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 Colleyville and Southlake and throughout Tarrant County in custody and visitation disputes .
Child Custody Lawyer in Colleyville & Southlake, TX
Custody disputes can become stressful and complicated . Parents may be able to negotiate a child custody agreement that can be incorporated into a court order .
If parents are unable to agree , the matter may be decided by the court . Texas courts consider the best interests of the child when making custody decisions.
How Texas Courts Decide Child Custody
Texas courts generally prefer parents to develop a parenting arrangement together. If the parents cannot reach an agreement , the court determines the Child Custody Lawyer Southlake TX arrangement based on relevant factors .
Child Custody Factors in Texas
- The child's primary caretaker
- The child's age
- 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 physical and emotional needs of the child
- Any history of child neglect, domestic violence, or substance abuse
- The parenting abilities of each parent
- The stability of each proposed living environment
- Available extended family or support systems
Texas Child Custody and Conservatorship
In Texas, child custody is commonly referred to as conservatorship . This legal arrangement involves parental rights and duties, including decisions concerning health care, education, religious upbringing, and other matters affecting the child .
Texas recognizes joint managing conservatorship and sole managing conservatorship . Joint conservatorship does not necessarily mean equal parenting time .
Understanding Standard Possession Orders
A parenting-time schedule is generally needed in child custody cases . A standard possession schedule can provide a basic schedule covering regular possession, holidays, birthdays, and summer periods .
The standard schedule can sometimes be negotiated or modified to create a customized possession arrangement .
Child Custody and Visitation Representation
Our family law practice, the firm assists parents with negotiating and drafting custody and visitation schedules . Where parents can reach common ground, the agreement can be documented and submitted to the court .
If the parties cannot resolve the matter through agreement , knowledgeable custody counsel can help address your custody concerns before the court.
Southlake Child Custody Attorney
Parents dealing with custody matters in Southlake may face disputes involving conservatorship and possession . Understanding Texas custody law can help parents prepare for the legal process .
Child Custody Representation in Colleyville
Parents seeking child custody guidance in Colleyville, working with knowledgeable custody counsel can provide assistance with visitation matters . Each family has unique circumstances , which is why the custody approach should take into account the individual circumstances involved.
Experienced Custody Representation
Parenting disputes can have a significant impact on parents and children . A knowledgeable family law attorney can help explain your legal options and address your custody concerns .
Kate Smith Law brings knowledge of Texas family law to cases involving complex family law disputes throughout Colleyville, Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, and Tarrant County .
Schedule a Child Custody Consultation
If you need assistance with custody or visitation , our family law team can provide guidance regarding your circumstances .
Whether you are negotiating a custody agreement , schedule a consultation to get legal guidance regarding your custody matter.