Denton County Child Custody Lawyer

Effective Advocacy in Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County: (940) 293-2313

Even in the most amicable of divorce proceedings, agreeing on a satisfactory child custody arrangement can be an arduous process. Parents often ask us how to win child custody in Denton, Texas. The state of Texas makes it a priority to give both parents access to their children following a divorce, but that can happen in one of two ways. One parent can be given sole custody, also known as sole managing conservatorship, or custody can be shared through a joint managing conservatorship.

The significance of these custody arrangements has more to do with decision-making responsibilities than living arrangements, which is why the state generally prefers naming each parent a managing conservator.

Why Choose Our Denton Child Custody Attorneys?

• We put 110+ years of combined family law experience on your side
• We aim to deliver the best in customer service serving Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County, TX
• Our child custody lawyers carefully listen to our clients' concerns before we give expert advice
• Our legal team includes family law specialists who are board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• Our law firm offers financing to help with retainer fees. Click here to see your options

Call (940) 293-2313 today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with a Denton child custody lawyer near you!

Types of Custody in Denton, Texas

Texas awards sole or joint physical custody and sole or joint legal custody.

Sole Custody

In Texas, sole custody may be awarded without much hesitation by the court if one of the parents is considered unfit due to an alcohol or drug dependency or other reason. However, most courts favor as much influence for both parents as possible.

Joint Custody

Joint custody is the preferred option of the Court whenever possible. Shared custody has advantages in that the children have continued contact with and the involvement of both parents and the onus of parenting is shared. Joint custody can be awarded if the parents are divorced, separated, no longer living together, or never lived together.

Physical Custody

Physical custody is the right for a parent’s child to live with them. It is often the case that the court awards joint physical custody if the child spends considerable time with both parents. Sole primary custody is usually awarded when the child lives primarily with one parent and the other maintains visitation rights.

Legal Custody

Legal custody refers to a parent's right to contribute to the making of significant decisions in the child’s life, including their schooling, religious upbringing, and medical care.

In cases of shared custody, you can be taken to court if you try to exclude the other parent from the decision-making process. You can also go to court to ask for sole legal custody if you believe that you and the other parent are unable to make important decisions together, but you will have to prove to the judge that shared legal custody is not in the child’s best interests.

How Does Domestic Violence Affect Child Custody in Texas?

As of September 1^st, 2015, Texas Senate Bill 818 requires a parent who is appointed as a conservator of a child (the custodial parent) to disclose particular information regarding a history of domestic violence.

Previously, a parent subject to a court order was required to reveal if he or she were living with a person who had been convicted of a sexual offense; now, parents in Texas must adhere to more rigorous reporting measures.

A custodial parent must tell the other parent if:

• They establish a residence with a person who is subject to an active, final protective order at the time when the residence is established;
• They live with or allows unsupervised access to a child by a person who is subject to a final protective order; and/or
• They are subject to a final protective order issued after the date of the order establishing conservatorship.

For the first requirement, the notice must be presented to the other parent as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after a parent begins living with a person who is subject to a protective order. The deadline for the second requirement is 90 days and, for the third requirement, it is 30 days.

Failure to notify the other parent results in a Class C misdemeanor.

What Can a Child Custody Attorney in Denton, Texas Do for Me?

Throughout Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County, child custody cases can become complicated and incredibly contentious for many families. We can help you make sense of the matter if you are unsure of where to begin and how to file for child custody in Texas. To make sure that your custody arrangement is fair, reasonable, and in line with your child's best interests, we recommend that you seek legal counsel.

A child custody attorney in Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County can be by your side from start to finish, helping you to create an effective custody plan and representing your interests inside and outside of court. Our child custody lawyers will always be there to offer our objective and sound advice so you do not make rash decisions.

With so much at stake, having an experienced child custody lawyer by your side is a must. Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers has been helping to resolve child custody issues since 1998. We have offices in Denton, Frisco, and Fort Worth serving clients throughout Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County, Texas.

Recommended Reading:

• Grandparents' Rights in Texas
• Interstate Custody Arrangements
• Does Primary Custody Exist in Texas?
• Child Custody Mistakes to Avoid
• Can I Get Custody of a Child Who Is Not My Own?