Denton County Child Custody Attorneys

Advocating for Your Best Interests

Child custody is one of the most important matters that must be settled following a divorce or separation. The decision directly affects the child, the parents, and each party’s parent-child relationship. With so much on the line, it’s imperative that you recruit professional legal help to protect your best interests.

Our team at Pfister Family Law has decades of collective experience guiding clients through the child custody process. We’re familiar with the system and offer a personalized approach to advocate for your specific goals.

Discuss your case with our Denton County child custody lawyers today: (972) 370-5172.

How Do Texas Courts Make Custody Decisions?

Custody decisions could originate from a collaborative agreement between coparents or a judge’s decision of what would protect the child’s best interest.

When the court is left to make the final call on custody, they aim to keep both parents at least somewhat involved in the kid’s upbringing, as that is typically what is best for the child. As such, parents are often named joint managing conservators. With this role, parents share the authority to make medical and educational decisions. However, only one parent will have the right to determine the child’s residence.

What Not to Do During a Child Custody Case

It’s important for a guardian to be a positive and responsible caretaker. As such, you should remain on your best behavior before, during, and after your child custody hearing. Your efforts to gain custody could be made difficult if you: 

• Damage your ex’s property
• Fight with your ex
• Interrupt your kid’s normal schedule
• Post pictures of you excessively drinking
• Speak poorly of your ex online

Any evidence of these behaviors could be detrimental to your case.

What Judges Consider When Contemplating a Child’s Best Interest

Custody decisions are centered around a judge’s efforts to protect the child’s best interests. The court considers factors that would impact the kid’s emotional and physical wellbeing, such as: 

• Each parent’s financial situation
• Each parent’s living situation
• Either parent’s history of domestic violence
• Either parent’s history of substance abuse
• The ability of each parent to care for the child
• The child’s preference (if they are 12 or older)
• The relationships that the child has with each parent

These are only some of the factors a judge may consider. Our Denton County child custody lawyers can help you submit ample evidence to the court to demonstrate your ability to care for your child.