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Child Custody

Child Custody Lawyers Protect Your Parental Rights in Denton and Flower Mound

Experienced dispute management during and after divorce

If you are a parent, maintaining a loving relationship with your children is one of your highest priorities. So, when a custody dispute threatens to disrupt your access to your children and your authority over them, it’s important to consult a knowledgeable attorney with the skill and experience necessary to protect your rights. At Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant, LLP, our family law attorneys draw on extensive experience to deliver exceptional representation. Responding to the unique needs of your family, we pursue custody solutions that protect your parental rights and promote the best interests of your children.

Basics of Texas child custody law

Many states use the terms “legal custody” and “physical custody” to describe a parent’s rights where their children are concerned. In Texas, court-ordered child custody is formally called conservatorship of the child. Under the law, there are three types of child conservators:

  • Joint managing conservator — This describes an arrangement where parents share legal authority over the child, cooperating to make decisions that impact the child’s health and welfare. In many cases, each parent will also provide a part-time residence for the child.
  • Sole managing conservator — In this arrangement, only one parent has legal authority to make major decisions for the sake of the child and has sole possession of the child.
  • Possessory conservator — When one parent is named sole managing conservator, the other parent is generally named possessory conservator, unless contact with that parent would be contrary to the best interests of the child.

The court also issues a possession order, which details where the child lives. If the child lives with only one parent, the noncustodial parent is generally awarded visitation.

Our child custody attorneys help determine the best arrangement for you

Since 1995, the law has favored joint managing conservatorships allowing the child to spend nearly equal time with each parent. However, this arrangement is not feasible or beneficial for all families. An appropriate custody schedule or parenting plan takes into consideration many factors:

  • The ability and availability of each parent to act as a primary caretaker
  • The ability of each parent to provide an acceptable residence for the child
  • The importance of stability in the child’s life
  • A parent’s specialized knowledge of a child’s physical or emotional needs
  • Any history of domestic or sexual abuse

In many cases, it is possible to create a manageable parenting plan through negotiations or mediation. You can then present your parenting plan to the court for approval, and it becomes the basis for your possession order. However, if you have reason to believe that continuing contact with the other parent may be harmful to your child, it’s important to try the issue before a judge to obtain a restrictive order that protects your child.

Our family law attorneys are adept at designing parenting plans that fit the needs and lifestyles of our clients. But, whenever necessary, we can take your child custody issues to court and present your concerns in a compelling manner. Although no attorney can guarantee results, we are determined to do our utmost to protect your parental rights and your child’s welfare.

Contact our dedicated North Texas lawyers for your child custody dispute

Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant, LLP represents North Texas clients in child custody disputes. Call us at 940-230-2386 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We have four North Texas offices, located in Denton, Flower Mound, Gainesville and Celina.

  • "Absolute best in the business hands down! Don White is absolutely amazing wouldn’t ever consider using anyone else, we highly recommend this firm!" - Alyssa McKissaack

  • "The best! Richard has been my family’s attorney for 35 years. Integrity best describes Richard Hayes." - John Grafa

  • "From my first meeting with Mr. Berry and his staff, I was immediately relieved. The bankruptcy process was explained to me simply and objectively and I was made to feel at ease through the entire ordeal. I was especially impressed by his helpful and knowledgeable assistant, Jackie Cox. I would hope to be able to retain Byron Berry for any future needs." - Anonymous

  • "Great Firm with Great Lawyers! It was a great pleasure working with William and his team." - Collin R. Geis

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