Burnet County Child Custody Attorneys

Protecting Your Parental Rights in Burnet County, TX

When parents divorce or separate, one of the most important issues they face is child custody. In Texas, child custody is referred to as conservatorship. The parent who has conservatorship of the child has the right to make important decisions on behalf of the child, such as where the child will live, what school the child will attend, and what medical treatment the child will receive. The parent with conservatorship also has the right to receive child support from the other parent.

At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we understand how important your children are to you. Our Burnet County child custody lawyers are here to help you protect your parental rights and your relationship with your child. We will work with you to develop a child custody arrangement that meets your needs and the needs of your child.

Call (512) 991-0576 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Burnet County child custody lawyers today.

How is Child Custody Determined in Texas?

When determining child custody, the court will always consider the best interests of the child. The court will also consider the child's wishes if the child is at least 12 years old. The court will also consider the ability of each parent to provide for the child's physical, emotional, and mental needs. The court will also consider the stability of each parent's home and the presence of any history of domestic violence or child abuse.

There are two types of conservatorship in Texas:

• Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC): In a JMC, both parents share the rights and duties of raising the child. The child will live with one parent, who is referred to as the custodial parent. The custodial parent will have the right to determine the child's primary residence. The other parent, who is referred to as the noncustodial parent, will have visitation rights and the right to make decisions regarding the child's education, medical care, and other important matters. The court will typically award JMC unless there is a history of domestic violence or child abuse.
• Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC): In an SMC, one parent has the right to make important decisions on behalf of the child. The child will live with the parent who has SMC, and the other parent will have visitation rights. The court will only award SMC if there is a history of domestic violence or child abuse.

Even if one parent has SMC, the other parent will still have the right to access the child's medical and educational records. The other parent will also have the right to consult with the child's doctor and teachers.

What is a Standard Possession Order?

In Texas, the court will typically award a standard possession order (SPO) to the noncustodial parent. An SPO is a visitation schedule that allows the noncustodial parent to spend time with the child. The SPO provides for visitation on the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month. The noncustodial parent will also have visitation on Thursdays during the school year and for 30 days during the summer. The noncustodial parent will also have visitation on the child's birthday and certain holidays.

Parents can agree to a different visitation schedule. The court will approve the schedule if it is in the best interests of the child.

Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in Texas?

In Texas, a child who is at least 12 years old can tell the court which parent they want to live with. The court will consider the child's wishes, but the court will still make the final decision based on the best interests of the child. If the child is under 12 years old, the court will not consider the child's wishes.

Can a Parent Move Out of State with a Child?

In Texas, a parent who has conservatorship of a child cannot move the child out of state without the other parent's consent. If the other parent does not consent, the parent who wants to move must petition the court for permission to move. The court will consider the best interests of the child when deciding whether to grant the petition.

How Can I Get Custody of My Child?

Our Burnet County child custody lawyers from Cofer & Connelly, PLLC can offer invaluable support and expertise in navigating the complexities of child custody cases. Here's how we can assist:

• Legal Guidance: We provide comprehensive legal advice tailored to your situation, explaining your rights, options, and the legal processes involved in child custody disputes. This includes helping you understand the relevant laws in Burnet County and the state of Texas.
• Case Evaluation: We assess your case's strengths and weaknesses, gathering evidence and information to build a compelling argument in your favor. This may involve collecting documentation, witness statements, and other crucial pieces of evidence.
• Representation in Court: Our lawyers are skilled in courtroom procedures and can represent you effectively during hearings or trials. We present your case persuasively, advocating for your parental rights and the best interests of your child.
• Negotiation and Mediation: We aim for amicable solutions whenever possible. Our team can engage in negotiations with the other party or their legal representation, striving to reach a mutually agreeable custody arrangement through mediation or settlement discussions.
• Child's Best Interests: Our priority is always the well-being of the child. We work diligently to create a custody arrangement that supports their best interests, taking into account factors such as the child's emotional and physical needs, relationship with both parents, and stability.
• Modification and Enforcement: If circumstances change or if there are issues with custody agreements, we assist in modifying court orders or enforcing existing orders to ensure compliance.
• Emotional Support: Going through a custody battle can be emotionally taxing. We provide support and guidance, offering reassurance and helping you navigate the process with as little stress as possible.

Our firm is committed to providing compassionate and skilled legal representation, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your child.

Contact us today at (512) 991-0576 to request an initial case evaluation.