Child Custody Attorney in Austin
Protecting Your Custody & Visitation Rights in Texas
When a marriage ends and children are involved, it can make the divorce process significantly more challenging. It is crucial to have an experienced divorce attorney on your side who can help protect your rights and safeguard the best interest of your child. The Law Office of Matthew J. Meese, PLLC has been successfully resolving child custody disputes since 2005. When you hire us, our Austin child custody and visitation lawyer can give you the individualized attention that you deserve.
Call (512) 357-8563 today or contact us online to set up a confidential consultation with a dedicated family law attorney.
Parenting Plans in Texas
If you and your ex have a child together who is under the age of 18, your divorce decree must include a parenting plan which will outline who is responsible for making decisions for the child. It also sets forth the terms of both child support and parenting time.
Spouses can try to reach an agreement on their own or with the help of a mediator. This proposed plan must then be submitted to the court for approval. If a couple cannot agree, a judge will decide for them. No matter which scenario, the judge must find the parenting plan to be in the best interest of the child.
Factors considered in determining the child’s best interest include:
- The age of the child
- The current and future needs of the child
- The parenting abilities of the child’s father and mother
- The stability of the home
- The desire of the child
- The potential for emotional and physical danger to the child
How Do I Get Conservatorship in Texas?
In Texas, child custody is referred to as conservatorship. Generally, the court appoints both parents as joint managing conservators. That means that both the mother and the father have the right to make decisions on behalf of their child. In most joint managing conservatorships, the child lives the majority of the time with one parent, while the other parent has access rights.
What Is a Sole Managing Conservator?
In certain situations where a joint managing conservatorship would not be in the child’s best interest, a judge will appoint one parent as the sole managing conservator and the other parent as the possessory conservator. The sole managing conservator would have decision-making rights over the child, while the possessory conservator would have visitation rights.
Contact the Law Office of Matthew J. Meese, PLLC
Our Austin child custody and visitation attorney has the knowledge and experience to provide sound legal advice to help you get through this challenging time. Your child’s well-being is our top priority.
Get honest answers and reliable solutions. Dial (512) 357-8563 today!