Houston Child Custody Lawyer
Child Custody Attorneys Serving Parents in Harris County, TX. Hablamos Español.
Child custody can be one of the most contested issues between parents going through a divorce and unmarried parents. This issue can deeply affect children as well as parents, creating conflict for years to come that can be emotionally damaging to everyone.
Even when you as a parent try to do your best to avoid disputes and animosity, disagreements can arise that evoke strong reactions that can cloud your judgment and rational thinking.
At The Mora Law Firm P.L.L.C., our experienced Houston child custody lawyer is dedicated to helping you reach a child custody arrangement that is right for your family and, above all, serves the best interests of the child.
Our child custody attorney in Houston, Texas, will review all of the facts and circumstances of your case to create a customized strategy to present to the court that protects your parental rights while caring for the welfare and well-being of the child. Furthermore, she will help you negotiate custody arrangements outside of court so that you control the parenting plan instead of a judge who knows little about you and your family dynamics.
Should that fail, however, she will be your dedicated advocate before the judge in all custody hearings.
Contact The Mora Law Firm online or call us at (832) 346-6330 today for a consultation, and let our Houston child custody lawyer help you secure the best possible outcome for your family.
Child Custody in Texas
Child custody is outlined under Texas Family Code which states the public policy under which family courts operate.
This policy states that custody is to:
- “assure that children will have frequent and continuing contact with parents who have shown the ability to act in the best interest of the child;
- provide a safe, stable, and nonviolent environment for the child; and
- encourage parents to share in the rights and duties of raising their child after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage.”
Texas courts do not discriminate against parents based on their sex or marital status in custody cases. Child custody is referred to as the “conservatorship” of children and is awarded on a sole or joint basis.
Understanding Child Custody Modifications
Life is full of changes, and sometimes those changes necessitate a reevaluation of child custody arrangements. Whether it’s a change in employment, relocation, or a shift in the child’s needs, understanding how to modify custody agreements is crucial. At The Mora Law Firm, we specialize in guiding parents through the modification process to ensure that the best interests of the child remain the priority.
Here are some key points to consider when contemplating a custody modification:
- Substantial Change in Circumstances: Courts typically require a significant change in circumstances to justify a modification. This can include changes in income, health, or living conditions.
- Best Interests of the Child: Any modification must demonstrate that it serves the best interests of the child. Our experienced attorneys will help you build a compelling case.
- Legal Process: Modifying a custody agreement involves filing a petition and potentially going to court. We will guide you through every step of this process, ensuring you understand your rights and responsibilities.
- Mediation Options: In many cases, mediation can be a less adversarial way to resolve custody disputes. We can facilitate discussions to reach an amicable agreement.
- Documentation: Proper documentation is vital for any modification request. We will assist you in gathering the necessary evidence to support your case.
Don’t navigate the complexities of child custody modifications alone.
Why Choose The Mora Law Firm for Your Child Custody Case?
When it comes to child custody matters, having the right legal representation can make all the difference. At The Mora Law Firm, we understand that each family situation is unique and requires a tailored approach. Here’s why our firm stands out in Houston:
- Personalized Attention: We prioritize your case and provide individualized support, ensuring that your concerns and goals are at the forefront of our strategy.
- Experienced Legal Team: Our attorneys have extensive experience in Texas family law, specifically in child custody cases, allowing us to navigate the complexities of the legal system effectively.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We recognize the emotional toll custody disputes can take. Our team is committed to advocating for your rights while providing empathetic support throughout the process.
- Proven Track Record: With numerous successful outcomes for our clients, we have built a reputation for excellence in child custody law. Our results speak for themselves.
- Multilingual Services: We proudly offer services in both English and Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier to accessing quality legal representation.
Choosing The Mora Law Firm means choosing a partner who will fight for your family’s best interests.
Discuss your case with our Houston child custody attorney in a confidential case evaluation. Contact The Mora Law Firm P.L.L.C. online or by phone at (832) 346-6330 to get started.
Work with an Experienced Houston Child Custody Attorney
You and your co-parent can create your own custody plan outside of court in Texas. Attorney Mora can help you negotiate this with the other parent and his/her lawyer. Once an agreement is reached, it can then be presented to the Texas judge for approval.
Do You Need an Attorney for Child Custody in Texas?
