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Navigating Child Custody Issues In Texas

Custody is one of the most important of issues in family law. The outcome of your custody case will affect your children’s lives for a long time to come. With so much at stake, it’s important to work with a lawyer you can trust.

At Lisa E. McKnight, P.C., you can work with a board-certified family law specialist (through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization) who has more than 25 years of experience helping clients address high-stakes custody matters. You can rely on attorney McKnight to guide you through all stages of the custody proceedings, whether as part of the divorce process, paternity proceedings or a modification of an existing custody order. She understands the stressful nature of custody matters, and she will go out of her way to help you feel comfortable and confident so you know what to expect.

What Are The Custody Basics In Texas?

There are two aspects of child custody in Texas:

  • Conservatorship refers to which parent has decision-making authority with regard to the children’s lives. If both parents are involved in the children’s lives, joint conservatorship is common.
  • Possession and access refers to physical custody and visitation.

Your parenting plan will flesh out the custody details – the children’s schedule, education, holidays and the like.

What Goes Into A Custody Determination?

The governing standard for custody determinations is the best interests of the children. Courts look at numerous factors when deciding what’s in their best interests, including:

  • The children’s ages
  • Which parent has been their primary caregiver
  • Where each parent lives
  • The parenting abilities of each party
  • The emotional and physical needs of each child
  • Each party’s home situation
  • The children’s need for stability
  • The children’s preferences (once they’re 12 or older)

Changing an existing custody arrangement involves additional considerations. There are certain threshold requirements you must meet in order to successfully pursue a modification.

Don’t Tackle Custody Issues Alone – Benefit From Decades Of Family Law Experience

Custody cases are rarely simple or straightforward. Even if you’re anticipating an amicable resolution, disputes could arise along the way, and you don’t want end up locked into an arrangement that will be difficult to change in the future.

Lawyer Lisa E. McKnight can look out for you and your children, putting decades of experience in Texas family law to work for you. Learn more by calling her office in Dallas at 214-306-7588 or sending her a message online.