When you're facing a child custody dispute , knowing how Texas custody laws work can be important. Our family law firm represents parents in the surrounding Tarrant County area in child custody and related family law matters .
Colleyville & Southlake Child Custody Attorney
Custody disputes can become stressful and complicated . When possible, parents may work together to establish a child custody agreement that can be reviewed and approved by the court.
If parents are unable to agree , the court may determine the 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 work out a custody and visitation arrangement . If the parents cannot reach an Child Custody Lawyer Colleyville TX agreement , the court determines the arrangement based on the circumstances of the case .
Child Custody Factors in Texas
- The child's primary caretaker
- The age of the child
- The child's preference if old enough to have a valid opinion
- The child's relationship with each parent
- The parents' age, health, and financial circumstances
- The child's physical and emotional needs
- Whether there has been neglect, family violence, or substance abuse
- Each parent's parenting abilities
- The stability of each proposed living environment
- Available extended family or support systems
Understanding Texas Conservatorship
Texas family law uses “conservatorship” to describe parental custody rights and responsibilities. Conservatorship involves parental rights and duties, including decisions concerning health care, education, religious upbringing, and other matters affecting the child .
Parents may be appointed joint managing conservators or a sole managing conservator . Being joint managing conservators does not automatically create a 50/50 schedule .
Standard Possession Orders in Texas
A separate visitation or possession schedule is generally needed in child custody cases . A standard possession schedule can provide a general parenting-time structure covering regular possession, holidays, birthdays, and summer periods .
The standard schedule can sometimes be negotiated or modified to create a schedule that better fits the needs of the case.
Child Custody and Visitation Representation
At the Law Offices of Kate Smith , parents can receive assistance with resolving child custody and visitation issues. Where parents can reach common ground, the agreement can be documented and submitted to the court .
When negotiations do not produce a workable solution, knowledgeable custody counsel can help present your position .
Child Custody Legal Help in Southlake
Parents in Southlake may face difficult decisions concerning their children. Understanding Texas custody law can help parents understand their options .
Child Custody Representation in Colleyville
Parents seeking child custody guidance in Colleyville, working with knowledgeable custody counsel can provide assistance with court proceedings. Each family has unique circumstances , which is why the appropriate legal strategy should take into account the circumstances of the family and the best interests of the children .
Experienced Custody Representation
Child custody matters can have lasting consequences for a family . An experienced child custody attorney can help you understand how the courts operate 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 .
Schedule a Child Custody Consultation
If you are facing a child custody dispute , the Law Offices of Kate Smith can help you understand your legal options .
Whether you need help creating a visitation schedule , contact the Law Offices of Kate Smith to get legal guidance regarding your custody matter.