Child Custody Lawyer in Spring

Why Choose Bolton Law for Your Child Custody Case in Spring, TX?

• Local Expertise: As trusted Spring, TX, child custody lawyers, we understand local family courts and how judges approach child custody decisions.
• Aggressive Representation: We fight to protect your parental rights and secure the best possible custody arrangements for your child.
• Compassionate Support: We assist parents with everything from custody disputes to uncontested divorce, ensuring a smooth transition for minor children.
• Tailored Solutions: Whether you need a child custody agreement, joint managing conservatorship, or help to award sole custody, we create a strategy that fits your parent’s circumstances.

Get the Legal Support You Need for Your Child Custody Battle

Your child’s future is too important to leave to chance. If you’re facing a child custody battle, dealing with child custody issues, or need help determining child custody, Bolton Law is here to assist. Our team of Spring, Texas child custody lawyers are ready to advocate for your child’s best interests.

Call us today at (936) 297-4668 for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your parental rights and securing the best outcome for your child in Spring, Texas.

Bolton Law Firm: Premier Child Custody Lawyers in Spring, Texas

Bolton Law Firm, located in Spring, Texas, is renowned for its exceptional legal services, characterized by a deep commitment to excellence and client-focused representation.

Our firm is spearheaded by Ruby Bolton, who is distinguished as a Super Lawyer—a prestigious honor awarded to only the top 5% of attorneys in each state. This accolade underscores her dedication, expertise, and effectiveness in representing her clients in family law matters.

Our firm stands out not only because of Ruby Bolton’s esteemed recognition but also due to the high level of expertise across our team. Each attorney at Bolton Law Firm is board-certified, a designation that sets them apart as specialists in their respective fields of law. This certification ensures that our clients receive advice and representation that adheres to the highest standards of legal practice.

At Bolton Law Firm, we specialize in a broad spectrum of family law services, including complex child custody disputes, divorce proceedings, and other pivotal family-related legal issues. Our deep local knowledge of Spring, Texas, and its legal landscape allows us to effectively navigate the unique challenges our clients face.

We understand the emotional and practical complexities associated with legal issues. That’s why we strive to create a supportive and empathetic environment where our clients feel valued and understood. Our Spring family law attorneys help clients through their legal journeys with dignity, providing expert guidance that instills confidence and clarity.

Turn to Bolton Law Firm for unparalleled legal expertise and compassionate service in Spring, Texas. Let us guide you with the professionalism and care you deserve to tackle your legal challenges.

Are There Different Types of Child Custody Agreements in Spring, Texas?

The short answer is “YES!” In Texas, there are many child custody agreements, although many of them are not 50/50 based. However, they are all categorized under two groups, which are physical and legal custody. In fact, when it comes to child custody agreements, it is wise to know and understand the difference between the two.

Legal Custody

Having legal custody means that you are responsible for important decisions such as where the child will go to school and live, what religious instructions they will receive, the doctor they will see, and more. In this case, you may not have physical custody of the child (meaning the child is not living with you), but you may have a say in important things or make decisions on behalf of the child.

During the marriage, you and your spouse likely made these decisions together. As a result, if you divorce, the family court judge will try to keep it that way if at all possible. In Texas, the judge will recommend shared legal custody and the parties will continue to make decisions about the child(ren) jointly. This is legally known as “Joint Legal Custody.”

On the other hand, joint legal custody can quickly become a battleground for parents who are not able to agree on things. This can make life miserable for everyone, including the child. If this happens, the Texas family court has the right to award one parent sole legal custody.

The judge can also award sole custody to one parent if the other:

• Is abusive
• Is neglectful
• Is not involved in a child’s day-to-day life or spending time with the child
• Lives a great distance from where the child lives

It is also possible for the judge to order joint legal custody, but designate one parent as the tie-breaker in cases where disagreements arise. This is a technique used to encourage both parents to get involved or attempt to come up with a resolution, and it is not that different from sole legal custody.

