When child custody and visitation become disputed, understanding your rights and options can be important. Kate Smith Law represents parents in the surrounding Tarrant County area in Texas child custody cases.
Child Custody Lawyer in Colleyville & Southlake, TX
Parenting arrangements can become challenging for parents and children. In some cases, parents can reach an agreement on a custody and visitation schedule that can be incorporated into a court order .
If parents are unable to agree , a judge may determine the appropriate custody arrangement. Texas family courts consider the child's best interests when making custody decisions.
How Is Child Custody Determined in Texas?
Texas law encourages parents to work out a custody and visitation arrangement . If the parents cannot reach an agreement , the court may decide the custody issues based on the circumstances of the case .
What Texas Courts Consider in Custody Decisions
- The child's primary caretaker
- The child's age
- The child's preference when legally relevant
- The child's relationship with both parents
- The parents' age, health, and financial circumstances
- The child's physical and emotional needs
- 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 . Conservatorship involves parental rights and duties, including decisions concerning medical care, education, religious matters, and other important decisions.
Texas recognizes joint managing conservatorship and sole managing conservatorship . Joint conservatorship does not necessarily mean equal parenting time .
Texas Parenting Time and Possession Schedules
A parenting-time schedule is generally needed in Texas custody matters. A standard possession schedule can provide a starting framework covering days, weekends, holidays, birthdays, and summer vacations .
Parents may be read more able to customize the standard arrangement to create a schedule that better fits the needs of the case.
Child Custody and Visitation Representation
Kate Smith Law , parents can receive assistance with negotiating and drafting custody and visitation schedules . When an agreement is possible , the proposed arrangement can be prepared for court approval .
When negotiations do not produce a workable solution, experienced legal representation can help present your position .
Child Custody Lawyer Serving Southlake, TX
Parents dealing with custody matters in Southlake may face custody, visitation, and parenting-time questions . Learning how conservatorship works can help parents prepare for the legal process .
Colleyville Child Custody Lawyer
Families facing custody disputes in Colleyville , having an experienced family law attorney can provide assistance with visitation matters . No two custody disputes are exactly alike, which is why the legal representation 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 .
The Law Offices of Kate Smith brings experience handling custody matters to cases involving conservatorship and possession throughout Colleyville, Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, and Tarrant County .
Schedule a Child Custody Consultation
If you are facing a child custody dispute , our family law team can help you understand your legal options .
Whether you are negotiating a custody agreement , contact the Law Offices of Kate Smith to get legal guidance regarding your custody matter.