Child Custody

Custody Attorneys in Rockwall and Wylie Advocate for Parental Rights

Securing effective child custody arrangements in North Texas

Child custody disputes can be emotionally fraught and legally complex. To pursue the best outcome for your children and yourself, you must retain experienced legal representation. At Grob & Associates Law Firm PC in Rockwall and Wylie, our family law attorneys draw on decades of experience to protect your parental rights and advocate for a resolution that benefits your children. 

Understanding child custody laws in Texas 

Whether an issue regarding parental rights and responsibilities arises during a divorce, separation or a disagreement among unmarried parents, Texas courts issue decisions based on what the judge believes to be the child’s best interests. The Texas Family Code governs child custody arrangements, using the term “conservatorship” to describe parental rights. Custody plans should promote stability, safety and the emotional well-being of minor sons and daughters. When possible, it is usually best for parents to reach agreements through negotiation or mediation, but if disputes persist, a judge will decide based on the evidence presented. 

Types of child custody arrangements

Texas recognizes two main types of conservatorship: Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC) and Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC). Courts generally prefer JMC, because parents share decision-making responsibilities, even if the child primarily resides in one home under a possession order (visitation schedule). If the possession order changes, and a son or daughter spends more time in one parent’s residence than they had previously, we can advise if a child support adjustment is warranted.

SMC grants one parent primary decision-making authority and usually physical custody. This might occur when the other parent is unfit due to issues such as abuse, neglect or substance addiction. Possession and access schedules, such as standard possession orders, outline when the non-primary parent spends time with the child. A common arrangement has a son or daughter visiting on weekends and holidays to avoid disrupting school attendance. Courts may also appoint a Possessory Conservator if a parent is granted visitation but not decision-making rights.

Factors Texas courts consider when deciding child custody

Judges review several factors when deciding what is in the best interests of child. These include the child’s physical and emotional needs, each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, and the child’s age and preferences (especially for children 12 and older). Courts evaluate parental history, including evidence of domestic violence, abuse, neglect or substance addiction. The strength of the parent-child relationship, co-parenting cooperation, willingness of parents to communicate and proximity of parents’ residences also play a role. 

The importance of legal representation for your child custody dispute

Retaining an experienced lawyer is critical to resolving your child custody dispute favorably. Our family law attorneys help parents understand their rights, and draft proposed custody agreements that allow them to retain strong bonds with their sons and daughters. We negotiate appropriate terms, and frequently use mediation to resolve conflicts in a cost-effective, less contentious manner. You can rely on us for assistance with the court’s procedural requirements, such as filing deadlines and the scheduling of court-ordered parenting classes. When consensus cannot be achieved, we present pertinent evidence at court hearings, which might include discussions of parental alienation tactics, questions of parental fitness, disputes over compliance with court orders, and conflicts related to relocation. 

Throughout the process, we caution both sides not to allow differences in parenting styles to undermine constructive dialogue necessary for co-parenting. We also have experience in disputes involving grandparent visitation rights and extended family contact. Our experienced attorneys are familiar with local courts, which helps parents anticipate how their case will proceed.  

Consequences of violating a custody order

Violating a Texas custody order, such as denying court-ordered visitation or relocating without permission, carries serious consequences. Courts may issue fines, modify custody arrangements or hold the violating parent in contempt, potentially leading to jail time. For instance, repeatedly withholding a child from the other parent could result in reduced custody rights. Violations also harm co-parenting relationships and may negatively affect the child’s emotional stability, influencing future court decisions.

Contact a trustworthy North Texas child custody attorney  

Grob & Associates Law Firm PC represents parents in child custody disputes throughout North Texas. For a consultation to discuss your legal rights, please call 972-777-5701 or contact us online. We have office locations in Rockwall and Wylie.