Child Custody Lawyers Helping You in Austin, Texas and Travis County
Navigating a legal matter can be stressful, and child custody cases often bring added emotional weight. These matters center on what matters most—your children’s well-being and your relationship with them. When facing a child custody issue in Austin, Texas, it is important to have an attorney who combines legal skill with a thoughtful, client-focused approach, while working to protect your parental rights and your child’s best interests.
At Stange Law Firm, we understand how important your children are to you. Our Austin child custody attorneys are committed to providing clear guidance, steady support, and attentive representation at every stage of the process. When you choose to work with our firm, you can expect dedication, responsiveness, and advocacy tailored to your family’s unique circumstances.
While many child custody disputes can be resolved through negotiation or settlement, agreement is not always possible when parents hold differing views about what is best for their children. In contested cases, our attorneys are prepared to advocate for you, ensuring your position is clearly presented and your interests are effectively represented both in and out of the courtroom.
Austin, Texas Child Custody Attorneys Ready to Assist You With Custody Matters in Travis County, TX
At Stange Law Firm, we focus exclusively on domestic relations law, with many of our attorneys earning prestigious accolades, which you can learn more about in their individual biographies. Our Austin office, located in Travis County, is here to assist you as you navigate this important chapter in your life.
To gain more insight into the Travis County Court, feel free to visit the websites listed below:
- Travis County Circuit Clerk’s Office: Learn more about the Travis County Circuit Clerk’s office here.
- Travis County Court Information: Access detailed information and guidelines for Travis County Courts here.
- Travis County Domestic Law Forms & Information: Find essential domestic law forms for Austin, Texas, at this link.
- City of Austin, Texas: Discover details about Austin’s local government here.
- Travis County, Texas Courthouse: Click here for the address and Google Maps directions to the Travis County Civil Courthouse in Austin.
If you’re dealing with a child custody matter in Austin, Texas, the experienced child custody attorneys at Stange Law Firm are here to help. Consulting with a local attorney can provide you with a better understanding of your rights and options, and help you develop a clear legal strategy moving forward.
Child Custody in Austin, Texas
Child custody matters in Austin, Texas are governed by the Texas Family Code and frequently occur in dissolution of marriage cases, paternity actions, and suits seeking to establish or modify parental rights and responsibilities. When parents are unable to reach an agreement on custody or parenting time, the court will issue orders designed to promote the child’s best interests while providing predictability and stability.
In Texas, custody is commonly referred to as conservatorship, and parenting time is addressed through possession and access rather than traditional custody terminology.
How Texas Courts Evaluate Custody Cases
Texas courts decide custody matters by focusing on what arrangement best supports the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. In reaching that decision, judges may consider factors such as:
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The parenting proposals submitted by each parent
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The child’s current and future emotional and physical needs
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The quality of the child’s relationship with each parent
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Each parent’s ability to provide a safe, structured, and nurturing environment
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Whether a parent encourages a positive and ongoing relationship between the child and the other parent
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Any history of family violence, abuse, or neglect
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The child’s wishes, particularly when the child is age 12 or older
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The stability of each parent’s household and daily routine
Texas law does not automatically favor one parent over the other based on gender or income.
Understanding Conservatorship in Texas
Rather than using the terms legal and physical custody, Texas divides parental rights and responsibilities through conservatorship designations.
Managing Conservatorship
Managing conservatorship addresses a parent’s authority to make significant decisions affecting the child, such as those related to education, medical care, and general welfare.
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Joint Managing Conservatorship: Both parents share decision-making responsibilities, though one parent may be granted the exclusive right to determine the child’s primary residence
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Sole Managing Conservatorship: One parent is given primary decision-making authority over most major issues
Possessory Conservatorship
A parent who does not have the right to determine the child’s primary residence is typically named a possessory conservator and is awarded parenting time under a court-ordered possession schedule.
Parenting Time and Possession Schedules
Texas courts often use a Standard Possession Order or a customized possession schedule to outline when each parent has time with the child. These schedules address weekends, holidays, school breaks, and extended summer possession.
Courts may modify standard schedules based on factors such as the child’s age, special needs, the distance between parents’ homes, or other unique circumstances.
Custody Matters Involving Unmarried Parents
When a child is born to unmarried parents in Texas, the mother is generally awarded custody unless a court orders otherwise. A father must establish legal paternity before seeking conservatorship or possession rights. Once paternity is established, either parent may request custody-related orders from the court.
Family Violence and Child Safety
Texas courts are required to consider any evidence of family violence or abuse when making custody determinations. If concerns about safety are present, the court may impose restrictions on parenting time, order supervised visitation, or take other steps to protect the child.
Modifying Child Custody Orders
Custody and possession orders may be modified if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the previous order and the requested modification would serve the child’s best interests. Each request for modification is evaluated based on the specific facts involved.
Child Custody Matters in Austin and Travis County
Families in Austin resolve child custody matters under Texas family law through the courts serving Travis County. Parenting plans are commonly required, and mediation is often encouraged or ordered before cases proceed to trial. Ultimately, the court’s goal is to establish arrangements that support the child’s long-term stability, safety, and well-being.
Contact Austin, Texas Child Custody Lawyers in Travis County to Schedule a Consultation Today
If you have questions about a child custody case in Texas or the Travis County area and need a child custody lawyer, the attorneys at Stange Law Firm are here to help. Contact us online or call the number below to schedule your consultation.
Travis County (Austin), Texas Office: 512-616-0730 | 3800 N. Lamar Blvd, Suite 2003, Austin, Texas 78756
