The Woodlands Child Custody Lawyer

Filing for divorce is almost always a daunting experience. It becomes even more challenging when children are involved. If you file for divorce, what happens to the children? Do you get to see them? Will they live primarily with the other parent? These are considerations that must be taken into account before filing. Hiring an experienced family law firm will be of great help to you. They can advise you on the Texas laws surrounding child custody and help you with any other questions you have throughout the process. Contact The Moffett Law Firm today for help. We will be happy to schedule your initial consultation.

What is Child Custody?

Child custody is the legal term for the right of a parent or guardian to have physical and legal control over a minor child. Child custody can be awarded to one or both parents, or to another adult, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or even a non-relative in some cases. The court will consider the best interest of the child when making a custody determination. Physical custody refers to where the child lives and can be sole or joint.  Legal custody refers to which parent has the right to make decisions regarding the child, such as healthcare, schooling, and other important decisions related to the child’s wellbeing. This can be joint or sole as well.

The Laws Governing Texas Child Custody

When it comes to child custody, Texas law is very specific. The Texas Family Code establishes the rules and regulations regarding custody and visitation of minors. While Texas law does prefer joint custody, this does not always happen. The court will make a custody determination based on what is in the best interest of the child. Factors that the court will consider include the child’s age, the child’s physical and emotional needs, the relationship between the child and each parent, each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs, the child’s preference (if the child is old enough to express a preference), and any history of family violence.

What are the Responsibilities of a Child Custody Lawyer?

A child custody lawyer is responsible for representing the parent or guardian in a child custody case. They will work with the other parent or guardian to come to an agreement on who will have primary custody of the child, as well as visitation schedules and any other terms of the custody arrangement. If an agreement cannot be reached, the lawyer will argue the case in front of a judge and try to convince them to rule in their client’s favor.

Additionally, an attorney will assist you with child support payment and spousal maintenance payment issues, and any other difficulties you may face throughout the process. Hiring the right lawyer allows you to focus on the emotional toll this might have on you while they handle all the legal steps and make sure you receive your desired outcome.

List of Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Child Custody Lawyer

When it comes to your children, you want to make sure that you’re doing everything in your power to protect them. If you’re going through a divorce or some other type of child custody situation, you should look into hiring a lawyer right away. Before you do, here are some important questions to ask:

1. What experience do you have with child custody cases? You want someone who has handled these types of cases many times. If they’ve handled divorce cases but aren’t used to dealing with custody issues, you may want to keep looking.
2. What is your success rate in these types of cases? These types of cases are hard to define success for, but you can ask a potential lawyer about outcomes and what they’ve been able to accomplish for their clients.
3. What are the likely outcomes of my case? While no lawyer will be able to guarantee an outcome, it’s important to talk to your potential lawyer about what the possible outcomes are. What do you want, and what are the chances that your lawyer will be able to get that for you?
4.  Do you have trial experience? Many divorce and child custody cases are handled outside of court without intervention from a judge, but some go to trial. Make sure you ask any potential attorney how often they litigate cases and ask them for details about their trial strategies.
5. Are you familiar with the local court system and judges? Hiring an attorney with experience handling child custody cases is important, but it’s just as important, if not more, to hire someone who has experience handling them in your county and state. Local attorneys will know state and county-specific laws. Additionally, they will likely have worked many times with other attorneys and judges. When you hire someone who has respect from the court, this can be a significant advantage. Hiring someone local and respectable means the court and the other side will take your case seriously from the start.

Asking these questions will help you narrow down your choices and find the right child custody lawyer for your needs. The Moffett Law Firm will be happy to answer all of these questions for you. We can assure you that we have the experience and dedication needed to have the best chance of success.

The Moffett Law Firm Is Here For You

If you need help with child custody, whether you’re about to initiate divorce, are in the process of getting divorced, or are already divorced, The Moffett Law Firm can assist you. Our attorneys have been handling these types of cases for almost 20 years. When you hire us, you’re hiring a firm that cares about your case as much as you do. We will do everything in our power to make sure you get what you deserve and help you keep your child safe. To schedule an initial consultation, call our office at (713) 333-5800 or contact us online.