Physical Custody

Physical custody refers to where the child will live. In other words, the primary home of the child. A parent who is awarded physical custody is known as a custodial parent. It is important to note that the way custody is ordered at the time of your divorce can affect you later. Physical custody can either be shared or be sole physical custody.

Joint Custody (Shared Custody)

In a perfect world, 50/50 joint physical custody is attained when the child gets to see both parents for an equal amount of time. Often, this depends on both parents’ level of agreement and their desire to provide the same level of care.

However, this is not always the case. In most cases, one parent will receive primary physical custody of the child. For this reason, it is important to note that joint custody does not always refer to exactly a 50/50 time split. It is something close to that.

On the other hand, this can only work if both parents live close to each other and the children can maintain regular activities no matter which house they are in. In cases where the parents do not get along, joint custody is not the best for a child.

Sole Custody (Visitation)

Sole custody refers to a situation where one parent is given sole custody of the child, while the other parent is given scheduled visitations or time with the child. This is known as parenting time or visitation. This is a very common agreement when it comes to child custody cases. The parent with sole custody is known as the “custodial parent,” while the other is known as the “noncustodial parent.”

How Does the Texas Family Court Determine Child Custody?

The Texas court will consider several factors when determining child custody. It is important to note that the primary concern of the court is to make a decision that is in the best interest of the child. Below are just a few examples of the factors the Texas court will consider:

• The relationship that each parent has with their child
• Whether a parent provides a safe and stable environment for the child’s development.
• Each parent’s financial stability
• A history of drug abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, or other behavior that could endanger the child.
• How the decision would impact the child’s social life
• Each parent’s geographical proximity
• If the child is mature or old enough, their preference

Can We Create a Child Custody Plan Without the Court’s Involvement in Texas?

In Texas, parents who wish to create a child custody plan without involving the court have the following options:

Agreed on Parenting Plan

After a divorce, parents are highly encouraged to come up with a plan for their children’s custody and visitation outside of court. That is because it is not only the most affordable option available (by eliminating court costs and others) but is also often the best way of deciding what is best for the child and family.

However, parents are advised to take extra care while making these decisions because of the fragile nature of the affair. This is why it is wise to have a child custody lawyer in Spring, Texas present during negotiations.

Whenever parents come up with a child custody agreement, they must submit it to the family court for approval. The agreement is known as a “parenting plan,” and the court will review the plan to ensure it is in the best interest of the child. If the court sees no issues with the agreement, it will formalize it and make it legally binding.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

If both parents fail to agree on who gets custody but still want to solve the issue out of court, there are three avenues of alternative dispute resolution.

• Negotiation – The parents negotiate and decide on custody and visitation, often with help of an attorney.
• Mediation – A mediator listens to both sides and helps the parents come to an agreement. The court may reject a mediated settlement if either party is guilty of family violence or if the agreement would not be in the child’s best interests.
• Arbitration – The arbitrator makes the final decision and both parties agree to be bound by the decision. Arbitration proceedings are similar to a hearing and both parents give testimony.

What if the Parents Cannot Agree on Any Aspects of Child Custody in Spring, Texas?

Even the courts agree that parents are in a better position to make the right decisions for their children. For this reason, they can come up with a child custody plan that is not only beneficial to the child but also for the whole family.

However, sometimes an agreement cannot be reached for one reason or another. In such a situation, the next step is to have the courts determine custody arrangements by going to trial.

Understanding Texas Child Custody Laws in Spring, TX

Under the Texas Family Code, custody (also known as conservatorship) is determined based on the best interest of the child. A family court judge considers multiple factors, including:

• The child’s age and developmental needs
• The child’s primary residence and current living environment
• Each parent’s ability to provide stability and meet the child’s physical and emotional needs
• Past issues like child abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
• The child’s preference, depending on their age and maturity level

We guide parents through the legal process, ensuring they understand their rights and responsibilities under Texas law. Whether you’re seeking primary custody, requesting a child custody modification, or addressing common child custody issues, our legal team provides personalized, results-driven strategies.