Child Custody

What is Child Custody?

This is perhaps the most difficult and certainly one of the most emotional aspects of divorce. There are several considerations that must be taken into account and addressed in any family law matter in which children are involved such as:

• Appointment of primary custody and possession of the children
• Each parent’s legal rights, responsibilities, and duties concerning each child
• How children will spend time with each parent
• Where the children will live and with whom
• Which parent will be responsible to pay child support and the children’s expenses
• How all major decisions between former spouses which affect the children will be made

Child Custody in the State of Texas

In the state of Texas, a child’s legal custodian is referred to as the “conservator”. Parents will see this particular term in court documents, and the legal papers attorneys produce for their clients. The courts of the state typically gives one parent sole custody or allows for joint custody. Courts have in the past granted an equitable 50/50 split among parents. There are several issues the court will look at to decide custody which include, but are not limited to:

• The best interest of the child or children
• Any history of domestic violence
• The testimony of a child or children over 12 years of age

These factors help a court determine if one or both parents can be a conservator. This is important, as in the state of Texas, the conservator has the right to:

• Inquire and participate in the health of the child or children
• Inquire and participate in the education of the child or children
• Be permitted to attend scholastic and extracurricular activities
• Act as an emergency contact

Why Experience Matters Most

The Woodfill Law Firm has some of the state’s most experienced family law attorneys and legal staff that provides professional support. We will evaluate your particular case and recommend the best course of action. In some instances, this might be mediation or collaborative law. In other circumstances, aggressive litigation might be the only real solution.

The attorneys at Woodfill Law Firm will work with you to help you understand the pros and cons of every move during the process of child custody. We will provide you with the best legal advice and be there to represent your interests at every stage of the process.