Austin Child Custody Lawyer

Family law matters are sensitive but when children are involved, they can become overwhelming and are often contested. 

Family matters of child custody are among the most complex issues one can face in the realm of family law. 

Whether you and your ex-spouse have decided to get a divorce or you and the other parent of your child are unmarried and arguing over custody, Attorney Melissa Williams can help. 

Our law firm handles contentious issues regarding Texas child custody in Austin and will work to find a solution that best suits your child's needs.

With two decades of experience, our law firm in Austin, TX, can be trusted to resolve even the most complex child custody issues. 

Before stepping into negotiations or the courtroom in Travis County, it is best to understand Texas law regarding conservatorship, possession, and support.

Managing vs. Joint Conservatorship in Texas

In Texas, “child custody” is technically called “conservatorship”. The two types of conservatorship are:

• Joint managing conservatorship (JMC)
• Sole managing conservatorship (SMC)

Joint Managing Conservatorship

JMC means that both parties share parental rights and responsibilities, as the name implies. However, it does not mean that both parents will share rights equally.

Since the court decides such matters based on the child's best interest, one parent can have exclusive rights to certain decisions even in joint managing conservatorship.

In a JMC, the court will decide specific responsibilities and possession conditions separately.

Sole Managing Conservatorship

Sole managing conservatorship (SMC) in Texas is when one parent has the exclusive right to make most decisions about a child. These decisions include the child's education, medical care, and whether the child can marry before 18.

Other decisions include:

• Primary residence
• Medical & dental treatment
• Psychiatric & psychological treatment
• Receiving child support
• Child’s education

A court will only appoint one person as managing conservator in rare circumstances when doing so is in the child's best interests. 

Some reasons why the court might grant one parent SMC and not the other include:

• History of family violence or neglect
• History of criminal activities include drugs and alcohol
• Absence from the child’s life
• History of extreme conflict regarding educational, medical, and religious values

How is Child Custody Determined in Texas?

If you are going through a contested divorce, the decisions regarding conservatorship and possession will be in the judge's hands. 

The judge will consider several factors to make a decision they believe is in the best interests of the child.

These factors may include which parent has historically cared for the child, any history of abuse, any existing criminal records, and more.

In a collaborative or uncontested divorce in Austin, you and the other parent of your child have the opportunity to come to a decision on your own. 

Is Texas a 50/50 Child Custody State?

Yes, Texas is a 50/50 custody state, and fathers can receive equal custody of their children. 

The custody law in TX explicitly states that courts cannot discriminate based on sex when deciding custody. 

Suppose both parties agree on custody. In that case, both parents can give the proposal to the judge in the family court for approval. 

Advocating for the Child's Best Interests

When it comes to child custody cases, the court's primary concern is always the best interests of the child. Our experienced child custody attorney in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to advocating for the well-being and safety of your child throughout the legal process.

Factors that the court considers when determining the best interests of the child include:

• The child's emotional and physical needs
• The ability of each parent to provide a stable and loving environment
• The child's relationship with each parent and other family members
• The child's adjustment to their home, school, and community
• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse

Our legal team of Austin child custody attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that the child's best interests are at the forefront of the custody arrangement, and we will provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.

Understanding Visitation Rights in Texas

When it comes to child custody arrangements, visitation rights are an important aspect to consider. Whether you are seeking joint managing conservatorship or sole managing conservatorship, it's crucial to understand the visitation rights that come with each type of arrangement. Our experienced Austin child custody attorney can provide guidance and advocacy to ensure that your visitation rights are protected and that the best interests of your child are prioritized.

Key points to consider about visitation rights in Texas:

• Types of visitation schedules
• Supervised visitation options
• Enforcement of visitation orders
• Modification of visitation schedules

At Melissa M. Williams, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of child custody and visitation rights in Texas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney.

Creating a Co-Parenting Plan in Austin

When it comes to child custody cases, it's important to prioritize the well-being and best interests of the child. One way to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing communication between parents is to create a co-parenting plan. Our Austin child custody attorney, Melissa M. Williams, can help you draft a comprehensive co-parenting plan that outlines responsibilities, schedules, and decision-making processes.

Benefits of a co-parenting plan include:

• Clear guidelines for parenting roles
• Reduced conflict and misunderstandings
• Promotion of stability and consistency for the child
• Flexibility to address changing circumstances
• Legal documentation for future reference

By working with Attorney Williams to create a co-parenting plan, you can establish a framework for effective co-parenting and ensure that your child's needs are met in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Contact Our Austin Child Custody Attorney Today

Our firm understands how hard negotiating custody of your child can be. 

We want to deliver the loyal, understanding legal representation you need to handle the case with conviction. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced family law lawyer.

You can work with an experienced child custody lawyer in Austin from the office of Attorney Melissa Williams and amicably resolve your dispute.