University Park Child Custody Lawyers

Knowledgable Attorneys in University Park Helping Parents With Custody

Child custody cases in University Park, Texas will often involve complex legal issues, and the decisions made in these cases can significantly affect the lives of all family members involved. At The Ramage Law Group, our attorneys provide comprehensive support and legal representation for parents or other family members, helping them manage these sensitive issues and find solutions that will meet their families' needs. We focus on achieving resolutions that protect the best interests of children while ensuring that parental rights are respected and preserved.

Understanding Child Custody in Texas

Under Texas law, child custody is known as "conservatorship," and it addresses the responsibilities and rights of parents towards their children. Conservatorship gives a parent the right to make decisions about their children, including the medical care they will receive, the educational opportunities they will pursue, and their participation in religious activities or training. There are two general categories of conservatorship:

• Joint managing conservatorship: This is the most common form of conservatorship in which parents will share the rights and duties of raising their children. It typically includes shared decision-making authority over important aspects of the child's life, requiring parents to work together to address issues related to education, healthcare, and other concerns.
• Sole managing conservatorship: In some cases, one parent may be granted sole custody. This may be an appropriate solution if the other parent is deemed unfit due to issues such as abuse, neglect, or severe conflict. The sole managing conservator has the primary decision-making authority and responsibility over the child.

Child custody cases will also address visitation rights, legally termed as "possession and access" in Texas. Schedules will be created dictating when and how each parent will spend time with the child. Texas provides a standard possession order, which is often used to determine a visitation schedule. However, this can be modified to suit the specific needs and circumstances of a family, with the intent of ensuring ongoing, meaningful contact between parents and children.

Modification of Child Custody Orders

Child custody orders are not static, and they can be modified based on significant changes in a family's circumstances. Reasons for modifications may include:

• Changes in a parent's job that will require adjustments to visitation schedules.
• Changes in the child's needs or preferences, especially as they grow older.
• Plans by a parent to relocate.
• Any issues that may endanger the child's physical or emotional well-being.

Our attorneys can guide clients through the legal process of modifying custody orders. We can ensure that they provide the necessary documentation to show that a change of circumstances has occurred, and we can advocate for new arrangements that will serve the child's best interests.

Resolving High-Conflict Child Custody Disputes

In child custody cases involving high levels of conflict between parents, it is important to work with a lawyer who can negotiate agreements effectively or provide representation during legal proceedings. Our experienced attorneys are adept at handling the complexities of these cases. We focus on conflict resolution strategies that minimize stress and promote cooperation between parents. We may employ various methods to resolve child custody disputes:

• Collaborative law: During this process, both parties and their attorneys will agree to resolve their issues without going to court. This method involves open communication and negotiation, with the goal of reaching a mutually agreeable settlement. Collaborative law can help minimize conflict while providing the parents with control over the outcome of their case.
• Mediation: Parents may work together with a neutral mediator who will help them discuss their concerns and reach a settlement agreement. Mediation can be less adversarial than traditional court proceedings, encouraging parents to work together to address the needs of their children.
• Litigation: In cases where agreements cannot be reached through alternative dispute resolution, our skilled litigators are prepared to take matters to court. We provide effective representation, fighting for our clients' rights and helping them achieve the best possible outcomes while protecting the best interests of their children.

Contact Our University Park Child Custody Attorneys

At The Ramage Law Group, we are committed to supporting families through challenging child custody cases, helping parents resolve disputes and put arrangements in place that will provide for their children's ongoing needs while protecting their parental rights. Our goal is to secure arrangements that promote the well-being of children and maintain healthy parent-child relationships. Contact our firm at 972-562-9890 to set up a consultation.