Child Custody

Arlington Child Custody Attorneys

Providing Experienced Legal Representation When Families Need it Most

One of the most contentious divorce issues that couples may have to deal with is deciding on child custody matters. Parents do not want to feel as if they are being excluded from spending time with their children because their marriage is ending.

Hartley Law Group recognizes that both parents want to be a part of their child’s life and have a say in their upbringing. The Texas family court legal system can be emotionally challenging for parents who are already overwhelmed with divorce issues.

If you are going through a divorce or encountering problems post-divorce regarding child custody arrangements, you must hire a lawyer as your legal advocate.

Contact our Arlington, Texas, law office today to schedule a consultation with a qualified legal team member who will gladly discuss your legal needs and how we can help.

What are the Different Types of Custody Arrangements Available in Texas?

In Texas, joint conservatorship is generally the preferred arrangement. One parent is awarded primary or physical custody in this arrangement, and the child lives with them. The other parent is granted visitation and pays child support. Both parents have an equal say in how a child is raised, including making decisions regarding education, medical treatment, religious upbringing, and other important matters.

Other possible custody arrangements include:

  • Managing conservator with the exclusive right to designate the primary residence of the child. This is a halfway point between true joint conservatorship and sole conservatorship.
  • Sole conservatorship: Texas family courts will only decide to award sole conservatorship if it is in the child’s best interests. Under the terms of sole conservatorship, the custodial parent makes all critical decisions for the child, while the other parent is usually granted visitation.
  • Third-party conservatorship: The court may grant a third party custody if it determines that both parents are unfit, they are absent or deceased, or if the child has been in the care of a relative or guardian for at least six months.

What Factors are Considered in Deciding Child Custody Arrangements?

Texas courts always make child custody decisions based on what they believe is in a child’s best interests. Texas family courts tend to believe that a child benefits from having a solid relationship with both parents. If parents cannot agree on custody arrangements, the judge may decide which parent should have custody and which parent should be granted visitation.

Although the circumstances of each case are different, some of the most commonly considered factors include:

  • The willingness of each parent to be involved in their child’s life
  • Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home and financially provide for their child’s needs
  • The willingness of each parent to cooperate with the other
  • Whether either parent has a history of substance or child abuse or domestic violence
  • The ability of each parent to provide for their child’s emotional and physical needs
  • The child’s preference if it is determined they have the maturity to understand the gravity of their decision

If you have questions about how a judge decides child custody disputes, contact our Arlington law office and schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable attorneys, who will provide more information.

How Can an Attorney Help Me Resolve a Child Custody Matter?

If you are trying to resolve a child custody matter, you need an attorney to help you navigate the complexities of family law issues. Your legal representative will professionally evaluate your case to determine what legal options suit your needs and protect your child’s well-being.

An attorney can also provide legal advice and protect your rights if your case needs to be resolved through alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Parents meet with a neutral third-party mediator during ADR to resolve their differences without going to court.

Some of the other significant benefits of hiring an attorney to assist you with a child custody case include:

  • Draft and revise legal paperwork, including filing petitions, obtaining discovery documents, and preparing court filings
  • Provide legal representation should your case need to be heard in front of a judge by presenting a strong legal argument as to why you should be granted your desired custody arrangement
  • Provide legal guidance should the court order an evaluation before determining which parent should have custody
  • Craft a detailed parenting plan that provides guidelines regarding custody and visitation arrangements and how other important matters should be decided

What Makes Your Law Firm the Right Choice for My Legal Needs?

Hartley Law Group recognizes that parents love their children and only want what is best for them. Going through a divorce or trying to obtain custody can be one of the most challenging issues any parent can face.

One of the best choices you can make to safeguard your legal rights and your ability to be a part of your child’s life is to hire a family law attorney. Our child custody lawyers realize that you want to quickly resolve your legal issues so you can concentrate on spending time with your family. When you come to us for help, we will thoroughly evaluate your legal needs and create a legal customs strategy to protect you and your child.

Unlike other law firms that often tell clients what they want to hear, we never make promises we cannot keep. We will act as your legal advocate and negotiate an agreement that benefits all parties involved. Contact Hartley Law Group at our Arlington, TX, law offices by calling 805-639-0600 and ask to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney to review your legal options.