Fort Worth Child Custody Lawyers

Understanding Custody & Visitation Rights in Texas

Child custody is an issue that can generate enormous stress, uncertainty, and confusion. Whether you are involved in a divorce or are an unmarried parent with a custody issue, navigating this process can be emotionally challenging and difficult. At Cañas & Flores, our child custody lawyers in Fort Worth understand your concerns and are here to help you with the experienced legal help and support you need at such a critical time. 

Our Spanish-English bilingual firm has been helping clients throughout the Fort Worth area with custody and other family issues since 1997. Backed by a combined 40+ years of experience both inside and outside courtrooms, we are well-versed in Texas family law and in how the local courts work in custody cases. We can provide the knowledge and skills needed to seek the best possible custody settlement that is in the best interests of you and your children.

Need help with child custody or visitation? Contact a Fort Worth custody lawyer from Cañas & Flores at (817) 500-9448 or online for a free, initial consultation.

Defining Child Custody in Texas

In Texas, child custody is referred to as conservatorship. Parents are encouraged to create a mutually agreed-upon parenting schedule as courts favor children having a continuing relationship with both parents. Typically only in cases where a continued relationship may be deemed harmful, such as in domestic violence or substance abuse situations, would custody be denied by the courts.

Exploring Types of Child Custody

Custody can be divided into two categories:

• Physical custody, which determines with whom the child will mainly reside
• Legal custody, in which a parent is given the legal right to make important decisions about the child’s welfare, health, education, and other life matters

Understanding Child Custody Processes in Fort Worth

In either case, custody can then be joint or separate. The parent with whom a child mainly resides is generally known as the custodial parent. The noncustodial parent in such cases would be required to provide child support payments based on Texas guidelines and would have visitation rights.

In cases such as this, Cañas & Flores strives to ensure that parents continue to be involved with their children by creating a visitation arrangement that is fair and takes into account the best interests of the child.

How Does the Court Determine Child Custody?

To determine the best situation for the child, the judge will take several factors into consideration. These may include:

• The preference of the child.
• The wishes of the parents.
• The mental and physical health of the child and parents.
• Whether or not there is a history of violence.
• The relationship between the child and each parent.
• The home environment each parent can provide for the child.
• The recommendation of an expert witness.

Our Fort Worth child custody attorneys can work with you to negotiate a fair custody arrangement which can then be submitted to the courts for approval. If that fails, we can pursue your parental rights and best interests through the courts.

Get dedicated legal assistance for your custody matter by contacting us at (817) 500-9448.