Parents may disagree about who makes decisions, where a child lives, or how a possession schedule works. We represent a mother or father in contested custody matters within the family cases we accept. We focus on the requested orders and the evidence relevant to the child’s circumstances.
Separate decisions from the schedule
Texas uses conservatorship to address parental rights and duties, and possession and access to address time with a child. The child’s best interest is the primary consideration. Joint managing conservatorship does not itself require equal possession time.
Build a usable factual record
Caregiving history, school and medical information, communications, and compliance with existing arrangements can help explain a dispute. We prepare the client’s position for negotiations, hearings, and trial. If an order already exists, a modification may be needed rather than an initial custody determination.
Records that may matter
- Existing orders and pending petitions
- School calendars and relevant caregiving records
- Parent communications and a dated account of disputed events
Questions about your case
What information helps evaluate a custody dispute?
Have the current orders, proposed parenting schedule, and relevant school or caregiving records available. Identify the decisions or arrangements in dispute and any upcoming hearing dates.
Can an existing schedule simply be rewritten?
A requested change to an existing order requires analysis under the modification rules. The requested relief and current order determine the next steps.
Texas law references
General information. The applicable rules depend on the facts and proceedings.