Frisco Child Custody Attorneys
Trusted & Experienced Legal Counsel for Parents in Collin County & Denton County
Child custody cases are among the most important and complex family law matters. Parents who are separating, divorcing, or who have never been married to each other must establish a custody arrangement that outlines where their child will live and how decisions about their health, education, and well-being will be made.
At Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers, our Frisco child custody lawyers understand the stakes involved in these cases. We know how important your child is to you and how important it is to protect their best interests. Our attorneys are here to help you navigate the process and work to secure a resolution that allows you to maintain a healthy, loving relationship with your child.
If you need help with a child custody matter in Frisco or anywhere in Collin County, Denton County, or Tarrant County contact us online or call (940) 293-2313 to request a consultation.
What is Child Custody in Texas?
Child custody matters are referred to as “conservatorship” in Texas. The term “custody” is not used in the Texas Family Code, although it is commonly used to refer to conservatorship. Under Texas law, conservatorship is a legal arrangement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of parents and other adults regarding the care, custody, and control of a child.
Common types of child custody arrangements in Texas include:
- Sole Managing Conservatorship: This is akin to sole custody, where one parent has the exclusive right to make decisions regarding the child's upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religion. The other parent may still have visitation rights.
- Joint Managing Conservatorship: This is similar to joint custody, where both parents share the rights and duties of raising the child, including decision-making responsibilities. However, the child may primarily reside with one parent, while the other parent has visitation rights.
Possession and access (visitation) determine the schedule and frequency of time each parent spends with the child. The Texas Family Code outlines a standard possession order that provides guidelines for visitation schedules, including alternating weekends, holidays, and extended summer visitation.
How is Child Custody Determined in Texas?
When determining child custody, Texas courts consider the following factors:
- The child's wishes (if they are at least 12 years old)
- The child's physical, mental, and emotional needs
- Each parent's ability to meet the child's needs
- Each parent's involvement in the child's life
- The child's current and future physical and emotional environments
- Any history of domestic violence or child abuse
Texas courts begin with the presumption that both parents should be involved in the child's life. However, if there is evidence that one parent poses a danger to the child's well-being, the court will not award that parent with custody rights.
Additionally, Texas courts may consider the child's preference, but only if they are at least 12 years old. The court will then consider the child's wishes when making a custody determination, although the child's preference is not the only factor the court will consider.
Finally, it is important to note that the court's primary concern when making a child custody determination is the child's best interests. The court is not concerned with the parents' wishes or preferences and will not take them into account when making a custody decision.
How to Get Child Custody in Texas
The legal process of obtaining child custody in Texas typically involves several steps, whether it is part of a divorce proceeding or a separate custody case. Here is a general overview of the process:
- Filing a Petition: The process usually begins with one parent filing a petition for custody with the appropriate family court. This petition outlines the desired custody arrangement and may also include requests for child support, visitation, and other relevant matters.
- Notification and Response: After the petition is filed, the other parent is served with a copy of the petition and given an opportunity to respond. They may file a response with the Court, either agreeing to the proposed custody arrangement or contesting it and presenting their own proposal.
- Mediation (Optional): In many cases, the Court may require or encourage the parents to attend mediation to try to reach an agreement on custody and visitation outside of Court. A neutral mediator facilitates discussions between the parents and helps them work toward a mutually acceptable solution.
- Discovery: If the parents are unable to reach an agreement through mediation, the next step may involve the process of discovery. This involves gathering relevant information, such as financial records, employment history, and evidence related to the child's best interests, which may be used as evidence in Court.
- Temporary Orders: While the custody case is pending, either parent may request temporary orders from the Court to establish a custody and visitation arrangement on a temporary basis until a final decision is made. Temporary orders may also address issues like child support and financial responsibilities.
- Court Hearing: If the parents are unable to reach a resolution through mediation or negotiation, the case will proceed to a Court hearing. During the hearing, both parents will have the opportunity to present their arguments and evidence to the judge, who will then make a decision based on the best interests of the child.
- Final Orders: After considering the evidence presented at the hearing, the judge will issue final orders regarding custody, visitation, child support, and any other relevant matters. These orders are legally binding and enforceable, and both parents are required to comply with them.
Navigating the complexities of child custody disputes can be emotionally and legally challenging. At Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers, we understand the importance of protecting the best interests of your child while advocating for your parental rights.
Our experienced team is dedicated to providing compassionate guidance, strategic representation, and personalized solutions tailored to your unique circumstances. Let us support you through every step of the child custody process, working tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome for you and your family. Trust in our expertise to help you navigate this challenging time with confidence and assurance.
Contact us today at (940) 293-2313to discuss your case with our firm.
We have helped families just like yours through all types of divorce and family law-related matters. Find out how one of our Board-Certified Family Law Specialists can help you.
What is Child Custody in Texas?
Child custody matters are referred to as “conservatorship” in Texas. The term “custody” is not used in the Texas Family Code, although it is commonly used to refer to conservatorship. Under Texas law, conservatorship is a legal arrangement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of parents and other adults regarding the care, custody, and control of a child.
Common types of child custody arrangements in Texas include:
- Sole Managing Conservatorship: This is akin to sole custody, where one parent has the exclusive right to make decisions regarding the child's upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religion. The other parent may still have visitation rights.
- Joint Managing Conservatorship: This is similar to joint custody, where both parents share the rights and duties of raising the child, including decision-making responsibilities. However, the child may primarily reside with one parent, while the other parent has visitation rights.
Possession and access (visitation) determine the schedule and frequency of time each parent spends with the child. The Texas Family Code outlines a standard possession order that provides guidelines for visitation schedules, including alternating weekends, holidays, and extended summer visitation.
