Child Custody

Texas Lawyers

Serving Collin and Denton counties • Dallas–Fort Worth

The Shapiro Law Firm represents clients throughout Collin and Denton counties, helping them settle child custody and related issues such as visitation rights and child support.

Child Custody in Texas

It is common for both parents to seek custody of their minor children during divorce. Texas courts no longer grant automatic custody to the mother and in most cases prefer that both divorcing parents become joint managing conservators of their children. Maintaining a healthy relationship with both parents is considered in the best interest of the children. In a joint conservatorship or custody, parents share parental rights, such as the right to consult the school and health care professionals regarding their child. Typically, only one parent will be given the right to decide the child’s physical residence.

Various types of child custody exist, including sole custody, in which one parent is given physical custody and the child primarily resides with that parent; the other parent is given visitation privileges. Shared custody is another option. Our family law attorney can explain the different custody choices.

Child Support

After custody arrangements are determined, support is usually addressed. Child support is routinely awarded to the custodial parent, or the parent who has primary physical custody of the child. The purpose of child support is to ensure the continuation of financial support after divorce. Calculation of child support is based on guidelines set by the Texas Family Code. Because calculating child support takes into account many factors, legal assistance is often advised to ensure proposals for support payment fall within the parameters recognized by the courts.

If the noncustodial parent faces financial hardship, child support may not be ordered or may be discontinued; however, as circumstances change, our lawyers assist clients to establish or re-establish child-support payments.

At The Shapiro Law Firm, we are committed to the long-term interests of our clients and their children. Our lawyers work with clients through mediation or the legal system to help them effectively resolve issues regarding child custody and support in an effort to preserve family relationships.

If you need a lawyer for child custody or child support and live Collin or Denton counties or the Dallas–Fort Worth area, please contact us online or at 972-423-0033 to learn how our wealth of experience can benefit you.