An Ally In All Your Family Law Matters

Dallas-Fort Worth Child Custody Lawyers Serving Collin, Tarrant, & Rockwall Counties

Here at the Shemesh Family Law, one of our main focuses is representing and advocating for our clients to be an active part of their children’s lives during a child custody suit. Our Dallas-Fort Worth child custody attorneys understand the kind of impact and emotional stress that child custody decisions can have on families. Custody battles often become contentious and we make sure that the well-being of your children is always our top priority. We provide strong, steady, compassionate support as we guide you through the legal process.

Our Dallas-Fort Worth child custody lawyers serves clients from throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, including residents of Dallas County, Collin County, Tarrant County, Rockwall County, Denton County and Hunt County. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation.

Guidance Through All Aspects Of Child Custody

Child custody cases involve a range of issues that can affect the final arrangement. Our deep knowledge and experience allow us to take on the entire scope of issues surrounding child custody, including:

Determining legal and physical custody
Drafting and modifying parenting plans
Grandparents’ rights
Custody for same-sex parents
Establishing paternity
Parental relocation

Our child custody lawyers understand that every custody dispute is unique and we tailor our services to meet each client’s specific needs.

Factors Considered In Determining Child Custody In Texas

Ideally, parents are able to work together to create a parenting plan. When parents are unable to come to an agreement, each parent must present their argument and it is up to the court to decide on final arrangements. The best interests of the child are always the primary consideration when the court makes a decision.

Texas courts do not favor the mother over the father but consider other factors, such as:

The relationships between each parent and the child(ren)
The health of each parent
The health of each child
Any history of abuse
Each parent’s financial situation
The housing situation for each parent and the distance between their homes

The most common kind of agreement features a primary (possession more than 50% of the time) and nonprimary custody parent. The Texas Family Code has a Standard Possession Schedule that entitles the nonprimary custody parent to have the children on the first, third and fifth weekends of every month, as well as 30 days of extended summer possession. It is rare for the court to grant sole custody to a parent, but it can happen in certain situations, such as a history of child abuse or health issues.

How Does The Child Custody Process Work In Texas?

Child custody disputes are often contentious and filled with strong emotions. But, you can successfully persevere through this process by understanding what steps you need to take to protect your custody rights. The first objective you should accomplish is finding a Dallas-Fort Worth child custody attorney to guide you through the process. Moreover, an child custody attorney can help you make sure that you file your petition with the appropriate court.

After you determine which court has jurisdiction, you will need to begin filling out the necessary forms. Your lawyer can help you locate the correct documents and guide you as you complete them. Once these forms have been completed, you will then file your petition with the court.

Next, to inform your spouse that you have submitted a petition, you will need to serve them. You can serve your spouse by hiring a private process server, sending the petition and summons by certified mail if applicable, or through a waiver of service.

After serving your spouse, you will need to attend mediation before the court will hear your custody case. The courts require mediation in hopes that you and your spouses will be able to find common ground and mutually agree upon a custody plan. No matter how possible you believe that, be sure to collect evidence such as school records, medical records and proof that you are an involved parent. Having evidence to back up your side of the case can significantly increase your chances of earning custody.

If a custody plan is not able to be produced during the mediation process, then a court hearing will be scheduled. You will have the opportunity to present your side of the case and back your claims up with the evidence you provided to the court.

Once the hearing has concluded, the judge will hand down a final custody ruling. Be sure to adhere to every aspect of the custody plan otherwise, you could potentially have your custody rights rescinded or your parenting time reduced. Finally, you can always petition the court for a modification if significant changes occur that impact the current parenting schedule.

Understanding Child Custody: Definition, Purpose, and How Custody is Determined

When it comes to family law, one of the most important and emotionally charged matters that families face is child custody. At Shemesh Family Law, we understand the weight that these decisions carry, and our Dallas County child custody attorneys are committed to helping Texas families navigate the legal complexities of child custody.

What is Child Custody?

Child custody refers to the legal arrangement for the care and control of a child following a separation or divorce. It determines who will make major decisions about the child’s life (legal custody) and where the child will live (physical custody). Custody arrangements are designed to prioritize the best interests of the child and ensure their well-being.

Purpose of Child Custody

The primary goal of child custody proceedings is to ensure the child’s safety, stability, and emotional health. Texas family courts aim to create custody arrangements that provide both parents with meaningful involvement in their child’s life, while also minimizing any potential harm or disruption to the child’s routine.

Child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests, which may include several factors such as the child’s age, needs, the relationship with each parent, and the parents’ ability to cooperate in raising the child.

Legal vs. Physical Custody

Understanding the difference between legal and physical custody is crucial for parents involved in a custody dispute.

