Dallas, TX Child Custody Attorneys

Child Custody Attorneys Representing Parents Throughout Dallas County, Texas

When parents separate, one of the biggest concerns is their children's care. Texas courts make custody decisions based on the child's best interests. These decisions affect where children live and how much time they spend with each parent. It also means making important choices about their lives.

At Powell Law Offices, P.C., we help Dallas parents protect their relationships with their children. We offer free consultations by phone, video, or in person. We are also available 24/7 to discuss your concerns and legal options.

Attorney Lauren Powell has more than 20 years of legal experience and was named a Top 10 Family Law Attorney for Texas since 2019. She has also been recognized among America's Most Honored Lawyers since 2020. With her experience and dedication to family law, our firm helps parents make informed decisions. We work with you toward custody arrangements that serve your children's best interests.

Understanding Parental Rights Under Texas Custody Orders

Texas calls child custody conservatorship. When parents are appointed as conservators, they usually have the right to receive information about their child's health, education, and welfare. They can also communicate with teachers and doctors, unless the court limits these rights.

Other responsibilities depend on the custody arrangement. Under Texas law, courts decide whether parents share certain rights. They also decide whether one parent has exclusive authority. These rights include deciding where the child lives, where they go to school, and what medical care they receive.

Custody orders also address child support. Our attorneys help parents understand how these decisions affect everyday family life.

How Expanded Standard Possession Works in Texas

Texas uses an expanded standard possession schedule in many custody cases. This schedule usually applies to children age three or older when their parents live within 50 miles of each other. Under the expanded schedule, that parent typically has possession on the first, third, and fifth weekends of the month. Weekend visits begin when school ends Friday. They continue until school resumes Monday. During the school year, Thursday visits usually run from the end of school until Friday morning.

Parents can agree to another schedule. The court can also order different arrangements when the expanded schedule would not serve the child's best interests. Children younger than three have separate scheduling rules.

Resolving Child Custody Disputes Through Mediation in Dallas County

Mediation allows parents to reach agreements outside the courtroom. A neutral mediator helps them discuss parenting schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and other concerns. Dallas County courts may require mediation before a contested custody hearing.

A properly signed mediated settlement agreement is usually binding and cannot be revoked. Limited exceptions apply, including certain situations involving family violence or risks to the child.

Our attorneys review proposed agreements and help you understand their long-term effects. When mediation fails, we are prepared to represent your interests in court.

Handling High-Conflict Child Custody Cases in Texas

A high-conflict divorce can make parenting arrangements especially difficult. Parents may disagree about schooling, medical care, or whether the other parent is following court orders. When serious disputes arise, the court can appoint an attorney to represent the child or assist the court.

Judges may also order a custody evaluation. An evaluator can interview parents, review records, and observe family interactions before making recommendations.

Our firm helps clients organize important evidence. This includes messages, parenting calendars, and school records. We also use secure electronic tools to keep documents accessible throughout the case.

Protecting Custody Rights During Military Service Members in Dallas, TX

Texas provides special custody protections for military parents. Military deployment can make it difficult for a parent to follow their regular parenting schedule. In these situations, the court may issue temporary orders. A deployed parent may also ask the court to let someone else spend time with the child while they are away. This could be a grandparent or another trusted person.

Military service alone does not justify permanently changing an existing custody order. Temporary deployment orders usually end when the deployment ends. At that point, the previous arrangement resumes.

Our attorneys can help military families address these temporary changes. We focus on protecting important parent-child relationships.

Changing Child Custody Orders in Texas

Parenting arrangements sometimes need to change because of a new job, relocation, or a child's changing needs. Texas allows modifications when legal requirements are met. In many cases, the parent requesting a change must show a material and substantial change in circumstances.

Custody questions can also arise during a divorce or when a stepparent seeks an adoption. A stepparent adoption creates a permanent legal relationship. It usually requires termination of the other parent's legal rights. Our attorneys can help you understand these requirements and pursue arrangements that protect your child.

Contact Our Dallas, TX Child Custody Attorneys

The attorneys at Powell Law Offices, P.C. have over 50 years of combined experience helping families with legal matters. With more than 100 five-star reviews, our firm has earned the trust of clients facing difficult custody disputes and other family law matters.

Whether you need an initial custody order, a parenting schedule change, or representation in court, we can help. Contact our Dallas, Texas child custody attorneys at 972-584-9382 for a free consultation.