Child Custody Attorneys in Houston, TX
Parents typically want what is best for their children. However, sometimes they differ on what is truly “best.” Even worse, some parents put their own needs before the needs of their children and use custody as an excuse to keep fighting with their spouse. They may even use custody as a way to control their ex or hurt them further. This is not fair to the children and can be viewed unfavorably by the Texas courts.
Handling Tough Matters
Children are not pawns to use in a divorce battle. At Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C., we can help you protect your children and your parenting rights through the divorce process. We work tirelessly to find unique and creative solutions to your parenting and custody issues, and we always put the children and their needs first. The Texas courts agree that custody needs to serve the children and their well-being before it serves the parents. We can build a strong and solid case to help you retain your parenting rights and get the custody that is best for your children.
Types of Child Custody in Texas
Custody battles are never in the child’s best interests. In fact, they can harm children more than parents realize. As such, it is always best to discuss your custody issues with an experienced and compassionate Houston child custody lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you understand custody and its implications on your child and their future. By understanding the different types of custody in Texas, you can determine the best options for you and your family.
Texas has two different types of custody: joint managing conservatorship and sole managing conservatorship.
Joint managing conservatorship. This is the most common type of custody. It assumes that both parents will maintain equal responsibility for their children – both physically and legally. It is typically the default arrangement in Texas divorce cases. This means that parents will share the decision-making responsibility for their children in matters such as education, religion, and healthcare. It also means that both parents will spend time with their children. However, it does not mean that both parents will spend the same amount of physical time with their children. The parenting plan will outline the amount of time each parent spends with their children each week and how holidays and weekends are divided.
Under this type of custody, one parent is appointed as the primary managing conservator. This is the parent that may have the most day-to-day responsibility for the child and their care.
Sole managing conservatorship. This type of custody means that only one parent is responsible for making major decisions regarding the child’s care. This means that the other parent does not have a say in major important life decisions, such as:
- Where the child resides
- Medical treatment
- Permission to marry
- Educational decisions
- Consent to join the military
- Religious obligations
Texas courts do not typically award sole managing conservatorship often. However, in cases of domestic violence or abandonment, they will.
Determining Child Custody in Texas
The courts will always examine what is in the child’s best interests when determining custody. Typically, it is in the child’s best interests to have both parents in their lives. However, when examining each case, the courts will consider a variety of factors, including:
- Child’s wishes
- Emotional and physical needs of the child
- Emotional or physical danger to the child
- Parenting abilities of each parent
- Programs available to assist each parent
- Plans for the child by each parent
- Stability of the proposed home
Modifying Child Custody Agreements in Texas
There are times when you may need to modify an existing court agreement regarding custody. When this occurs, you need an experienced Houston child custody lawyer from Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C. on your side. We will fill out the necessary paperwork and work to build your modification in accordance with Texas laws. In Texas, the court that made the initial decision also has jurisdiction over your modification.
Contact Our Houston Child Custody Attorneys
At Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C., we can help answer your child custody questions and protect your parenting rights every step of the way. Our lawyers can help you address your parenting concerns and ensure that any agreement you reach is what is best for your children and their needs. Our law firm prides itself on helping Houston families through the difficult waters of divorce. We put the children’s needs above all else and can help parents find the solutions they need to even the most complex child custody issues.
To learn more, call us at (713) 981-0600 or fill out our confidential contact form. We offer complete family law guidance to divorcing couples in Houston and throughout Harris County. We know how to protect parenting rights and we advocate for divorce and custody agreements that serve to better your children and their well-being throughout life.