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Child Custody

HIRING A LAWYER FOR CUSTODY AGREEMENTS

Our child custody lawyers are well versed in the best practices for any situation that involves custody. It is our goal to focus on the best interests of the child and ensure that every family is given the attention they deserve. Our team will be with you every step of the way, and most importantly, work diligently to either help you establish a custody arrangement or reunite you with your child.

ESTABLISHING CUSTODY DURING A DIVORCE

One of the most emotional and time-consuming parts of a divorce is negotiating child custody. Both parents want what is best for their child, which can cause stress and emotions to run high.

The parent the child lives with is the custodial parent and maintains primary physical custody of the child. The non-custodial parent has regular, on-going visitation with the child and often pays child support. In most cases, both parents have the same rights to make decisions for the children.

Having a child custody lawyer to help you with these decisions is key to reducing conflict and stress to all parties involved. Because custody disputes often involve maintaining visitation schedules and setting up child support payments our team wants to make sure that you get the best outcome with the most quality time with your child that you deserve.

Reach out to our team so we can help you determine the best plan for your specific situation.

WHY DE FORD LAW FIRM?

Understanding the ins and outs of legal proceedings can be overwhelming especially when it comes to child custody cases. Our attorneys at De Ford Law Firm are passionate about helping parents reach the best possible outcome with ease and confidence.

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Custody In Texas Explained: Everything Divorced or Separated Parents Need To Know

ESTABLISHING CHILD CUSTODY WHEN NOT MARRIED

 

The most significant distinction is that unmarried parents must establish paternity for the father to gain legal rights and responsibilities.

Estatabling Parental Rights:

  • Legal fatherhood must typically be established if the parents are not married before custody (conservatorship) is addressed. This can be done by both parents signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or through a Paternity Suit, if there is any dispute about fatherhood.

Legal Proceeding:

  • If the parents are unmarried, custody matters are handled in a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR). This separate legal process establishes custody, visitation, and child support.

Child Support:

  • Once paternity is established, the court orders child support and specifies who pays and how much.

Factors that Might Affect Custody:

  • The Court’s primary concern is “what is the best interest of the child(ren)?”
    • If either parent hasn’t established a relationship with the child, the Court might give the other parent more rights and responsibilities.
  • Establishing fair arrangements for both parents if one has been the primary caregiver before court involvement.