Lakeway, TX Custody Lawyers
HEMBREE BELL LAW FIRM
We protect your kids, your money, & your business.
.Custody disputes in Texas can be emotionally and legally complex, but our Lakeway custody lawyers help parents navigate conservatorship, possession, and access arrangements to prioritize their children’s best interests while securing a fair and stable outcome.
Key Takeaways:
Parents may share decision-making authority (Joint Managing Conservatorship) or one parent may have sole authority (Sole Managing Conservatorship) in cases involving abuse, neglect, or absence.
Many parents opt to reach an agreement through mediation to maintain control over their custody arrangements and avoid litigation, but in high-conflict cases, the court will determine custody based on evidence and expert recommendations.
Texas courts evaluate factors such as parental stability, history of violence or substance abuse, and the child’s emotional needs to determine the most suitable custody arrangement.
Whether you are in the throes of divorce or have been co-parenting for years, custody disputes are always difficult – emotionally and logistically. While it’s natural to be worried about transitioning away from having your kids in your care 24/7 to having to share time with your former spouse/partner, it’s important that you know that Texas family courts encourage custody arrangements that are as equitable as possible.
Still, custody can be an emotionally-tense issue, especially if you and your child’s other parent don’t see eye-to-eye. Our Lakeway custody lawyers are here to help you find a path forward that prioritizes your kiddo’s best interests and offers the most stability for everyone involved.
To learn more about your options and how we can support you, contact Hembree Bell Law Firm today to book your free case evaluation and take the next steps.
A Breakdown of Texas Custody Procedures
Custody (Conservatorship)
Conservatorship is the term for custody here in Texas, and there are two main types:
Joint managing conservatorship (JMC) –A custody arrangement in which both parents share decision-making authority regarding issues in the child’s life, like their education, medical care, religious practices, and more. In this arrangement, one parent will typically have the right to decide where the child lives. However, JMC’s do not guarantee that the time the child spends with each parent will be split evenly (50/50), though this can be the case for some families.
Sole managing conservatorship (SMC) – A custody arrangement in which one parent retains the exclusive right to make decisions about the child, usually because the other parent has a history of violence, abuse, substance dependency, or absence from the child’s life. If this is the custody arrangement you’re seeking because of one of those reasons, know that our fierce Lakeway divorce lawyers will fight to protect your child’s safety and stability. We often consult with experts like child psychologists and guardian ad litems to build a strong, compelling case that proves a sole custody arrangement supports the child’s overall wellbeing.
Possession
Possession refers to the right of each parent to have physical custody of the child during designated times. In other words, when the child is in the care of each parent.
Access
Access refers to a parent’s right to visit, communicate, or spend time with the child, even if they don’t have possession at the time. It may include phone calls, emails, video chats, or in-person visits (if possession has been restricted by the court).
Whether you are in the middle of divorce, seeking a custody modification, or petitioning the court for custody following a paternity establishment, our Lakeway custody lawyers will advocate for an arrangement that works best for all involved.
How Our Lakeway Custody Lawyers Help You Reach Agreements
Custody agreements can be reached between parents outside of court, or decided by a judge in court. However, many parents choose to avoid court involvement, if possible, to maintain control over their family’s future. One way this happens is through mediation, in which a neutral mediator facilitates discussion between the parties to find areas of compromise and reach a mutually-beneficial agreement. It is also a faster and cheaper method than traditional litigation.
However, it isn’t the right path forward for all situations; sometimes, there’s a history of violence or abuse, or one parent who is intent on creating conflict. In that case, a judge will be the one to make the final decision after hearing evidence and arguments from both parents. If your case proceeds this way, you can feel confident with us in your corner; our skilled Lakeway custody lawyers are strategic litigators with decades of combined experience.
How Hembree Bell Law Firm Can Serve as Your Partner Through the Emotional Custody Process
We know there’s likely nothing you wouldn’t do for your kids, and we get where you’re coming from – we’re parents, too. Our Lakeway custody lawyers will stand by you as you navigate this challenging journey, empowering you to achieve a beautiful life for you and your children. To learn more about what it’s like to have Hembree Bell Law Firm as your ally, reach out today to book your free consultation.