Child Custody Services

Navigate child custody decisions with confidence and support to Ensure Your Child's Best Interests

In the landscape of family law, few matters bear the weight of child custody decisions. The outcome shapes futures, impacts well-being, and redefines family dynamics. At Dishongh Law, we navigate these sensitive waters with a single guiding star: the best interests of your child.

Our commitment is unwavering—to protect, to advocate, and to support. We blend legal rigor with compassionate counsel, ensuring that your voice is heard and your child’s future is safeguarded. Trust in our experience to guide you through this pivotal chapter with care, dignity, and respect.

Understanding Child Custody

Child custody is more than a legal term—it’s the foundation of your child’s stability and growth post-divorce or separation. At Dishongh Law, we demystify the types and nuances of custody:

Legal Custody: This determines who makes crucial decisions about your child’s education, healthcare, and welfare. We advocate for your rightful role in shaping these vital aspects of their life.
Physical Custody: Where your child calls home affects their daily life and routine. We strive to secure an arrangement that maintains their comfort and continuity.
Joint vs. Sole Custody: Balancing shared parenting with the need for a stable primary home, we help craft agreements that serve the best interest of your child, while respecting your parental rights.

Courts weigh multiple factors, from parenting capabilities to the child’s own wishes. Dishongh Law stands with you, presenting a clear, compelling case for the custody structure that best supports your child’s thriving future.

Our Child Custody Services Include:

At Dishongh Law, we offer a robust suite of child custody services, each designed to address the unique needs of your family:

Custody Dispute Representation: With a blend of tenacity and sensitivity, we represent your interests in custody disputes, always with a focus on what’s best for your child.
Mediation Assistance: We facilitate constructive dialogue, helping you and the other parent reach amicable agreements that stand the test of time.
Custody Order Modification: Life changes, and so can custody arrangements. Whether it’s a job relocation or a change in living circumstances, we’re here to help modify orders to fit your new reality.
Enforcement of Custody Rights: When custody agreements are not honored, we step in to enforce your rights, ensuring that your time with your child is protected.
Parental Relocation: Moving with a child isn’t simple. We provide clear guidance through the legalities, balancing the needs of the child with your right to move forward in life.
Paternity Issues: Establishing paternity can be pivotal in custody cases. We assist in navigating this process to protect your rights and responsibilities as a parent.

In every service, Dishongh Law combines legal experience with a compassionate approach, ensuring that your child’s well-being is the priority every step of the way.

Our Approach to Child Custody

At the heart of every child custody case is a family seeking stability and happiness. Dishongh Law’s approach is crafted around that core truth:

Child-Centered Strategy: Every decision, every recommendation, we make is with your child’s emotional and developmental well-being in mind.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: We encourage solutions that promote cooperation and minimize conflict, for the sake of all involved—especially the children.
Fierce Advocacy When Needed: If negotiations stall, we’re prepared to assert your rights with vigorous representation in court, always with the child’s best interests at the forefront.
Support Beyond the Verdict: We understand that the end of a case isn’t the end of the journey. We’re here to support you as you transition into the new custody arrangement.

With Dishongh Law, you gain more than legal representation; you gain a partner who is deeply invested in the future of your family.

Texas Child Custody: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sole Custody?

Sole custody is a legal arrangement where one parent is granted both physical and legal custody of a child. This means that the child lives primarily with that parent, who is responsible for making all major decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious instruction. The non-custodial parent may still have visitation rights, but they do not have the authority to make decisions about the child’s life.

What is Joint Custody?

Joint custody is a legal arrangement where both parents share the responsibilities and decision-making authority for their child. There are two types of joint custody: joint legal custody and joint physical custody. Joint legal custody means both parents share the right to make important decisions about the child’s life, while joint physical custody means the child spends significant time living with both parents. This arrangement encourages both parents to remain actively involved in their child’s life.

What is a Custody Schedule

A custody schedule is a detailed plan that outlines when the child will be with each parent. It specifies the days, times, and locations for transferring the child between parents, including regular weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school vacations. The schedule aims to ensure stability and consistency for the child while accommodating the parents’ availability and commitments. It can be customized to fit the unique needs and circumstances of the family.

Can I Make Changes To My Child Custody Agreement?

