High-conflict custody disputes can be overwhelming, but our Plano custody attorneys provide strategic legal guidance to protect your parental rights, navigate complex conservatorship laws, and ensure your child’s best interests remain the priority throughout the process.
Key Takeaways:
- Courts prioritize joint conservatorship when possible, but may grant sole conservatorship if one parent poses a risk to the child’s well-being.
- If a refusal to cooperate, parental alienation, or false accusations are happening in your case, experienced legal representation is crucial to safeguarding your rights and securing a fair custody arrangement.
- If your child’s safety, stability, or well-being is at risk due to a parent’s behavior, relocation, or violation of the custody order, modifications may be necessary to protect your child.
Custody disputes can be some of the most emotionally challenging legal battles a parent will ever face. Whether you’re going through a divorce, seeking custody modifications, or dealing with a co-parent who refuses to compromise, the uncertainty surrounding your child’s future can feel overwhelming.
At The Law Offices of Lisa G. Garza, our Plano custody attorneys have extensive experience handling high-conflict custody cases. We understand the complexities of Texas family law, and we’re committed to protecting your parental rights while prioritizing your child’s well-being.
Our lead attorney, Lisa G. Garza is certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, meaning she has the experience and insight needed to handle even the most contentious custody battles. You don’t have to face this alone – we will stand by your side and be your ally in the face of this difficult matter. Call today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help.
Understanding Custody Laws in Texas
In Texas, custody is legally referred to as conservatorship, and it determines how parents make decisions for their child. Additionally, possession and access define each parent’s parenting time and rights to contact the child.
Conservatorship: Who Makes the Decisions?
- Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC) – Both parents share decision-making authority regarding major aspects of the child’s life, such as education, medical care, and religious upbringing.
- Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC) – One parent has the exclusive right to make these decisions, usually in cases involving neglect, abuse, or instability from the other parent.
Possession: Who Gets Parenting Time?
- Texas courts encourage custody arrangements which allow both parents to remain active in their child’s life, but parenting time does not always result in an even 50/50 split.
- One parent is often designated as the custodial parent, meaning the child lives with them most of the time, while the other is the non-custodial parent with a possession schedule.
Access: Staying Involved Beyond Physical Custody
- Even if a parent has limited or no possession, they may still have rights to phone calls, texts, video chats, and school or medical records to maintain a connection with their child.
Custody cases are rarely simple, and every family’s situation is unique. Our experienced Plano custody attorneys will work with you to craft a strategy that protects your parental rights while serving your child’s best interests.
Modifying Custody Agreements: When Change is Necessary
Life circumstances change, and sometimes existing custody orders no longer reflect what’s best for your child. Texas law allows for custody modification in certain situations, but you must provide substantial evidence that the changes are necessary.
Valid Reasons for Modifying Custody in Texas
- Significant life changes – Such as one parent relocating, remarrying, or experiencing financial instability
- Concerns for the child’s safety – If the other parent has developed a history of neglect, substance abuse, or domestic violence
- Violation of the current custody order – If the other parent refuses to follow the agreement, the court may modify the terms to protect your parental rights
If you need to modify your custody arrangement, we can help you build a strong case and guide you through the legal process.
How Our Plano Custody Attorneys Handle High-Conflict Cases
When emotions run high, custody cases can quickly become contentious, which isn’t good for anyone – especially your kids. If your co-parent is unwilling to negotiate, falsely accusing you of misconduct, or actively creating conflict, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights.
We use a strategic approach to minimize conflict. First, we explore cooperative options like negotiation and mediation to help parents reach agreements outside of court and keep conflict minimized. These methods of alternative dispute resolution can also help save a significant amount of time and money.
However, if litigation is determined to be the best path forward, you can trust us to aggressively advocate for you in the courtroom. Our deep understanding of Texas custody laws allows us to build compelling arguments, anticipate challenges, and create strong legal strategies that maximize your leverage in front of a judge.
We have decades of collective experience handling complex, high-stakes custody cases, and we know how to fight for the best outcome for both you and your child.
Your Child’s Future is Too Important to Leave to Chance. Learn What It’s Like to Partner With Dedicated Family Law Allies Today!
When it comes to custody battles, you’re not just fighting for parenting time – you’re fighting for your child’s well-being, stability, and future. The outcome of your case will shape your relationship with your child for years to come, and having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference.
At The Law Offices of Lisa G. Garza, our Plano custody attorneys will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that your child’s best interests remain the priority. Call today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward securing your parental rights.