Child Custody

Katy Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody issues always involve a lot of emotions and stress. Warring spouses may become angry and spiteful; they may find it difficult to sit down together and come to a decision with the child’s best interests at heart. When this happens it can hurt the child, both emotionally and in terms of their development. Even with the parents trying as hard as possible to prevent this, it still happens.

Our main goal here at Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers is to help parents come together. We want to protect the child as much as possible as their needs are by far the most important. Our family law firm wants families to move on from the divorce as easily as possible and with as little disruption to the child’s life as we can manage. Whether you’re dealing with joint conservatorship, sole conservatorship, modifying existing court orders, or addressing issues like substance abuse or domestic violence, we are here to help you achieve the best outcome for your child.

Don’t wait to secure your parental rights and ensure your child’s best interests are protected. Contact us today for a consultation with a skilled Katy child custody lawyer.

Call us at (281) 306-5010 to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Let us help you make informed decisions and navigate the entire process with confidence.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Texas

In Texas, child custody arrangements can be complex, involving various legal processes that determine parental rights and responsibilities.

Sole conservatorship in Texas allows one parent to have all legal decision-making authority regarding the child. In contrast, joint managing conservatorship means that both parents share responsibilities and are involved in making significant decisions, though it does not necessarily imply equal time with the child.

Physical possession of the child is another aspect. In joint managing conservatorship arrangements, one parent may have the child during the week, while the other parent has them on weekends. There are other parenting arrangements that parties can agree upon that stray from the standard set forth by the state.

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Factors Affecting Custody Decisions

Texas courts prioritize the child’s welfare in all decisions regarding custody and visitation. The child’s best interest is the sole criterion, with no preference given based on the parent’s gender. Various factors are considered to determine what arrangement best serves the child’s needs such as:

The stability and involvement of each parent in the child’s life
The ability of each parent to provide a safe and nurturing environment
The emotional and physical needs of the child
The child’s preferences, depending on their age and maturity
Each parent’s ability to maintain job stability and financial support
The history of each parent’s involvement in the child’s upbringing
Any history of family violence or substance abuse
The ability of each parent to facilitate a positive relationship with the other parent
The geographical proximity of each parent’s residence
The presence of any siblings or extended family connections

Knowing what factors the Judge looks for can help you prepare a stronger case for custody.

Modifying Existing Custody Orders

Custody orders can be modified under certain circumstances. In Texas, modifications usually cannot be requested until one year has passed from the original order unless specific conditions warrant an earlier change. A petition for modification must be filed with the court to change a custody order, allowing both parents to respond. This process ensures that both parties have a fair opportunity to present their case.

A qualified child custody lawyer can help with the modification process, assess your case, provide legal options, and offer guidance throughout. Their experience can be invaluable in securing a favorable modification to your existing custody order.

Parental Rights and Responsibilities

In Texas, parents must timely inform each other about significant information related to their child’s health, education, and welfare. This communication helps maintain a cooperative parenting relationship.

Unmarried mothers can receive full legal rights over their children unless the father asserts his paternity rights. A father’s parental rights can be established through an Acknowledgment of Paternity or by filing a suit to determine parentage.

The Importance of a Detailed Parenting Plan

A detailed parenting plan outlines the proposed arrangements for the child’s care. This plan serves as a roadmap for both parents, detailing how they will share responsibilities and decision-making for their child’s welfare. Parents can negotiate the allocation of rights and duties in a parenting plan, which can be independently or exclusively held, depending on the circumstances and mutual agreements.

A comprehensive parenting plan covers various aspects, including living arrangements, visitation schedules, education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. It also addresses how parents will communicate about their child and resolve any disputes that may arise. By clearly defining each parent’s role and responsibilities, the plan helps prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.

Preparing for Your Custody Case

Presenting yourself positively in court is crucial for custody cases. Dressing professionally, being punctual, and maintaining a calm, respectful demeanor demonstrate responsibility and respect for the process. Speaking clearly, staying focused on your child’s needs, and avoiding personal attacks help convey emotional stability and a child-centered approach. Organized documentation of your role in your child’s life, like care routines or school involvement, further illustrates your commitment. These steps can positively influence the court’s perception of your parenting abilities and support a favorable outcome.

The Role of a Katy Child Custody Lawyer

A Katy child custody lawyer can be instrumental in guiding you through the transition to your new life. In custody battles, their expertise ensures that your rights are protected while advocating for the best outcome for your child. These professionals help you navigate complex family law, build a strong custody case, and take actions that positively impact the court’s decision. Experienced custody lawyers also provide essential advice on behavior during the process, including interactions with your child and ex-spouse, making the journey smoother and more manageable.

