Houston Child Custody Lawyer
Navigating a divorce is difficult enough. But when children are involved, the process can be exponentially harder. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a Houston child custody attorney who can help you resolve both custody and visitation issues in as peaceful way as possible.
At Slate & Associates, we understand the emotional toll custody battles can take on both parents and children. We will work hard to help you protect your rights while keeping your child’s best interests at the forefront.
Protecting Both Your Rights and Your Child’s Best Interests
During a divorce, you will need to determine how to distribute parenting responsibilities and time — not only addressing the day-to-day care of your child, but also assigning decision-making powers concerning health care, education, and other important issues.
We understand that every family’s needs are different. An experienced child custody lawyer in Houston can help you build a plan that protects your parental relationship as well as your children’s well-being.
What Are Texas Child Custody Laws?
In Texas, child custody is formally known as “conservatorship.” There are three main types:
- Joint Managing Conservatorship: Both parents share parental rights and responsibilities. Texas courts typically presume that a joint managing conservatorship is in a child’s best interests.
- Primary Joint Managing Conservatorship: While both parents share parental rights, one of them takes on a higher level of responsibility. Typically, this primary caregiver receives support payments.
- Sole Managing Conservatorship: A single parent has the right to care for the child and make decisions concerning their welfare and upbringing. The other parent typically has visitation rights and pays child support.
If you have concerns about the safety of your children and believe that your spouse shouldn’t have joint custody, our Houston child custody lawyer Dennis Slate will make sure your voice is heard in court. The court’s primary concern is your children’s well-being. So the way you present your case can have a significant impact on the judge’s decision.
Creating a Possession and Visitation Schedule
Even if you agree to a sole managing conservatorship, the non-custodial parent typically still has the right to spend time with their child. You and your spouse will need to create a visitation schedule that reflects your child’s needs and complies with Texas law. However, if you cannot come to an agreement, a judge will schedule a hearing and do it for you.
Frequently Asked Question about Child Custody Lawyer
Q1: Why is it important to hire a child custody attorney in Houston?
A1: Navigating child custody matters during a divorce can be incredibly challenging, especially when children are involved. A Houston child custody attorney helps you resolve complex custody and visitation issues as peacefully as possible, protecting your parental rights while prioritizing your child’s best interests throughout the legal process.
Q2: How does Slate & Associates assist families with child custody cases?
A2: Slate & Associates understands the emotional difficulties of child custody battles. They work diligently to protect parents’ rights and ensure the child’s best interests are central to the outcome. An experienced attorney helps build a tailored plan addressing parenting responsibilities, time distribution, and decision-making powers for your children’s well-being.
Q3: What aspects do child custody arrangements cover during a divorce?
A3: Child custody arrangements in a divorce cover various critical aspects of your child’s life. This includes determining the distribution of daily care and parenting time, as well as assigning decision-making authority. Key areas involve health care, education, and other significant issues, all aimed at protecting your parental relationship and your children’s well-being.
Q4: What is “conservatorship” in Texas child custody law?
A4: In Texas, the legal term for child custody is “conservatorship.” This defines the legal relationship between parents and their children, outlining each parent’s rights and responsibilities. It addresses how decisions about the child’s upbringing are made, including daily care, visitation schedules, and authority over crucial life choices, like education and healthcare.
Q5: What is Joint Managing Conservatorship in Texas?
A5: Joint Managing Conservatorship is a common type of conservatorship in Texas where both parents share parental rights and responsibilities. Texas courts typically presume this arrangement is in the child’s best interest, encouraging collaboration between parents on important decisions regarding their child’s upbringing, education, and health.
Speak With a Houston Child Custody Lawyer
At Slate & Associates, we value our clients’ parenting rights and their relationships with their children. Houston Attorney Dennis Slate is Double-Board Certified in Family Law and Child Welfare Law by The Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We know how emotionally draining it can be to deal with child custody and visitation issues. To learn more about how we can help you through this process, contact us today for a confidential consultation.
