Southlake Child Custody Lawyer

How Is Child Custody Determined in Texas?

Divorced or separated parents with children face the challenging task of determining child custody. While some partners can agree on a custody plan, others require legal assistance from a child custody lawyer to negotiate custody agreements.

The primary factor used to determine child custody in Texas is the child’s best interests. Several critical elements are considered by the judge when making this decision:

• The needs of the child, both physical and emotional
• The safety of the child, both physical and emotional
• Home stability
• Parental cooperation
• Each parent’s parenting skills
• Which parent was previously the primary caregiver
• What the child’s preference is (if at least 12 years old)
• If there are siblings
• Abuse history
• Domestic violence

At Justice Law Firm, PC, our family law team knows that your priority is to protect your children – we make it our goal to keep your children safe and happy, too. Our Southlake child custody attorneys are prepared to help you seek a favorable resolution to your custody issues, tailoring our legal services to your unique situation. By taking the time to sincerely understand your goals regarding custody, we can better serve you and provide comprehensive, results-driven representation.

If you are seeking custody of a child in Tarrant County, Southlake, Grapevine, or the surrounding areas, reach out to Justice Law Firm, PC online or call (817) 477-6756 for dedicated support.

Conservatorship Rights in Tarrant County

In Texas, having custody of a child is called “conservatorship.” This term reflects a legal responsibility that encompasses more than just physical custody, embedding rights that are crucial to child well-being. A child’s conservator has certain rights and responsibilities, each detailed to ensure the welfare of the child.

As a conservator, you may have the right to:

• Make decisions about your child’s healthcare
• Have a say in your child’s schooling
• Obtain access to your child’s medical records
• Discuss your child’s welfare and education with school officials
• Receive child support

Texas recognizes two types of conservatorship: Sole managing conservatorship (SMC) and joint managing conservatorship (JMC). Joint managing conservatorship is common as many courts strive to keep both parents actively involved in the child’s life. A judge will specify exactly what each parent’s rights and responsibilities are in a JMC.

Establishing Visitation Rights in Southlake

In Texas, visitation and possession are decided separately from conservatorship. Possession and access specifically refer to a parent’s physical custody of a child, dictating how time is shared. Placing importance on stability, a standard possession order will determine a visitation schedule that both parents must adhere to.

Even if one parent has sole managing conservatorship, the other parent may still have visitation rights unless the court determines that it is not in the child’s best interests. You and your partner may negotiate and devise your own visitation schedule – if an agreement is unattainable, a judge will step in and create one.

It is helpful to have a skilled Tarrant County child custody attorney on your side. At Justice Law Firm, PC, our Southlake family law attorneys can assist in navigating the complex legal landscape and work alongside you to present a compelling arrangement that secures beneficial visitation rights. Let us handle the complex legal intricacies for you.

Our Experienced Southlake Child Custody Lawyers Can Help

When it comes to child custody matters, the primary concern should always be the well-being and best interests of the child. Our experienced Southlake child custody lawyers at Justice Law Firm, PC understands the complexities related to family law and is dedicated to helping you through the legal process with care and understanding.

Our team works closely with you to develop a personalized strategy that prioritizes your child’s needs while advocating for your parental rights robustly. Whether you are pursuing sole or joint custody, or aiming to modify an existing custody arrangement, our attorneys provide guidance that is tailored to your situation. At Justice Law Firm, PC, we believe every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment. We are committed to helping you safeguard your child’s best interests and secure a favorable child custody arrangement that benefits your family structure.

Get in touch with Justice Law Firm, PC online or call (817) 477-6756 for personalized assistance from our Southlake child custody lawyers.

FAQs About Child Custody in Southlake

What Is the Difference Between Legal custody & Physical Custody in Texas?

In Texas, legal custody refers to the rights granted to a parent to make major decisions about the child's life, including educational, medical, and religious welfare. Physical custody, on the other hand, refers to where and with whom the child physically resides. A parent with physical custody is responsible for the day-to-day care and supervision. Texas often prefers joint custody arrangements, where both parents share decision-making responsibilities, although this does not necessarily mean a 50/50 physical split of time with the child. These terms can occasionally create confusion, so collaborating with a knowledgeable child custody attorney in Southlake can help clarify rights and responsibilities within the custody framework.

How Can Parents Modify an Existing Custody Arrangement?

In Texas, parents may seek to modify an existing custody agreement through the court by demonstrating a significant change in circumstances affecting the child's welfare. This might include changes in a parent's living situation, the child's needs, or other important factors. To initiate a modification, a parent must file a petition with the court. Engaging in mediation may also be encouraged as a first step to resolve disputes amicably and improve outcomes. Providing clear evidence and reasoning will be crucial for a successful modification request. Legal advice from a child custody attorney in Southlake should be sought to ensure the request aligns with Texas state regulations and local court practices.

What Should I Do If the Other Parent Violates Our Custody Agreement?

If one parent violates a custody agreement in Texas, the affected parent may choose to take legal action to enforce the agreement. Documentation of all instances of violation, such as missed visitation or inappropriate communication, should be meticulously maintained. Legal recourse can include requesting a court to enforce the agreement or seek modifications. In some cases, mediation may resolve issues without court intervention. It is highly advisable to consult with a Southlake child custody lawyer to ensure actions taken are legally sound and effective in addressing breaches of custody arrangements.