When you are facing custody issues, it’s essential to have attorneys who approach your case with both compassion and strategy, protecting your parental rights while keeping your children’s best interests at the forefront.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding your custody rights is key to ensuring your children’s best interests and your parental role are protected under Texas law.
- With more than 40 years of combined experience, our Mansfield custody attorneys craft customized legal strategies tailored to each family’s needs.
- From establishing conservatorship arrangements to enforcing or modifying existing orders, our firm provides the experience and compassion necessary to help families move forward.
Your children are your world, and naturally the idea of losing time with them or being left out of major decisions about their upbringing can feel unbearable. These situations are deeply emotional, but having experienced and compassionate representation makes all the difference.
At The Law Offices of Lisa G. Garza, P.C., head attorney Lisa Garza is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, reflecting mastery of complex family law issues. With a proven record of favorable outcomes, our Mansfield custody attorneys combine legal excellence and empathy to protect what matters most: your relationship with your children. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.
Understanding Your Custody Rights in Texas
Child custody—legally called “conservatorship” in Texas—determines how parents share responsibilities and time with their children. Texas law aims to serve the child’s best interests, but understanding the terminology and process is essential for protecting your rights. Our Mansfield custody attorneys help parents make sense of these terms and pursue the arrangements that work best for their families.
Conservatorship arrangements can be broken down like so:
- Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC): Both parents share major decision-making duties, including education, medical care, and religious upbringing. This type of conservatorship is the most common arrangement when both parents can cooperate in the child’s best interests.
- Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC): One parent has exclusive authority to make important decisions, typically granted when safety concerns, substance abuse, or other issues make joint conservatorship inappropriate.
Texas courts generally favor joint conservatorship whenever possible, as long as it supports the child’s emotional and physical well-being.
Possession and Access
Beyond decision-making authority, parents must also determine possession (physical custody) and access (visitation). Texas offers standard possession orders, but these may be modified to fit your family’s schedule and your child’s unique needs.
Our Mansfield custody attorneys work closely with clients to create parenting plans that foster consistency and minimize conflict. Whether through cooperative negotiation or court intervention, we aim to secure fair, balanced arrangements that allow both parents to play meaningful roles in their child’s life.
Handling High-Conflict Custody Disputes
Some custody cases involve significant conflict or sensitive issues that require skilled legal strategies. These kinds of issues may include:
- Parental alienation or one parent attempting to undermine the other’s relationship with the child.
- False allegations of abuse or neglect.
- Frequent violations of visitation or possession orders.
- A parent attempting to relocate a child without proper consent or legal approval.
With over four decades of combined experience, our Mansfield custody attorneys know what courts look for, and what they don’t. We are skilled negotiators who seek peaceful resolutions through mediation when possible, but we are also strong litigators prepared to fight for your parental rights in court.
Child Support and Financial Considerations
Custody arrangements often come with child support obligations. Texas calculates child support based on income, the number of children, and additional expenses such as healthcare and childcare. Our attorneys ensure that support calculations are accurate and fair, reflecting your family’s financial realities.
In addition, we address enforcement and modification issues that may arise after the initial order. Whether circumstances change or a parent fails to comply with court orders, our firm can help protect your rights and maintain stability for your children.
Comprehensive Support Through Every Stage
Custody cases often impact every aspect of your life, including your schedule, your finances, and your emotional well-being, which is why we provide full-service support, including:
- Thorough case evaluation and personalized strategy development.
- Guidance through mediation, negotiation, or trial.
- Coordination with custody evaluators or mental health professionals.
- Post-judgment modifications or enforcement actions.
At The Law Offices of Lisa G. Garza, P.C., we believe in balancing assertive advocacy with mindfulness and compassion. We understand that family law isn’t just about winning a case but about building a future that protects your family’s peace and emotional health.
Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Parental Rights
When you’re facing custody decisions, you need trusted advocates who understand both the law and the emotional realities of family change. With over 40 years of combined experience and board-certified legal leadership, The Law Offices of Lisa G. Garza, P.C., are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your children and your family. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and begin building a brighter, more stable future for your family.