While having an attorney in a child custody case in Texas is not legally required, it's generally advisable. An attorney can help you guide the legal process and ensure that your rights and your child's best interests are protected.
Protecting Your Parental Rights
When it comes to child custody battles, it's crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced attorney on your side to protect your parental rights. Our Houston child custody lawyers understand the complexities of family law and are dedicated to advocating for the best interests of you and your children.
At The Mora Law Firm, we offer the following services to help you navigate the child custody process:
- Legal representation in child custody hearings
- Negotiation and mediation for amicable custody agreements
- Enforcement of custody and visitation orders
- Modification of existing custody arrangements
Our team is committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal support to guide you through this challenging time. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in protecting your parental rights.
Sole Managing Conservatorship in Texas
This type of conservatorship gives one parent the right to make legal decisions about the child’s life, such as those regarding residence, education, daycare, religion, healthcare, and other important matters. It is only awarded in cases where the other parent is considered to be a safety risk due to a history of domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse, child neglect, or other reasons. This parent may be given visitation rights on a restricted or supervised basis.
Joint Managing Conservatorship in Texas
This type of conservatorship gives both parents the right to make decisions and have physical access to the child through a parenting plan. These plans can share children on a 50/50 or another basis, depending on the circumstances.
Factors that determine how the parenting plan is arranged include but are not limited to:
- The proximity of households
- Parental work schedules
- Age of the child
- Many more
Generally, the parent with whom the child lives the most is considered the “primary conservator.” The other parent will have time spent with the child and will pay child support.
With any questions about conservatorships, give our knowledgeable child custody lawyer in Houston a call at (832) 346-6330 or contact us online today.
Texas Child Custody FAQ
What are the types of child custody in Texas?
In Texas, child custody is referred to as "conservatorship" and can be categorized into two types: joint managing conservatorship and sole managing conservatorship. Joint managing conservatorship allows both parents to share decision-making responsibilities, while sole managing conservatorship grants one parent the exclusive right to make critical decisions regarding the child's welfare.
How is child custody determined?
Child custody in Texas is determined based on the best interests of the child. Courts consider various factors, including the child's physical and emotional needs, the stability of each parent's home environment, the child's preferences (if they are of a certain age), and each parent's ability to provide for the child's well-being.
Can custody arrangements be modified?
Yes, custody arrangements can be modified in Texas if there has been a significant change in circumstances since the original order was established. This might include changes in a parent's living situation, employment status, or the child's needs. A family law attorney can help file a modification request and represent your case in court.
What factors do courts consider in custody cases?
Courts in Texas consider multiple factors when determining custody, such as the child's age, the relationship between the child and each parent, the parents' ability to cooperate and co-parent, any history of family violence or neglect, and the child's adjustment to home, school, and community.
At what age can a child choose which parent to live with in Texas?
In Texas, children can only officially choose which parent they want to live with once they turn 18. However, children who are 12 or older can express their preference in a child custody case.
Where you and the other parent cannot agree, the custody case will go before the court to be decided in a custody trial. Should this be necessary, you can count on our experienced child custody lawyer in Houston,
Family law attorney Mora to carefully prepare your case and present it to the court on your behalf. She has established a reputation as a skilled and tenacious advocate for her clients in the Texas family court system.
Can a father keep a child away from the mother in Texas?
In Texas, unmarried fathers have no parental rights despite signing the baby's birth certificate. As a result, they have no inherent right to access their children. Instead, the mother unilaterally decides when, and indeed if, visitation is possible.
Our Child Custody Attorney in Houston Can Help
With years of family law experience, our Houston child custody attorney at The Mora Law Firm PLLC is proud to serve the families of Harris County, Texas, and will he happy to fight for you and your child's best interest.
To speak to our experienced child custody lawyer serving Houston, contact us online or call (832) 346-6330 today to schedule a consultation. We are proud to serve the families of Harris County, Texas and the surrounding areas!
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Why Choose The Mora Law Firm?
Tenacious & Ethical Representation-
Relentless
We are dedicated to fighting for you with excellence, and we won't back down from a challenge.
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HonestYou can trust that we will be transparent with you, and we'll communicate clearly every step of the way.
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CompassionateWe strive to provide ethical, personalized service for every client; you're never just a number to us.
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Winning
We navigate your case with passion and skill, and our results show it.