When parents separate, they often seek legal assistance regarding custody and visitation arrangements for their children. A child custody attorney in Houston can help establish a parental rights agreement that is beneficial to both parties and meets the best interests of the children involved. Hiring a family law attorney early on can help avoid future conflict regarding child custody and visitation.
A Houston child custody attorney can assist with all aspects of a custody case, including original suit, modification of a court order, and enforcement of a protective order. A lawyer can also counsel on other areas of family law, such as divorce, alimony, property division, and adoptions. In addition to family-related matters, an attorney can provide support during criminal or domestic violence trials.
The Law Office of Stacy Ly assists individuals and families in the Houston area with matters involving family law. The firm has been in business since 2011 and offers services such as contested divorce, uncontested divorce, and spousal support negotiations. The firm also assists with child custody, paternity, guardianship, and probate. The law office is available to clients in English and Spanish.
In Texas, the term “custody” is not used, instead, the state uses the phrase conservatorship to define a child’s rights and duties. The law outlines three types of conservatorship: joint managing conservator, sole managing conservator, and possessory conservator. A Houston child custody attorney can help determine which type of conservatorship is the most appropriate for a client’s situation.
Generally, a judge or jury decides the outcome of a child custody dispute. Despite this, more than ninety percent of all child custody cases settle outside the courtroom. The majority of these settlements are reached through mediation or informal negotiation sessions. A Houston child custody attorney can help prepare a parent for a trial and can represent their client’s rights in front of a judge or jury.
A family law attorney can also assist with relocation of a child, either within or out of state. The process is complicated and can be lengthy. A Houston child custody attorney can help a parent file a petition and prove that the move is in the best interests of the child.
If a parent has a history of domestic abuse, drug use, unsafe living conditions, or other issues that may harm a child, a Houston child custody attorney can file an allegation of unfitness. If a judge finds that a parent is unfit, the court can place restrictions on their access to their children. An experienced attorney can collect or rebut evidence that supports an unfitness claim. In some instances, a child’s safety cannot be compromised and the parent must be removed from their home.