Child Custody Lawyer
While child custody disputes are typically easier on a child if parents are able to work together and reach an amicable solution, such a result can be difficult to achieve given the emotionally charged nature of custody disputes.
At Angela Faye Brown & Associates, we understand the toll custody battles can have on both parents and children, which is why we are committed to helping you resolve child custody issues in the most peaceful and cordial way possible. From beginning to end, you can count on our family attorneys to keep you focused on what’s important – your child.
Regardless of whether you are considering divorce proceedings or have never been married, we can help you deal with child custody and visitation issues. You can trust our Austin child custody lawyers to do everything in our power to help protect your child’s best interests.
Understanding Conservatorship In Austin
In Texas, many people continue to be confused by the child custody process. For instance, it is quite common for clients to come into our office and say they want full custody, even though there is no such thing under Texas law. In fact, state statutes do not even use the term custody when discussing parent-child relationships, but instead the term conservatorship.
Essentially, conservatorships in Texas can be broken down into two distinct parts: managing and possessory. As their names imply, managing conservatorships refers to a parent’s right to make important life decisions for a child – such as those related to schooling, medical care and religion – while possessory refers to the right to access or visitation with a child.
Unless there is evidence of family violence or some risk to the child, Texas courts will typically presume that both parents should be appointed as joint managing conservators. However, just because parents are joint conservators does not mean they will share equal time or possession with the child. Indeed, in most cases, Texas courts will name only one parent as the primary caretaker of the child – meaning he or she is able to determine the primary residence of the child – and the other as the noncustodial parent.
The most important thing to remember in any child custody dispute in Texas is that the best interests of the child are the primary consideration. So, when deciding issues of conservatorship, possession or access, courts will examine many factors, including the child’s preferences as well as the parental abilities of the individuals seeking custody, just to name a few.
In addition, you must keep in mind that once a child custody determination is made, it is not set in stone. For example, if circumstances change, you may be able to request a modification to an existing child custody order. Our caring Austin attorneys could help a devoted parent protect their kids in a child custody case.
Speak With An Austin Child Custody Attorney
If you have questions about child custody or visitation rights in Texas, contact Angela Faye Brown & Associates today to speak with a compassionate and knowledgeable lawyer. Our Austin child custody lawyers help individuals throughout the surrounding areas. Reach out to us online or call us at 512-572-1207 for an initial case strategy session.