If your spouse or partner has decided to divorce or separate, your first thought is probably, “What’s best for our children?” If the two of you cannot reach an agreement on a parenting plan, then you may find yourself fighting a custody battle. Some battles are minor, and some are all-out war. The most important thing for you and your children is to seek the help of an experienced child custody lawyer who can navigate you through the process to help you ensure your child’s best interests are met.
At Jennifer Wiggins Moore Family Law, rest assured we know how to mount an aggressive fight to protect each client’s rights while offering compassionate service and emotional support. Jennifer’s blend of tenacious representation and sensitive service makes her a child custody lawyer you can trust to handle even the most complicated legal situations.
Types of Texas Child Custody Plans
Child custody cases can be complex and confusing. Parents need to know the various child custody arrangements available in Texas and how the family law system determines what is in the child’s best interest. Many people are familiar with terms like “joint custody” and “sole custody,” but Texas uses unique terminology to describe child custody arrangements.
Sole managing conservatorship is like sole legal and physical custody in other states. Under a sole managing conservatorship arrangement, one parent has the right to make significant decisions on behalf of a child, such as educational opportunities, medical care, and psychological treatment. Generally, the other parent called the non-custodial parent or possessory conservator, retains the right to receive information about the child’s school, medical, psychological, and the like while also having specific periods of access to and possession of the child.
Texas courts recognize the value of allowing both parents to build a meaningful relationship with their child. That’s why the presumption in Texas is that both parents should be able to reach joint decisions that are in the best interest of their child. That presumption means that parents are usually appointed Joint Managing Conservators. In other states, this is commonly called joint legal custody. This arrangement promotes the inclusion of both parents in the child-raising duties and decisions that affect their child. However, even in Joint Managing Conservatorships, one parent is generally called the “primary” Joint Managing Conservator which gives them the right to establish the child’s primary residence and to make final decisions about the child’s education, medical care, and psychological treatment after meaningful consultation with the other parent Joint Managing Conservator.
Removing a “primary” parent is becoming more popular these days, and is something that Jennifer has advocated for many years. Equal periods of possession, a residency restriction to a certain geographic area, and jointly made major decisions work great for parents who can put their negative feelings aside about one another and co-parent in a calm, consistent manner that puts the child as the number one priority.
The goal of a child custody schedule is to provide consistency and predictability to a child’s schedule, giving the child time to have regular and consistent access to each parent in a way that reduces stress and anxiety for all family members, especially the child.
How Do Texas Courts Determine Custody?
Texas family courts determine child custody based on the child’s best interests. That means considering specific factors that impact a child’s health, education, family relationships, and financial stability. The factors a judge can use to help them determine what custody arrangements best meet a child’s needs include:
- The emotional and physical needs of the child
- Each parent’s ability to provide for the financial and emotional needs of the child
- The stability of each parent’s home
- Proximity of each parent’s home to the other parent and school
- The financial situation of each parent
- The age and health of each parent
- The desires of the child if the child is of an appropriate age to express a preference
- The willingness of each parent to effectively co-parent with the other
- Availability of programs to assist parents
- Whether a parent has a history of abuse, violence, or domestic incidents (acts or omissions that demonstrate an improper parent-child relationship)
A judge may also consider other factors vital to establishing the child’s best interests. Family courts understand that helping a child maintain a positive relationship with both parents is the best way to provide support and stability.
Why Do You Need a Board-Certified Child Custody Lawyer?
It is generally preferable to mutually agree on child custody and visitation. At Jennifer Wiggins Moore Family Law, our family law team strives to find amicable and peaceful solutions to legal issues such as child custody arrangements. A mutually beneficial arrangement places less stress on your shoulders and can benefit you and your child. A family law attorney advocates for you and your child and can also draft the necessary legal paperwork to accurately file and expedite your child custody agreement, allowing you and your family to move forward with life.
Reaching an amicable agreement may not always be possible. Jennifer understands that family dynamics can create emotional and legal challenges for you and your child. She diligently works to fight for you and your child, using her extensive knowledge of the Texas family court system and legal resources to address your concerns and achieve the most favorable result in your case possible. Having an expert in family law like Jennifer gives you straightforward legal advice, comprehensive child custody strategies, and realistic goals to strive toward so you can resume your life with as little disruption to you and your child as possible.
There is a lot at stake if you are going through a divorce or child custody dispute. You need a Board-Certified family lawyer willing to fight for what matters: your family. Jennifer Wiggins Moore is a Board-Certified family law attorney who actually listens to her clients and provides personalized legal advice, no matter how complex the situation.
You Need an Experienced Keller Child Custody Lawyer Now
There is no time to waste. You need to put the interests of your child first and enlist the help of a skilled and dedicated Keller, TX, child custody lawyer to help you protect your legal rights and your family. Contact Jennifer Wiggins Moore Family Law today and request a confidential legal consultation.
Jennifer Wiggins Moore Family Law, P.C., serves clients in Keller, Fort Worth, Alliance, Presidio, North Fort Worth, and throughout Tarrant County.