Yes, changes to a child custody agreement can be made, but they typically require a formal process. If both parents agree to the changes, they can submit a revised agreement to the court for approval. If there is no mutual agreement, a parent must file a petition to modify the custody arrangement, demonstrating that there has been a significant change in circumstances that justifies the modification. The court will then review the request and decide based on the best interests of the child.

In Texas, Can Parents Refuse To Allow Visitation?

In Texas, parents cannot refuse to allow court-ordered visitation without a valid reason. If a parent believes that visitation is not in the child’s best interest, they must seek a modification of the visitation order through the court. Refusing visitation without a court order can result in legal consequences, including contempt of court charges. If there are concerns about the child’s safety during visitation, it is essential to address these issues through legal channels rather than unilaterally denying visitation.

Do Grandparents Have Custody Rights In Texas?

In Texas, grandparents can seek custody or visitation rights under certain circumstances. They must demonstrate that the child’s current living situation with the parents is detrimental to the child’s well-being or that the parents are unfit. Additionally, grandparents may seek custody if the parents are deceased, incarcerated, or otherwise unable to care for the child. The court will consider the best interests of the child when determining whether to grant custody or visitation rights to grandparents.

How Is Custody Determined In Texas?

Custody in Texas is determined based on the best interests of the child. The court considers various factors, including the child’s emotional and physical needs, the stability of each parent’s home environment, each parent’s ability to care for the child, and the child’s relationship with each parent. The court also evaluates any history of family violence, substance abuse, or neglect. The goal is to create a custody arrangement that supports the child’s health, safety, and overall well-being.

How Does Texas Law Determine An Unfit Parent?

Texas law determines an unfit parent based on their ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for the child. Factors that may indicate a parent is unfit include a history of abuse or neglect, substance abuse issues, mental health problems, criminal behavior, or a pattern of irresponsible or harmful behavior. The court may also consider the parent’s ability to meet the child’s basic needs, such as providing food, shelter, education, and medical care. The determination of unfitness is made with the child’s best interests as the primary concern.

What Age Can A Child Decide Which Parent To Live With?

In Texas, there is no specific age at which a child can unilaterally decide which parent to live with. However, once a child reaches the age of 12, the court may consider the child’s preference as one of many factors in making a custody determination. The judge will evaluate the child’s maturity, reasoning behind their preference, and overall best interests before making a final decision. The child’s preference is not the sole determining factor but can influence the court’s decision.

How Can I Get Custody Of A Child In Another State?

To get custody of a child in another state, you typically need to follow the legal process outlined in the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). This law helps determine which state has jurisdiction over the custody case. Generally, the child’s home state (where the child has lived for the past six months) has jurisdiction. You may need to file a custody petition in the child’s home state and demonstrate that granting you custody is in the child’s best interests. It’s advisable to consult with a family law attorney experienced in interstate custody matters to navigate the process effectively.

Disclaimer

The information provided in these FAQs is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Custody laws and regulations vary by state and individual circumstances. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified family law attorney.

Why Choose Dishongh Law?

In the delicate arena of child custody, the right legal team can make all the difference. Here’s why families trust Dishongh Law:

Proven Experience: Our attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge and a history of success to your child custody case, ensuring you’re in capable hands.
Child-Focused Representation: We prioritize your child’s needs and well-being, crafting strategies that reflect the best outcome for their future.
Empathetic Support: We understand the emotional challenges you face. Our team provides support that’s both compassionate and constructive, every step of the way.
Clear Communication: You’ll never be left in the dark. We keep you informed with straightforward, jargon-free updates throughout your case.
Dedicated Advocacy: Whether in mediation or the courtroom, we advocate for your parental rights with unwavering dedication and a keen understanding of family law.
Holistic Approach: We look at the bigger picture, considering all aspects of your family’s circumstances to achieve a resolution that fits your life.

For a child custody experience grounded in care, experience, and a commitment to your family’s best interests, choose Dishongh Law.

Advocate For Your Child’s Future

In the pivotal moments of a child custody case, your choice of advocate defines the future. Choose Dishongh Law, where we champion your child’s well-being with a blend of compassion and legal excellence.

Make Your Move: Contact us now. With Dishongh Law, you’re not just fighting for custody; you’re building the foundation for your child’s thriving future.

Secure Their Tomorrow, Today: Let’s work together to create a custody arrangement that reflects the best of what you want for your child. Reach out to Dishongh Law and take the first step towards a resolution crafted with heart and legal precision.