Select a city or county to find Texas Child Custody lawyers near you
2425 West Loop South, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77027
1010 West Texas Avenue, Midland, TX 79701
2200 Boca Chica Blvd., Suite 102, Brownsville, TX 78521
10440 North Central Express Way, Suite 1100, Dallas, TX 75231
1011 Surrey Lane, Bldg. 200, Flower Mound, TX 75022
5300 Memorial Dr #900, Houston, TX 77007
8501 Wade Blvd, Building XIV, Suite 1460, Frisco, TX 75034
4265 San Felipe Street, Suite 1100, Houston, TX 77027
2454 Industrial Blvd, Abilene, TX 79605
4040 Broadway Street, Ste 240-311, San Antonio, TX 78209
1420 West Exchange Parkway, Suite 180, Allen, TX 75013
12 Greenway Plaza, Suite #1147, Houston, TX 77046
1100 Gulf Fwy South, Suite 100, League City, TX 77573
1800 Saint James Place, Suite 620, Houston, TX 77056
In most states, family courts determine child custody arrangements based on what is in the best interests of the child. The courts look at several factors in making this determination, such as the parents’ desire and ability to care for the child, the emotional bond between the child and both parents, the adjustment needed if the child must move to a new area, and, if old enough, the child’s wishes. Courts consider each case on the individual needs of the children, including:
Separating parents' rights will vary depending on the type of child custody and visitation. Legal custody is the court-granted right to make major decisions on behalf of the child. This includes choice of schools, religious education, health care, and discipline. Physical custody determines where the child will live and what visitation rights will be awarded.
Most child custody arrangements are "joint custody," or "shared custody." Both parents have joint legal custody, even if one parent has more time with physical custody. For example, a child may live primarily with one parent. But this does not necessarily mean the parents do not have joint legal custody. Both parents have the right and responsibility to make major decisions in the child’s life and adhere to a parenting plan that outlines the specific arrangement.
There are specific legal procedures that are needed to modify an existing child custody or visitation order. The process may vary from state to state and on the specific circumstances of each case. Consulting with an attorney is important to understand the laws in your area. Generally, steps include:
Lawyers in Texas can provide legal services in just about any practice area. However, people usually need to find a lawyer that has the expertise and experience to practice an area of law specific to their legal case. Common legal practice areas in Texas include:
There are two common types of custody in terms of parental rights and the best interests of the child: sole custody and joint custody. Beyond this, there are also two different categories in which custodial rights can fall — physical and legal.
In most states, family courts determine child custody arrangements based on what is in the best interests of the child. The courts look at a number of factors in making this determination, such as:
Frequently, parents or other adults who have raised a child will be required by the court to take part in mediation. In mediation, you can discuss what you want, any problems you've had exchanging the child from one home to the next, and anything else that's relevant to the situation. Hopefully, you can come to a resolution everyone can live with. Otherwise, the judge may make a parenting plan that neither parent is happy with. However, it's important to note that if there was domestic violence in your relationship with the other parent, you may be able to skip mediation.
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