Houston Child Custody Attorneys

Trusted Houston Family Lawyers

Every single divorce case has a number of issues which can come to dispute, regardless of the exact reason you are parting ways. The most complex problems in a divorce case can be the matters relating to your children, such as child custody and visitation. It can be very difficult for you and your spouse to come to an agreement about who your children will live with and who will be responsible for them.

If you and your spouse have been arguing over this issue, it is imperative that you retain the services of a Houston family law attorney to represent you. We understand just how emotionally stressful and complex a divorce can be, and we are here to help.

Contact our firm today or fill out a case evaluation form to get more information about how we can help!

Defining Custody According to Texas State Laws

In the state of Texas, custody will never be determined based only on the parents’ genders to determine who will be a better custodial parent. Custody is legally defined as any person who gets the exclusive right to determine where the child(ren) will live or with whom they will reside. The other parent involved will be able to petition for visitation rights. Whichever parent has custody is termed the “custodial parent,” while the one who only has visitation is called the “non-custodial parent.”

What Affects Child Custody Decisions?

Child custody is awarded based on many factors, but primarily the child’s best interests and his or her preferences are considered the top priority in any custody case. Texas law presumes that the parents will take full responsibility for providing for their children, either by awarding joint legal custody or primary physical custody. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions and each family and child will have a preference.

These factors can encompass a wide variety, such as:

• The age of the children
• Each parent’s living situation
• The location of the children’s schools, daycare, and other areas
• The children’s preference and expectations
• Each parent’s relationship with the children prior to divorcing
• Each parent’s ability to provide for the children
• If there were any incidences of domestic violence, abuse, or drug or excessive alcohol use
• If the other parent is willing to accommodate the other’s relationship with the children

Additional Factors to Consider

There are also additional factors that the courts might use in consideration:

• Which parent helps put the child to bed
• Which parent usually makes educational decisions
• Which parent usually makes medical decisions
• Which parent cares for the children’s day-to-day, such as feeding and dropping the child off at school
• Who attends parent-teacher conferences or participates in after-school activities
• If one or the other parent has been distant from the child
• Which parent continues maintaining a friendly, encouraging relationship with the other

Our Houston family lawyers can help you explore the many possibilities and outcomes from your custody arrangements. As you can see, many factors contribute overall to the outcome of the here are many different factors contribute overall.

How Can Our Houston Family Law Attorney Help?

At the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny, we aim to do whatever it takes to help you come to an agreement about child custody and visitation. If we must go to court, you can rely on our knowledge, resources, and 30 years of experience in family law to work to your advantage. When your spouse attempts to contest your desired outcome for child custody, we work to assist in your defense. If you or your spouse decides to remarry, it can alter the child custody order in the future.

If you would like to receive compassionate legal support and guidance, please do not hesitate to call our Houston family law lawyers today at (713) 936-2300 to request more information or to make an appointment for a consultation!