How is Child Custody Determined in Texas?
When determining child custody, Texas courts consider the following factors:
- The child's wishes (if they are at least 12 years old)
- The child's physical, mental, and emotional needs
- Each parent's ability to meet the child's needs
- Each parent's involvement in the child's life
- The child's current and future physical and emotional environments
- Any history of domestic violence or child abuse
Texas courts begin with the presumption that both parents should be involved in the child's life. However, if there is evidence that one parent poses a danger to the child's well-being, the court will not award that parent with custody rights.
Additionally, Texas courts may consider the child's preference, but only if they are at least 12 years old. The court will then consider the child's wishes when making a custody determination, although the child's preference is not the only factor the court will consider.
Finally, it is important to note that the court's primary concern when making a child custody determination is the child's best interests. The court is not concerned with the parents' wishes or preferences and will not take them into account when making a custody decision.
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My divorce was challenging. Jackie and Holly were compassionate, took the time to listen and guide me through the process. I highly recommend!- Anne
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- Tammy V.
It was a pleasure working with Attorney Sheba George. She was diligent and thorough with each detail on an update of a name change. You can count on her to get the job right.
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Mr. Pax did an excellent job with my divorce from the consult to final disposition. He made the process easier than I expected, since I was moving during the divorce process. He always had time to answer questions and set appropriate expectations. He and the staff worked around my sometimes odd schedule to get things done. I found everyone I interacted with to be friendly, professional and courteous. I would recommend them to anyone else needing a divorce attorney.- Patricia
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Malorie and Toya thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the time spent and hard work you put into getting my case resolved. I will never be able to put into words how thankful I was and still am to have had y'all by my side!! If you are looking for someone to represent you I highly recommend Malorie Crosley!! She is truly amazing.- Patrice C.
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Mr. Pax did an excellent job with my divorce from the consult to final disposition. He made the process easier than I expected, since I was moving during the divorce process. He always had time to answer questions and set appropriate expectations. He and the staff worked around my sometimes odd schedule to get things done. I found everyone I interacted with to be friendly, professional and courteous. I would recommend them to anyone else needing a divorce attorney.- Patricia
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Having Malorie by my side gave me the confidence and assurance I desperately needed during the most difficult and chaotic time in my life. She, and her team, were always available to thoroughly answer my constant questions, and in language I could understand. They always made me felt “seen” during the numerous times situations turned emotional, while at the same time, reassured by their calming expertise on a path forward. Time after time, that expertise was challenged, and without fail, was found to be correct. They proved to me that I could trust them to always tell me the correct, and up-to-date information on matters they are experts in, and just as importantly, when to seek different counsel on matters they are not. I truly cannot express how much I appreciate all Malorie and her team did for me. So, if you find yourself in a situation where you need someone to be your champion, please call them and see for yourself. I am so glad I did.- Russ
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I’ve consulted with Duane L. Coker, and the Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers team, on a couple occasions. The team there has always been exceptional and Duane’s advice spot on. Since my experience, I’ve referred several of my clients there for their family law matters and they’ve all reported that they’ve been well-served and that the customer service they’ve received from the staff has been top notch!- Mary
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I'm honestly not even sure where to start. I had previously dealt with 4 other attorneys in various matters regarding custody of my son over the last several years which cost me a good deal of money and left me very disillusioned, and then I found Anthony Pax at Coker, Robb, and Cannon. I was in the fight of my life and losing would have meant that my son would be going to live overseas with his mother. Anthony Pax and Holly Keen did an amazing job, and while I dont think I would necessarily use the word "happy" to describe my feelings, and I hope (albeit probably in vain) to never see the inside of a courtroom again, I wouldnt want anyone but Anthony on my side.- Shannon R.
Why Choose Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers?
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Video Consultations & Meetings Available
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Voted Best Family Law Firm & Best Law Firm in Denton County
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Working Hard to Achieve the Best Results Possible
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Deeply Committed to Listening & Helping You
How to Get Child Custody in Texas
The legal process of obtaining child custody in Texas typically involves several steps, whether it is part of a divorce proceeding or a separate custody case. Here is a general overview of the process:
- Filing a Petition: The process usually begins with one parent filing a petition for custody with the appropriate family court. This petition outlines the desired custody arrangement and may also include requests for child support, visitation, and other relevant matters.
- Notification and Response: After the petition is filed, the other parent is served with a copy of the petition and given an opportunity to respond. They may file a response with the Court, either agreeing to the proposed custody arrangement or contesting it and presenting their own proposal.
- Mediation (Optional): In many cases, the Court may require or encourage the parents to attend mediation to try to reach an agreement on custody and visitation outside of Court. A neutral mediator facilitates discussions between the parents and helps them work toward a mutually acceptable solution.
- Discovery: If the parents are unable to reach an agreement through mediation, the next step may involve the process of discovery. This involves gathering relevant information, such as financial records, employment history, and evidence related to the child's best interests, which may be used as evidence in Court.
- Temporary Orders: While the custody case is pending, either parent may request temporary orders from the Court to establish a custody and visitation arrangement on a temporary basis until a final decision is made. Temporary orders may also address issues like child support and financial responsibilities.
- Court Hearing: If the parents are unable to reach a resolution through mediation or negotiation, the case will proceed to a Court hearing. During the hearing, both parents will have the opportunity to present their arguments and evidence to the judge, who will then make a decision based on the best interests of the child.
- Final Orders: After considering the evidence presented at the hearing, the judge will issue final orders regarding custody, visitation, child support, and any other relevant matters. These orders are legally binding and enforceable, and both parents are required to comply with them.
