Houston, Texas Child Custody Attorneys in Harris County

Child Custody Lawyers Helping You in Houston, Texas in Harris County

Dealing with any legal matter can be overwhelming, but child custody cases often bring a unique mix of emotions and challenges. These cases center on what matters most: the well-being of your children. When facing a child custody situation in Houston, you need a compassionate and dedicated attorney who will prioritize your rights as a parent and work to protect your children’s best interests.

At Stange Law Firm, we understand how much your children mean to you. Our Houston, Texas child custody attorneys are here to guide you with care and empathy every step of the way. If you choose to work with us, you can count on our support and commitment throughout the entire process.

While many child custody cases can be resolved through settlements, there are times when parents strongly disagree on what’s best for their children, making an agreement impossible. In these situations, our attorneys will stand by you, ensuring your voice is heard and your interests are represented both inside and outside the courtroom.

Houston, Texas Child Custody Attorneys Ready to Assist You With Custody Matters in Harris County, TX

At Stange Law Firm, we focus exclusively on domestic relations law, and many of our attorneys have earned prestigious accolades, which you can explore in their biographies. Our Houston office, conveniently located in Harris County, is ready to help you navigate this important chapter in your life.

• Harris County Circuit Clerk’s Office: Learn more about the Harris County Circuit Clerk’s office here.
• Harris County Court Information: Access detailed information and guidelines for Harris County Courts here.
• Harris County Domestic Law Forms & Information: Find essential law forms for Houston, Texas, at this link.
• City of Houston, Texas: Discover details about Houston’s local government here.
• Harris County, Texas Civil Courthouse: Click here for the address and Google Maps directions to the Harris County Civil Courthouse in Houston.

If you are facing a child custody matter in Houston, Texas, the dedicated child custody attorneys at Stange Law Firm can help you. Speaking with a local attorney can help you understand your rights and options in your case and to develop a legal strategy moving forward.

Child Custody in Houston, Texas

Child custody matters in Houston, Texas, are governed by the Texas Family Code and commonly arise in dissolution proceedings, suits affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR), paternity cases, and actions to modify an existing custody order. When parents cannot reach an agreement regarding custody and parenting time, the court will issue orders intended to serve the child’s best interests while providing stability and consistency.

In Texas, child custody is often referred to as conservatorship, and parenting time is addressed through possession and access.

How Texas Courts Decide Child Custody

Texas courts determine custody based on what arrangement is in the best interests of the child. Judges may consider a variety of factors, including:

• Each parent’s proposed parenting plan

• The child’s emotional and physical needs now and in the future

• The child’s relationship with each parent

• Each parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable, and supportive home

• Which parent is more likely to encourage a positive relationship between the child and the other parent

• Any history of family violence, abuse, or neglect

• The child’s wishes, when the child is age 12 or older (and sometimes younger, at the court’s discretion)

• The stability of each parent’s household and daily routine

Texas law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender or financial status.

Conservatorship in Texas

Instead of using the terms legal custody and physical custody, Texas uses the concept of conservatorship.

Managing Conservatorship

Managing conservatorship refers to a parent’s rights and duties to make important decisions for the child, including education, medical care, and general welfare.

• Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC): Both parents share decision-making rights, though one parent may have the exclusive right to determine the child’s primary residence

• Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC): One parent has the exclusive right to make most major decisions for the child

Possessory Conservator

The 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 schedule.

Parenting Time and Possession Schedules

Texas courts often rely on a Standard Possession Order (SPO) or a modified possession schedule to govern parenting time. These schedules outline when each parent has possession of the child, including weekends, holidays, and extended summer periods.

Courts may deviate from a standard schedule when the child’s age, special needs, distance between parents’ homes, or other circumstances warrant a different arrangement.

Custody Matters Involving Unmarried Parents

When a child is born to unmarried parents in Texas, the mother typically has custody unless a court orders otherwise. A father must establish legal paternity before seeking conservatorship or parenting time. Once paternity is established, either parent may request custody and possession orders.

Family Violence and Child Safety

Texas courts must consider any evidence of family violence or abuse when making custody determinations. If safety concerns exist, the court may restrict parenting time, require supervised visitation, or impose other protective conditions to ensure the child’s safety.

Modifying a Child Custody Order

Custody and possession orders may be modified if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the prior order and the requested modification would be in the child’s best interests. Modifications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Child Custody Cases in Houston and Harris County

Families in Houston address child custody matters under Texas family law through the courts serving Harris County. Parents are often required to submit a parenting plan, and mediation is commonly encouraged or required before a case proceeds to trial. The court’s primary focus remains on establishing arrangements that support the child’s long-term stability, safety, and well-being.

Contact Houston, Texas Child Custody Lawyers in Harris County to Schedule a Consultation Today

Harris County (Houston), Texas Office (346-466-4901) | 3200 Wilcrest Dr., Suite 110, Houston, Texas 77042