No. Texas law does not give preference to either parent based on gender. Custody decisions are based on the child’s best interest.
Child custody can feel overwhelming, especially when you are worried about how a court decision will affect your relationship with your child. In Texas, child custody cases follow the Texas Family Code, which is why the courts must always follow the best interest of the child when making decisions for child custody (Tex. Fam. Code 153.002).
All of this can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. If you are looking for a child custody lawyer in Round Rock, The Carlson Law Firm can help. Our compassionate team will help you take the next steps to understanding your rights and building a path forward for your family.
We are experienced in many family law matters in Williamson County, especially child custody. When you need a family law attorney, call The Carlson Law Firm today. Our team stays updated with recent Texas adoption laws so that we can explain the essential information of child adoption in Round Rock. Trust our family law attorneys to support your adoption case when you contact us.
If you are searching online for family law near me, you may have noticed that Texas uses different terminology than other states. Instead of “custody,” some of the terms you might see are:
It is important to understand terms like this to help clarify what the court will focus on during your case. Under Texas law, the judge will base all possession and conservatorship decisions on the best interest of the child.
This includes the child’s relationship with each parent, safety concerns, the child’s emotional and physical needs, and each parent’s ability to provide the child with a stable environment.
Our child custody lawyers in Round Rock guide parents through the entire process so they can make informed decisions at every stage of their case. We can help, and we do care, so reach out to our family law team today.
The Texas equivalent of joint legal custody is joint managing conservatorship, or JMC. Texas courts often presume that naming both parents as joint managing conservators supports the child’s best interest in custody cases (Tex. Fam. Code 153.131).
In a joint managing conservatorship arrangement, parents share rights related to medical care, education and other major decisions. Parenting time does not have to be split fifty-fifty. One parent could be given the right to determine the child’s primary residence.
One of the biggest misunderstandings with joint managing conservatorship is that is does not guarantee equal time. The court can divide decision-making rights in multiple ways, and parenting schedules can vary based on the child’s age, needs and safety.
It is important to have a parenting plan in place to outline each parent’s rights, duties and possession schedule. A structured plan can reduce conflict and give the child stability. Texas offers guidelines for a Standard Possession Order as a starting point for families (Tex. Fam. Code 153, subchapter E and F). This outlines:
The schedule can change depending on whether the parents live within fifty miles of each other or farther apart. Some families set an arrangement outside the standard schedule.
Custom plans can be useful if parents have shift-based jobs, long-distance travel is involved, parental communication is difficult, or the child has developmental or medical needs.
A Round Rock custody lawyer can help both parents explore standard and custom scheduling options. The Carlson Law Firm is here to help build a plan that supports the child’s well-being.
In some family law cases, safety can be a real concern. If a child or parent faces immediate risk, Texas courts are authorized to issue temporary orders that address possession, child custody, and access on a short-term basis.
Many clients search for information about restraining orders, but Texas has different terms that have different effects:
If you are considering any of these orders, speaking with a family law attorney in Round Rock can help you understand the requirements and the legal process to expect. If domestic violence can be proven, it can significantly affect custody decisions by the court.
The court understands that life changes, and sometimes child agreements need to change with it. Texas law allows modification of conservatorship, possession, and support orders when a material and substantial change has occurred (Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 156). Some reasons parents seek modification include:
Judges review modification requests thoroughly to make sure they align with the best interest of the child. A child custody lawyer in Round Rock can help parents file properly and prepare for the hearing process.
In accordance with Texas Family Code Chapter 152, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) determines which state has the authority to make custody decisions in the matter of relocation and cross-state moves.
This is especially important for military families, because deployments or frequent relocations can create additional challenges in child custody cases. A military divorce lawyer at The Carlson Law Firm can explain how the UCCJEA can apply to your case.
There are many factors that can affect child support, and it can leave parents stressed about financial stability or payment calculations. Texas applies percentage guidelines based on the parent’s net resources and the number of children on a case. Courts can consider:
There are cases where the court may order an amount outside of the guideline range of child support if the standard calculation would not meet the child’s needs. Parents can request changes to a child support order if circumstances change. Some of the common reasons are:
A child support lawyer can review your situation and help you understand your options. Whether you are filing for child support or requesting a change, you can trust The Carlson Law Firm.
No. Texas law does not give preference to either parent based on gender. Custody decisions are based on the child’s best interest.
No. Even in joint conservatorship, time may be divided in different ways depending on the best interest of the child, the child's needs and the circumstances of each home.
Children do not choose, but at age 12 or older, a judge may consider the child’s stated preference.
You may file an enforcement action. Documentation is important, and a lawyer can help you understand the process.
Yes. A modification requires filing a new petition and demonstrating that a material and substantial change has occurred.
Our family law practice handles a wide range of child custody cases, including:
There is nothing closer to home than family law, so you deserve someone you can trust in Williamson County. When you search for the best family lawyer near me, you want someone who understands Texas law and the local courts.
The Carlson Law Firm knows the procedures and practices that Round Rock courts follow. Our familiarity with local mediators and courts can benefit parents who may feel uncertain about what to expect.
Whether you need help with child support or you are facing a custody dispute, understanding your legal options under Texas law is important. Our family law team provides guidance rooted in the Texas Family Code and focuses on compassion to help parents during difficult times.
The Carlson Law Firm is here to help parents make informed decisions for the child custody case. Reach out now to schedule a consultation with a family law attorney that cares.
With over a dozen locations throughout Texas, there’s a Carlson Law Firm near you. We have law offices located in Killeen, Temple, Waco, Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio, Kerrville, Laredo, Bryan, Lubbock, Midland, Baytown, San Angelo and Corpus Christi.