

The court will most likely give joint custody. Try working something out with him to present to the Judge. Like if you live close enough to him maybe he could have her while you are working (during summer vacation) and you could pick her up after your work. Most often the Judge will alternate weekends if you have joint custody throughout the week. Or if he has her through the week you might get weekends or vice a versa.
Then the Judge will alternate holidays and give you at least one or two weeks each for vacation. But it depends a lot on your schedules too.

[cerisa]

Whatever you do, try to do it amicably. If you can be civil to one another, the divorce will be cheaper, the pain will be less, and the child will be less traumatised. Bonus, the judge will be more inclined to go along with your agreements. Time alone is not the deciding factor. Who has the most stable household is. If your life is full of turmoil, he will likely get custody, and vice versa.

[ScottGem]

There is no way any of us can predict what a judge will do. But there has to be a compelling reason to change a standing custody order. A judge is required to consider the best interests of the child.