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 lawyer 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 Houston child custody lawyer 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. 

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.