Protecting Your Rights and Your Children´s Interests
For many parents, the most difficult aspect of the divorce process is uncertainty about how divorce will impact their relationships with their children. This can be especially difficult when a child´s parents do not see eye to eye on the issue of child custody and visitation arrangements.
At Schachter Harris, LLP, our Irving child custody lawyers represent clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area in negotiations and litigation over custody and visitation issues. We can help you understand your options and pursue the appropriate outcome for your children.
Understanding Texas Child Custody Laws
Under the Texas statutes governing parental rights, what most people refer to as custody is known as conservatorship. In a divorce or paternity case, the parties and the courts have two main options for dividing up custody and visitation, as follows:
- Shared custody: Legally known as joint managing conservatorship, shared custody is regarded by the Texas legislature as the preferred arrangement in most divorce cases. Shared custody agreements, also known as parenting plans, detail how much time the child will spend with each parent as well as each parent´s rights and responsibilities.
- Sole custody: In some cases, if a court determines that it is in the best interests of the child, one parent can be granted sole custody, legally known as sole managing conservatorship. The other parent may or may not be granted visitation rights and may be appointed as what is legally known as a possessory conservator, which typically has more limited custody rights.
Most parents would prefer to avoid contentious child custody litigation unless it is absolutely necessary. Our experienced trial lawyers are prepared to protect your parental rights in court, but we are also experienced at pursuing settlements through alternative dispute resolution.
Call a Southlake Child Visitation Attorney Toll Free at 877.900.9458
Our offices are conveniently located in Las Colinas (North Irving), with free parking. Initial consultations with our attorneys are generally free of charge. If you need help with a child custody and visitation matter, call us toll free at 877.900.9458 or e-mail us to schedule a meeting.