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High-Conflict Custody Cases

High-conflict custody disputes often stem from deep-rooted issues, requiring specific legal knowledge to address effectively. These cases can be emotionally draining and complex, but a skilled Katy child custody attorney can help you through them.

In Texas, both parents are generally encouraged to maintain a meaningful relationship with their child, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. Parental rights include making decisions about the child’s health, education, and welfare. These rights can be challenged or limited in high-conflict situations, especially if one parent is deemed unfit due to various concerns such as substance abuse or domestic violence.
Substance abuse is a serious issue that can significantly impact custody decisions. Courts prioritize the child’s welfare, and a parent’s history of drug or alcohol abuse could lead to restricted visitation rights or supervised visits. Demonstrating rehabilitation and maintaining a substance-free lifestyle can be done to regain or retain parental rights.
Domestic violence is another factor that courts consider in custody cases. A history of violence can lead to restrictions on custody and visitation rights. Courts may issue protective orders to safeguard the child and the other parent. Victims of domestic violence need to document incidents meticulously and seek legal protection to ensure their safety and that of their child.
If one parent has a history of mental health challenges, the other parent may question their capacity to provide a stable and nurturing environment. Courts take these concerns seriously and may order psychological evaluations or require evidence of consistent treatment and stability.
In some high-conflict cases, one parent may attempt to influence the child’s perception of the other parent negatively, a tactic known as parental alienation. This behavior can strain the parent-child relationship and harm the child’s emotional well-being. Courts are increasingly aware of parental alienation and take it seriously.

Contact a Family Law Attorney Today

When it comes to matters involving children, you need a skilled attorney from our firm. At Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers, we have a wealth of experience in dealing with family law cases that are just like yours.

Many of our attorneys have been practicing family law for decades, and are prepared to help spouses come to amicable decisions through our negotiation skills and preventing the breakdown of important discussions.

At Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers the attorney-client relationship is of the utmost importance to us, whatever the circumstances of your case, we will give it the personal attention it deserves. We will do everything possible to protect your well-being and adapt to your unique circumstances.

Give your local law office a call today at (281) 306-5010 for an initial consultation with a Katy child custody lawyer. We are here to discuss your legal options and help you to make an informed decision about your next steps.

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Accountability Starts Here

Matt was truly exceptional in representing me in my children's custody case with my ex.
“Not one detail missed and with the situation where my children were at risk, the extra care and attention made all the difference to get full judgement in my favor. I highly recommend Matt and his team!”

- Tracy C.
Thank you so much for giving me and my son our freedom back.
“Omg!! All I can say is Thank you, I can’t express how much I appreciate you guys! YOU SAVED OUR LIVES, and I will forever be grateful! I highly recommend hiring them, they will fight for you, the outcome was a success! My son and I have our freedom thanks to them!”

- Stephanie B.
Alex helped our family navigate some really difficult times and we are forever grateful.
“My hired attorney is Alex. She’s phenomenal! I recommend her at any opportunity that I can. She is everything you would want in an attorney and it was so reassuring to have her support throughout this whole process. She’s worth every penny!”

- Taylor T.
I felt supported every step of the way, which made a challenging time in my life much more manageable.
“Matt's legal expertise and strategic approach were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to listen to my concerns, addressing each one with patience and clarity. His ability to navigate the complexities of family law while being completely present and compassionate was truly remarkable. I felt supported every step of the way, which made a challenging time in my life much more manageable.”

- Milana T.
Matt Skillern is a brilliant outstanding and excellent attorney who is professional, honest and intelligent.
“Skillern Firm is the best attorneys in Houston. He genuinely cares about his clients and his firm is diligent, hardworking and very through. I highly recommend him and do not have enough words to thank him for his extraordinary performance in getting justice for my family.”

- Fauzia S.
Everything was handled quickly and precisely
“I had a divorce case involving a minor child, and choosing this law firm was the best decision I could have made. Attorney Amber Skillern was outstanding — professional, efficient, and incredibly supportive. Everything was handled quickly and precisely. She explained every step clearly and made a stressful situation feel manageable.”

- Olena L.
I truly appreciate her dedication and the effort she put into ensuring the process went as smoothly as possible.
“Skillern Firm was an outstanding law firm that guided me through my divorce petition from start to finish. Amber, my attorney, was a pleasure to work with. I truly appreciate her dedication and the effort she put into ensuring the process went as smoothly as possible.”

- Luna O.

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