Child Custody 101: What You Need To Know About Parental Rights In Texas

In this article, you can discover…

• The meaning of “joint custody” and how this will impact you and your children.
• How to know when “sole custody” might be a better option for your family.
• How an attorney can help protect your rights in a Texas custody dispute.

What Is The Difference Between “Child Custody” And “Conservatorship” In Texas?

The term “conservatorship” is most often used in legal contexts when defining different types of custody, such as sole or joint. Generally, the two terms mean the same thing and may be used interchangeably.

In essence, do one or both parties have the legal right to care for and make major decisions for your child? These matters are decided by awarding either joint or sole custody.

What Is Joint Custody In Houston, TX? How Does It Impact Time With Your Child?

In Texas, joint custody (or joint conservatorship) means that both parties have equal duties, rights, and access to your child. For example, both you and the other party would have the right to receive information from your child’s school or doctors. Under joint conservatorship, both of you would have the right to make decisions about medical care, education, and other important issues.

In Texas, the general presumption is that joint conservatorship is in the best interests of your child unless there are noted risks or dangers involved with this arrangement.

What Does Sole Custody Mean In Texas?

Sole custody (or sole managing conservatorship) legally means that only one party has the legal right to make major decisions for your child, raise your child, house your child, and directly care for your child. While the other party may still relieve information about how your child is doing, they have no right to make active decisions in your child’s life.

To receive sole custody, you will have to overcome the Texas court’s presumption that joint custody is in the best interests of your child. Perhaps the other party is no longer in your child’s life. Perhaps abuse or neglect has occurred, or a substance abuse problem makes the other parent unfit.

If these situations apply, a family law attorney can help you voice your concerns and unique situation to a court, making you more likely to receive sole custody.

Attorney Ebony Williams is a determined, compassionate family law attorney serving Texas. Since 2011, she’s helped clients just like you protect their rights as parents and advocated for their concerns both in negotiations and in court.

Have questions, or in need of superior legal help? Reach out to Ebony Williams, Attorney at Law, PLLC for an initial consultation today.

Let's Find Out If You Have A Case. Schedule Your Initial 30-Minute Consultation Today (346) 748-8814

What Do Texas Courts Consider When Deciding Custody?

Texas courts will look at what is in your child’s best interests. They will especially consider how much involvement each parent has had in your child’s life. If one party takes little to no interest in your child’s school performance, medical care, or emotional needs, a Texas court may view this as a reason to award the other party sole custody. This is especially true if the more responsible party can show a pattern of neglect, abandonment, or poor parenting choices.

What Are Some Of The Most Common Reasons Families Find Themselves In Texas Child Custody Battles?

Divorce can be difficult, and it’s not uncommon to have disagreements over custody that still have to be resolved. While some of these disagreements can be ironed out more amicably, others result in back-and-forth arguments and lack of agreement.

This is especially true if one party is advocating strongly that they be awarded sole custody. An attorney can help you clearly voice your needs, perspective, and concerns to the other parent and to a judge.

How Our Houston, TX, Family Law Firm Approaches Cases Like Yours

I’ll work to clearly lay out to the court that you have been there for your child from day one. If your child has special needs, such as a physical or intellectual disability, I can help a judge see how you have supported them, cared for them, and sacrificed to make your child’s life better.

If it is truly in your child’s best interests for you to receive sole custody, I’ll fight to help a judge understand the background and nuances of your family life and make a strong case on your behalf.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Child Custody Laws In Harris County, TX, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (346) 748-8814 today.