MANSFIELD CHILD CUSTODY ATTORNEY

EXPERIENCED Child Custody Lawyers PARENTS & FAMILIES in Tarrant County, TX

Child custody disputes can be some of the most consequential family legal issues. Who gets to spend time with the children? Who will the children live with? Who can decide where the children will go to school? These are all questions that will be answered by the court’s — or the parents’ — final child custody decision. The Law Office of Michael Muñoz is here to help you obtain as favorable an outcome as possible.

Attorney Michael Muñoz is deeply experienced in navigating the Mansfield courts. In fact, he went to law school with many of the local judges. He’s worked with some of the biggest attorneys in the area and knows how to strategize a case in his clients’ best interests. Whether you expect to be the primary custodial parent or the non-custodial parent, Attorney Muñoz is prepared to advocate for your parental rights.

Contact Us online or call (817) 993-5288 for a free child custody consultation in Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Understanding Managing and Possessory Conservatorship in Texas

Texas’s custody codes refer to legal custody as “managing conservatorship” and physical custody as “possessory conservatorship.” Managing conservatorship refers to a parent’s legal authority to make critical decisions about their child’s life, such as regarding the child’s medical needs, educational structure, and cultural and religious upbringing. Possessory conservatorship refers to with whom the child will reside at a particular time and when another parent will have visitation with the child.

Texas law presumes that both parents should share joint managing conservatorship unless doing so is not in the child’s best interests. In that case, only one parent may be granted sole managing conservatorship, which happens in situations where one parent has a history of domestic violence, child abuse, or substance abuse.

Empowering Parents: Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

Navigating the complexities of child custody can be overwhelming, but understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial. At the Law Office of Michael Munoz, we believe that informed parents make the best decisions for their children. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the knowledge you need to advocate effectively for your family.

Key aspects of child custody rights include:

• Legal Custody: Understand the difference between legal and physical custody and what it means for decision-making regarding your child's education, healthcare, and welfare.
• Visitation Rights: Learn about your rights to visit your child and how to establish a visitation schedule that works for both parents.
• Child Support Obligations: Gain insight into how child support is calculated and what factors influence these financial responsibilities.
• Relocation Considerations: Discover the legal implications of relocating with your child and how it affects custody arrangements.

Our team is committed to ensuring that you understand every aspect of your case. We provide personalized consultations to help you navigate the legal landscape and empower you to make decisions that are in the best interest of your child. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing your parental rights.

Standard Possession Orders and Parental Agreements

Cooperative parents may work together to develop a possessory conservatorship arrangement on their own. If they cannot agree on a schedule, however, the court will provide a “standard possession order” that lays out the time each parent will be with the child. The terms of a standard possession order typically depend on how far apart the parents reside from each other, and the court may decide to change the terms based on the case.

Child's Best Interests: The Core of Custody Decisions

Under Texas law, the best interest of the child is the primary consideration in custody cases. 

To determine a child’s best interest, the court will look to factors such as:

• The stability of the home or proposed home
• Each parent’s parental abilities
• Each parent’s plans for their child
• Programs available to help parents who want to promote their child’s best interest
• The child's immediate and future physical and emotional needs
• Any immediate and future physical and emotional danger to the child
• The child's desires (to be weighed with all other factors)
• Any actions or failures to act that may indicate that the parents don't have a proper parent-child relationship
• Any excuse each parent may have for the above actions or failures to act

Modifying Custody Orders to Reflect Changing Needs

Circumstances change as your child grows older. Every parent has the right to modify an existing conservatorship or possession order by filing a “Petition to Modify the Parent-Child Relationship” with the court. 

However, modifications are not automatically granted. The court will only approve a modification request if the change meets the child’s best interests and one of the following is true:

• the circumstances of the child have materially and substantially changed since the date of the current order or the date of signing a settlement agreement (whichever is earlier);
• the child is at least 12 years old and has expressed a preference to the court as to who should have the exclusive right to designate their primary residence; or
• the conservator who currently designates the child’s primary residence has voluntarily relinquished the primary care and possession of the child to another person for at least six months.

Whether you are in the early stages of a custody battle or seek to modify an existing order, the Law Office of Michael Muñoz can help you. Attorney Muñoz is deeply experienced with Texas’ family legal codes and is especially skilled at fighting for his clients in court. Let him advocate for your rights as a parent, both as you retain managing conservatorship and settle possessory conservatorship.

Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Child Custody

Child custody disputes can be emotionally taxing for both parents and children. Understanding the emotional landscape is crucial for making informed decisions that prioritize your child's well-being. At the Law Office of Michael Munoz, we recognize that every family's situation is unique, and we are committed to providing compassionate support throughout the custody process.

Here are some key emotional considerations to keep in mind:

• Open Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with your co-parent can help reduce misunderstandings and foster a cooperative environment.
• Emotional Support: Seek support from friends, family, or professionals to navigate the emotional challenges that arise during custody disputes.
• Focus on the Child: Always keep your child's needs and feelings at the forefront of your decisions to ensure their emotional stability.
• Co-Parenting Strategies: Develop a co-parenting plan that promotes collaboration and minimizes conflict, benefiting both you and your child.
• Legal Guidance: Our experienced attorneys are here to provide you with the legal insights necessary to make informed decisions, alleviating some of the stress involved.

By addressing the emotional aspects of child custody, you can create a more positive environment for your child and facilitate a smoother transition. Let us help you navigate this challenging journey with empathy and expertise.

To speak with our experienced Mansfield child custody lawyers, give us a call at (817) 993-5288 or contact us online today.