Denton Child Custody Attorney

Denton County Child Custody Lawyer Serving Denton

Parents want what's best for their children, ensuring they grow up in a stable environment with strong familial relationships. That is why determining child custody can be challenging. Many questions can arise in these types of matters: Who will the child live with? How often will the child see their parents? What if unforeseen life circumstances arise that affect parenting time? Because there is much to consider, if you're going through a child custody case, it's beneficial to discuss your situation with a lawyer. Receiving sound advice and guidance can help you make informed decisions focused on the best interests of you and your child.

At Magaña & Van Dyke, our lawyers provide compassionate legal help for child custody matters and other family law cases in Denton and the surrounding areas. We have over 20 years of combined legal experience, and we know the laws and processes you must go through to seek a fair arrangement. Committed to providing personalized attention and caring guidance, we will discuss the different types of custody in Texas and what pursuing each means for you and your family. Additionally, we will help you understand your legal options and obligations.

To schedule a free consultation with a Denton child custody lawyer, call us at 940-382-1976 or contact us online today.

Types of Child Custody in Texas

Referred to in the Texas Family Code as conservatorship, child custody refers to the rights parents have regarding decisions concerning their child or children.

Parents with custody of their child can determine things such as:

• Where the child goes to school
• Where the child lives
• What types of medical procedures or treatment the child receives
• What religion the child practices
• What daily physical care the child receives

In Texas, child custody can be sole or joint. Sole custody means that one parent holds decision-making rights. In contrast, joint custody means that the parents share responsibility for making these decisions.

If parents are granted joint custody, that does not mean they split parenting time with their children – the children won't necessarily live 50% with one parent and 50% with the other. Custody refers only to the rights that each parent has concerning decisions related to their child's (or children's) well-being.

The rights parents have concerning time spent with their children is referred to as visitation or possession and access. If parents can agree on matters related to possession and access, they can develop an acceptable visitation arrangement together, and a judge will sign off on it as long as it's in the best interests of the child (or children). However, if the parents cannot decide on their own, the judge will establish visitation arrangements for them.

At Magaña & Van Dyke, our Denton child custody attorneys can help make informed decisions about the type of custody to seek and about developing a visitation plan to work with your family's unique needs.

Factors Considered When Determining Child Custody in Texas

In child custody matters, the court works to ensure that the child (or children) has a stable home environment and reasonable access to both parents to help maintain balanced relationships. When determining parental rights, the judge will do what is in the best interests of the child.

Several factors will be considered when deciding on custody, such as:

• The child's (or children's) physical, mental, and emotional needs
• The parents' fitness to care for the child (or children)
• The parents' ability to encourage a relationship between the child (or children) and the other parent
• The parents' contribution to raising the child (or children) before the separation
• The geographic location of each parent's home
• The child's (or children's) preferences (applies to children 12 years of age or older)

Contact Our Denton County Child Custody Lawyers

Our Denton child custody lawyers understand the difficulties of custody matters, and we are here to help you navigate the process. From drafting documents to preparing for a hearing, our team will deliver the top-quality representation you need. We will provide sincere advocacy for you in and out of court to seek an optimal solution for your case.

To speak with us about your situation, contact us at 940-382-1976 and schedule a complimentary consultation.