Plano County Child Custody Attorneys

Compassionate Legal Assistance When You Need it Most

Child custody is among the most important issues a couple must settle following a divorce or separation. At Pfister Family Law, our lawyers are intimately familiar with how courts determine custody and visitation schedules. We will use our decades of combined experience to advocate for your best interests and protect your parental rights.

Call Pfister Family Law for help with your child custody case in Plano County today: (972) 370-5172.

How Texas Courts Determine Custody Schedules

Texas, like many states, believes that children benefit most from a custody schedule that involves time with both parents. As such, Texas law contains a presumption that parents should be named joint managing conservators.

In standard joint custody cases, a child divides their time between both parents’ households. These coparents would also share the responsibility of making educational and medical decisions for their kid.

Only one parent will have the sole right to determine the child’s primary residence. Typically, the other parent will have a Standard Possession Order outlining their visitation rights. Additionally, this noncustodial parent would usually pay child support.

What Texas Courts Look for When Deciding Custody

The objective of all custody cases is to protect a child’s physical and emotional wellbeing. When determining how best to achieve that goal, courts consider a number of factors, including:

• Each parent’s ability to care for their child
• Each parent’s financial standing
• Each parent’s living situation
• Each parent’s relationship with their child
• Whether either parent has a history of substance abuse
• Whether either parent has a history of domestic violence
• The preference of children 12 or older

These are only some of the criteria a judge will consider when ruling on child custody.

There is no standardized formula that the court adheres to when reaching a verdict. This makes it crucial to obtain a skilled Plano County child custody lawyer to advocate for your rights and parental ability.