Child Custody: Dedicated To Finding Solutions To Custody Issues
A parent’s relationship with their child is sacred. I know how important it is to preserve the relationship you have with your own child. However, if you are not living with your child’s other parent, you must work with them to reach a custody decision. Whether you are navigating these issues in Weatherford or elsewhere in Parker County, custody decisions can be reached in private forums such as mediation or in formal court proceedings if parents cannot agree. At every stage of the custody determination process, you need a family law attorney who knows what your rights are to your child and does not overlook any detail.
At McNeill Law Firm, I know what your rights are. Do you? I became a lawyer because I want to help Texas parents like you who are in need. I do not want you to miss out on valuable time with your children because you cannot afford attorney’s fees. I will make financial arrangements to ensure that you can afford quality representation.
Understand How Custody And Visitation Are Defined
Child custody and visitation are legally described as “possession and access” in Texas family law statutes. If you are the primary custodial parent, you may house or possess your children most of the time. If you are the parent who sees your children less often, they may visit you on weekends and some weeknights. The other parent is responsible for allowing you access to your children according to the custody and visitation order.
Each legal child custody arrangement may be unique. Your case may result in primary conservatorship (custody most of the time) or a secondary one. A judge may name both parents as joint managing conservators. As part of a divorce or a stand-alone custody case, specifics will be spelled out in a court order. A child support order is normally determined through application of a state formula. There may be reasons to ask a family law court to deviate from the formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about custody and visitation can be very stressful, especially when you are trying to make decisions that help protect your child’s well-being. Understanding your legal options can help make the process feel less overwhelming and easier to follow.
Can unmarried parents get a custody order in Texas?
When a child is born to unmarried parents, the mother is automatically the sole managing conservator at birth. That means she has full legal authority over major decisions involving the child’s healthcare, education and living arrangements unless a court orders otherwise or the father establishes legal paternity and seeks a different custody arrangement.
After establishing their parental rights, either parent can ask the court for orders about conservatorship, possession and child support. The court will then decide what type of arrangement is in the child’s best interest.
How do Texas courts determine the “best interest of the child” standard?
In Texas, a judge determines the “best interest of the child” by reviewing many factors rather than using one simple rule. Courts often consider each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, the emotional and physical needs of the child, each parent’s parenting skills, any history of family violence or neglect, and the child’s relationship with each parent.
The court’s goal is to choose the arrangement that can efficiently support the child’s safety and overall well-being.
Can a child choose which parent they want to live with in Texas?
In Texas, a child cannot decide which parent to live with, although a judge might take their personal preference into account based on their age and maturity. Texas law allows children aged 12 and above to speak with the judge in chambers about which parent they want to live with, but the judge is not required to follow that preference.
Even if the child is younger than 12, the judge may still consider the child’s maturity and expressed wishes as part of the overall best-interest analysis. However, their preference is only one factor and not the deciding factor.
Time With Your Child Is Irreplaceable. Fight For It.
I am eager to hear what your special challenges are. Your children’s best interests and your legal standing in the parenting plan are the primary concerns. I am prepared to fight for these principles on your behalf in Fort Worth courts. Learn what else you need to know by calling 817-381-9333 or sending an email inquiry.