Fort Worth Child Custody Attorneys
Why Do You Need a Child Custody Lawyer?
Bringing a child into the world is one of life’s greatest joys but raising a child is challenging, especially when the parents cannot put the child first. Relationships do not always work out, and while you move on, the child still needs both parents present and involved. Divorce and separation are complicated, and the child should not suffer or be a pawn. There are many reasons you will need a child custody attorney, as there are many concerns regarding the child’s upbringing. Leverage over a century of combined experience!
At a Glance
At Mims Ballew Hollingsworth, we represent parents in Fort Worth and across Tarrant County in complex child custody matters backed by more than 100 years of combined family law experience. Four of our attorneys are Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
We handle all aspects of custody disputes, including primary custody, parenting plans, visitation, modifications, relocation, and cases involving safety concerns or high-conflict co-parenting. Our approach is focused on developing practical, child-centered solutions that align with Texas courts’ “best interests of the child” standard.
Recognized by Martindale-Hubbell (AV Preeminent), Super Lawyers, and Fort Worth Magazine’s Top Attorneys, we combine strategic advocacy with a steady, solutions-oriented approach to protect your child and your parental rights.
Free consultations available. Call 817-900-8330.
The Best Interests of the Child
There are several ways you can determine custody and other concerns. The lawyers representing each parent will work to reach a plan for the parents. The process is more straightforward when both parties can agree on some or most topics. When the court sees collaboration, the judge will often approve the parenting plan and make it official after they review it.
If there are some issues that both parties cannot agree on, the judge will review each side’s arguments and determine what is in the child’s best interest. Sometimes what is in the child’s best interest is different from what either parent wants; other times, it is somewhere in the middle. The court will review the following factors when deciding on custody matters:
A parenting plan aims to have an effective and healthy co-parenting arrangement. The court wants both parents involved in the upbringing of the child, whether they are together or not. Amicable co-parenting also enhances the relationship that the parent has with the child. If the parents constantly fight, the child may feel they need to choose sides or that they are the problem. Even if you are having difficulties co-parenting, your child should not suffer.
What is Primary Custody?
The child’s primary residence determines a slew of other issues, and both parents will want to have primary custody. Parents will argue tooth and nail to receive the designation of primary custody because this is where the child will spend most of their time. Primary custody determines where the child spends school nights, where they have a room, and who makes decisions on food, emotional support, and more.
There are various custody arrangements we can address like:
- Interstate custody
- Child relocation
- Visitation and access
- Special-needs custody
- Termination of parental rights
- Sole custody
- Parental rights
- Grandparent rights
- modifications to an existing agreement
Joint legal custody allows both parents to make every decision regarding the child and joint physical custody means that the parents will have equal parenting time with the child. Joint physical custody does not always result in a 50/50 split, but it does consider the needs of both parents and the child. A custody order can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstance for either parent or one parent who wishes to relinquish parental rights. Modifications are common as the child grows.
Child Custody Issues to Resolve
There are many concerns you must address in a parenting plan, and you need the best child custody lawyer to help you. The primary issue is where the child will live most of the time. That is the most contentious topic because that will determine how many other matters will proceed. A child will likely spend most of their time in one home for schooling. Depending on where the parents live, they can split the time between homes if they are near the school.
After a split, some parents will need to move for better opportunities, and the question arises if moving is in the child’s best interest. As children grow, they will acquire various possessions, and while parents will need to buy essentials for either home, there are some possessions they will need to transport back and forth. Other topics you must address are:
- Abuse and safety
- Traveling
- Changes to an existing custody order
- Child support
- Religion
- Diet
- Routines
You must make many decisions as your child grows, and both parents must work together to reach conclusions that are in the child’s best interest. Parental rights and decision-making are vital concerns to address with your lawyer.
Establishing a Parenting Plan
A parenting plan is unique to the child and parents. There is no one-size-fits-all solution because kids have different interests and needs. Suppose the child is involved in various activities, a parenting plan can outline who must pick up and drop off the child. If your child has special needs, whether a disability, allergy, or routine, you can also address that with a parenting plan. The plan can be as detailed or vague as you need for your child.
Parents will sometimes agree on topics but would like to have it in writing. In other cases, parents do not agree, and they need to come to an agreement and ensure it is in the parenting plan. Parents must make sacrifices and compromises to ensure their child gets the necessary care. Child custody attorneys can help you reach a resolution and create a parenting plan that is not cookie-cutter but solely benefits the child.
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Speak With a Fort Worth Child Custody Attorney Today
The best child custody attorney for you is one who listens and puts your child’s needs first. We can help guide you through the different legal options you have. Mims Ballew Hollingsworth has skilled litigators ready to fight for you and your child. We will work with you, your former partner, and the legal system to devise a plan covering all child’s needs. When you have child custody struggles, it is time to contact our firm. Complete our contact form to schedule a consultation.
Content reviewed by a Board Certified family law attorney Constance Mims.
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