1. Legal Custody

Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including decisions about education, healthcare, and religious training. In Texas, both parents can share legal custody (joint legal custody), or one parent may have sole legal custody. Joint legal custody means both parents work together to make decisions, while sole legal custody gives one parent the exclusive right to make those decisions.

2. Physical Custody

Physical custody refers to where the child lives on a day-to-day basis. It addresses the practical arrangement of who will provide the child’s daily care. In Texas, physical custody is often split into two categories: primary custody and visitation.

Primary Physical Custody: One parent is designated as the primary custodian, and the child will primarily live with them.
Visitation (Possession and Access): The non-custodial parent is typically granted visitation rights to spend time with the child. The visitation schedule can be structured in many ways, from regular weekends to holidays and extended breaks, depending on the circumstances and what is best for the child.

Determining Custody in Texas

When determining child custody, the court in Texas considers various factors to ensure that the arrangement is in the best interests of the child. Some of the key considerations include:

The child’s preferences: If the child is old enough to express a preference, the court may consider the child’s wishes, though the child’s opinion is not the sole determining factor.
The physical and emotional needs of the child: This includes the child’s emotional and physical health, as well as their stability. If one parent can provide more stability or meet the child’s needs better, that can influence the custody decision.
The parents’ ability to co-parent: The court will look at how well parents can cooperate and communicate about decisions for their child. A history of conflict or inability to work together can affect custody arrangements.
The child’s relationship with each parent: The court looks at the child’s relationship with each parent and which parent is more likely to encourage a positive relationship with the other parent.
Any history of abuse or neglect: The court will prioritize the child’s safety and will not award custody to a parent who has been abusive or neglectful.

Experienced Child Custody Guidance for Texas Families

Child custody arrangements are never one-size-fits-all. Every family’s situation is unique, and it’s important to work with a Dallas-Fort worth child custody lawyer who can help you understand your rights and advocate for the best interests of your child. At Shemesh Family Law, our child custody lawyers have extensive experience guiding Texas families through the complexities of child custody issues. Whether you are seeking custody or negotiating a visitation agreement, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you need assistance navigating your child custody case, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Dallas-Fort Worth custody lawyers. Let’s work together to create the best possible future for you and your child.

Contact Information & Next Steps for Child-Related Legal Issues

If you’re dealing with child-related legal matters, it’s important to have the right legal representation by your side. At Shemesh Family Law, we understand the emotional and practical complexities involved in child custody, visitation, and child support issues. Our team is dedicated to helping Texas families navigate these challenges and ensure that the best interests of your child are always the top priority.

How to Schedule a Consultation

Scheduling a consultation with one of our experienced family law attorneys is the first step toward resolving your child-related legal concerns. Here’s how you can get started:

Call Us: You can reach Shemesh Family Law by phone at CALL.
Contact Form: You can fill out the contact form with your information and a brief description of your legal needs. Our team will get in touch with you promptly to schedule a consultation.
Email: If you prefer email, you can send us a message to Amber Shemesh with any questions or to request an appointment.

Our team is ready to help you understand your options and work toward a solution that serves your child’s best interests.

What to Expect During Your First Meeting

During your first meeting, we’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and provide a roadmap for the next steps. Here’s what you can expect:

Initial Consultation: The first meeting will focus on understanding your situation in detail. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your child-related issues, such as custody, visitation, or support, and provide any relevant documentation. Our attorney will listen to your goals and explain the legal process in clear, easy-to-understand terms.
Review of Your Case: After learning about your circumstances, we will provide a thorough review of your case and discuss your legal options. We’ll help you understand your rights, potential outcomes, and the steps involved in moving forward.
Strategy Discussion: Based on the information you provide, we’ll discuss potential strategies for resolving your case. If appropriate, we may recommend mediation, negotiation, or, if necessary, litigation. Our goal is always to find the best solution for you and your child.
Legal Fees and Next Steps: At this meeting, we’ll also go over our fee structure and provide a transparent explanation of costs. We believe in being upfront and clear about legal fees so that you can make informed decisions moving forward. We will discuss the next steps, whether that’s preparing legal documents, filing petitions, or initiating a negotiation process.

Final Thoughts on Child Custody

At Shemesh Family Law, our DFW child custody lawyers are committed to supporting you through every step of the legal process. Whether you’re seeking guidance on a custody arrangement, negotiating visitation, or addressing child support issues, we’re here to provide compassionate, expert legal representation.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule your consultation today. Let our custody attorneys help you navigate this challenging time with confidence, ensuring the best outcome for you and your child.

Contact The Dallas-Fort Worth Child Custody Lawyers At The Law Offices of Amber Shemesh, P.C.

If you are involved in a child custody dispute, our Dallas-Fort Worth lawyers can help. To schedule a consultation, call our Dallas office at 214-432-2501. You can also reach us using our online contact form. We offer a 30-minute consultation for new clients. Serving clients throughout the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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