Pursuing Fair Child Custody Arrangements In Texas
The conservatorship arrangement that comes with a divorce will considerably shape a child’s development into adulthood. When you and your spouse are trying to resolve your divorce through mediation or litigation, you want to be sure that you are also prioritizing your children’s needs. Thankfully, you can rely on the guidance of a compassionate and committed Texas family law lawyer for the help you need.
I am John Hicks, an attorney who is dedicated to serving the people of the San Antonio community. I am a former Marine and current Emergency Medical Services (EMS) worker and firefighter. At The Hicks Law Firm, I use my experience from these professions to help my clients through difficult decisions and delicate situations during their cases. I know how challenging these kinds of matters can be, and I want to help you through the hurdles of your case by acting on your behalf whenever possible and answering important questions that you may have along the way.
Types Of Child Custody Agreements
There are three primary types of custody in Texas courts:
- Joint custody: Both parents share custody of their children.
- Sole custody: Only one parent is awarded custody of the children.
- Third-party custody: Although less common, this form of custody is when a party who is not a biological parent of the children is awarded custody.
Every case is unique, and I can help you pursue the custody agreement that is best for your family.
What Do Texas Courts Look At When Determining Conservatorship?
A Texas court will consider many factors when determining the conservatorship agreement. Many of these factors include the age, health, income and mental stability of each parent; the child’s relationship with each parent; how much a relocation by one parent would disrupt the child’s life; and whether a parent could be a threat or danger to the child.
When Can You Modify A Conservatorship Arrangement?
If you do not agree with a custody arrangement, or circumstances in your life have changed and you need the arrangement to reflect those changes, the soonest it can be changed is one year from when it went into effect. If you previously filed for modification, then you will need to wait a total of two years before filing again.
What Rights Do Unmarried Parents Have In Texas?
In Texas, the law does not consider an unmarried biological father to automatically be the parent of a child. This lack of recognition means that the unmarried father needs to establish paternity before he can experience any of the rights that a legal father has in a courtroom.
Pursuing A Custody Agreement You Can Count On
Defending your best interests through any legal matter on your own can be a considerable challenge. When defending your children’s needs, do not take any chances, and seek the legal help you deserve. Call my San Antonio office at 210-987-3059 or email me here to schedule your free initial consultation today.