Converse, Texas Child Custody Attorneys

Trusted Child Custody Lawyers for Clients in Converse, TX

The question of child custody may be one of the most important issues for parents going through a divorce or separation. In many cases, what each parent wants and what is best for the child are often in conflict, leading to drawn-out arguments. A Converse, TX child custody attorney can help protect your rights and work toward a realistic solution.

At Brandon Wong & Associates, we have built up a reputation for supportive counsel and strong representation in family law cases, as you can see in our positive reviews. We work with parents one-on-one and take steps to avoid major custody battles whenever possible.

Understanding Joint Managing Conservatorship in Texas

When Texas courts use the term conservatorship, they are referring to the legal rights and responsibilities a parent holds over decisions in a child's life, such as schooling, medical treatment, and religious upbringing. In most cases, judges favor naming both parents as joint managing conservators, allowing each parent to remain involved in these decisions. Joint conservatorship does not require an equal division of time with the child, since decision-making authority and the possession schedule are addressed separately.

Even within a joint arrangement, certain rights can be assigned exclusively to one parent, such as the right to make final decisions about the child's primary residence or medical care in specific circumstances. Courts look at each parent's history of involvement, willingness to cooperate, and the child's overall well-being before deciding how to divide these responsibilities. In situations involving family violence, neglect, or substance abuse, a judge may instead name one parent as the sole managing conservator, limiting or removing certain rights from the other parent.

What Is the Standard Possession Order in Texas?

Texas law includes a standard possession order that outlines a default schedule for a parent's time with a child when that parent does not have primary custody. Under this schedule, the non-custodial parent usually has possession on the first, third, and fifth weekends of every month, along with a Thursday evening visit during the school year. The order also addresses holidays, school breaks, and summer vacation, alternating certain holidays each year between parents.

Parents living more than 100 miles apart may follow a modified version of the standard order, which adjusts weekend and holiday possession to account for travel distance. Courts generally view the standard possession order as being in a child's best interest, though parents can agree to a different schedule if it better fits their family's circumstances. A judge will still need to approve any agreement to confirm it serves the child's interests before it becomes part of a formal order.

Modifying and Enforcing Child Custody Orders in Converse

A custody order is not necessarily permanent, and either parent can request a modification if circumstances have materially changed since the order was issued. Common reasons for seeking a modification include a parent relocating, a change in a child's needs, evidence of neglect or abuse, or a substantial change in either parent's living situation. Courts require proof that the requested change serves the child's best interest before granting a modification.

When one parent fails to follow an existing custody order, the other parent can file an enforcement action asking the court to address the violation. This might involve missed visitation, a parent withholding the child, or a failure to follow the agreed decision-making process. Judges can order make-up possession time, or, in some cases, hold a violating parent in contempt of court, which can entail fines or jail time.

Documenting each missed exchange or violation with dates and details can strengthen an enforcement request. Our attorneys can guide parents through both modification and enforcement proceedings, working to protect their parental rights and their relationship with their child.

Contact Our Converse Child Custody Lawyers Today

Custody disputes can affect a family for years to come, making sound legal guidance important from the very beginning. Contact our Converse, TX child custody attorneys or call 210-201-3832 to discuss your situation over a consultation with Brandon Wong & Associates.