When child custody and visitation become disputed, having a clear understanding of your legal options can be important. Our family law firm represents parents in the surrounding Tarrant County area in Texas child custody cases.
Colleyville & Southlake Child Custody Attorney
Custody disputes can become challenging for parents and children. In some cases, parents can reach an agreement on a custody and visitation schedule that can be reviewed and approved by the court.
When an agreement cannot be reached , a judge may determine the appropriate custody arrangement. Texas family courts consider the child's best interests when making custody decisions.
How Texas Courts Decide Child Custody
Texas courts generally prefer parents to reach an agreement regarding parenting time . When this is not possible , the court may decide the custody issues based on the circumstances of the case .
Factors Considered in Texas Child Custody Cases
- Who has acted as the child's primary caretaker
- The child's age
- The child's preference when legally relevant
- The child's relationship with both parents
- The age, health, and financial resources of the parents
- The physical and emotional needs of the child
- Whether there has been neglect, family violence, or substance abuse
- Each parent's parenting abilities
- The stability of a proposed home
- Available extended family or support systems
Texas Child Custody and Conservatorship
Texas family law uses “conservatorship” to describe parental custody rights and responsibilities. Conservatorship involves the rights and responsibilities of a parent , including decisions concerning health care, education, religious upbringing, and other matters affecting the child .
Texas recognizes joint managing conservatorship and sole managing conservatorship . Being joint managing conservators does not automatically create a 50/50 schedule .
Standard Possession Orders in Texas
A parenting-time schedule is generally needed in child custody cases . The Texas standard possession framework can provide a general parenting-time structure covering days, weekends, holidays, birthdays, and summer vacations .
The standard schedule can sometimes be negotiated or modified to create a customized possession arrangement .
Custody & Visitation Legal Help
Our family law practice, parents may obtain legal representation with resolving child custody and visitation issues. When an agreement is possible , the proposed arrangement can be prepared for court approval .
When negotiations do not produce a workable solution, courtroom advocacy can help advocate for your parental rights .
Child Custody Legal Help in Southlake
Southlake families may face custody, visitation, and parenting-time questions . Knowing what courts more info consider can help parents understand their options .
Colleyville Child Custody Lawyer
Parents seeking child custody guidance in Colleyville, working with knowledgeable custody counsel can provide assistance with parenting schedules . Each family has unique circumstances , which is why the custody approach should take into account the circumstances of the family and the best interests of the children .
Experienced Custody Representation
Custody and visitation cases can have lasting consequences for a family . Skilled custody counsel can help prepare you for negotiations or court proceedings and address your custody concerns .
The Law Offices of Kate Smith brings experience handling custody matters to cases involving child custody, visitation, and parenting arrangements throughout Colleyville, Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, and Tarrant County .
Speak With a Texas Child Custody Attorney
If you need assistance with custody or visitation , the Law Offices of Kate Smith can provide guidance regarding your circumstances .
Whether you need help creating a visitation schedule , speak with a child custody attorney to learn about your options .