When you're facing a child read more custody dispute , having a clear understanding of your legal options can be important. The Law Offices of Kate Smith represents parents in Colleyville, Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, and surrounding Tarrant County communities in child custody and related family law matters .

Colleyville & Southlake Child Custody Attorney

Parenting arrangements can become difficult and contentious . In some cases, parents can reach an agreement on a parenting and possession arrangement that can be reviewed and approved by the court.

When an agreement cannot be reached , the court may determine the arrangement . Texas courts consider the best interests of the child when making custody decisions.

How Is Child Custody Determined in Texas?

Texas courts generally prefer parents to develop a parenting arrangement together. If the parents cannot reach an agreement , the court determines the arrangement 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 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
• Whether there has been neglect, family violence, or substance abuse
• The parenting abilities of each parent
• The stability of a proposed home
• Available extended family or support systems

What Is Conservatorship in Texas?

Texas family law uses “conservatorship” to describe parental custody rights and responsibilities. Conservatorship involves parental rights and duties, including decisions concerning medical care, education, religious matters, and other important decisions.

Parents may be appointed joint managing conservators or a sole managing conservator . Joint conservatorship does not necessarily mean equal parenting time .

Texas Parenting Time and Possession Schedules

A separate visitation or possession 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 .

A Standard Possession Order may be adapted to the family's circumstances to create a more appropriate parenting schedule .

Child Custody and Visitation Representation

Kate Smith Law , parents may obtain legal representation with negotiating and drafting custody and visitation schedules . Where parents can reach common ground, the proposed arrangement can be prepared for court approval .

When negotiations do not produce a workable solution, courtroom advocacy can help address your custody concerns before the court.

Child Custody Legal Help in Southlake

Southlake families may face difficult decisions concerning their children. Understanding Texas custody law can help parents understand their options .

Child Custody Attorney Serving Colleyville, TX

Parents seeking child custody guidance in Colleyville, having an experienced family law attorney can provide assistance with visitation matters . Every custody case is different , which is why the appropriate legal strategy should take into account the individual circumstances involved.

Experienced Custody Representation

Custody and visitation cases can have lasting consequences for a family . A knowledgeable family law attorney can help you understand how the courts operate and work toward an appropriate resolution.

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 .

Speak With a Texas Child Custody Attorney

If you need assistance with custody or visitation , our family law team 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.