Lewisville, TX Child Custody Attorneys

Compassionate Lawyers for Custody Disputes in Lewisville, Texas

When a marriage becomes unsustainable, sometimes, the best thing a couple can do for the family is to split up. However, getting a divorce as a parent can be a complicated, stressful ordeal. If you need help standing up for your parental rights in your divorce, a Lewisville child custody attorney can help.

Every child custody case should be handled with care, considering what is at stake for the child. At The Ramage Law Group, we understand the gravity of these legal proceedings, and we can advocate for a resolution that prioritizes your child's needs in the long term while still standing up for your rights.

Rights and Responsibilities of Child Custody

In Texas, child custody is legally referred to as "conservatorship." Custody arrangements involve both decision-making authority and physical possession of the child. Parents with joint managing conservatorship share the right to make important decisions about education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. This does not always mean equal parenting time, but it does reflect the court's preference that both parents remain actively involved in their child's life.

Physical custody, or "possession and access," determines where the child primarily lives and when each parent spends time with them. Courts often follow standard possession schedules but may modify these arrangements to fit the child's needs or the parents' circumstances. An attorney can help ensure that custody terms are tailored to your situation and that your parental rights are preserved.

Do Texas Courts Favor Mothers or Fathers?

Texas law does not automatically favor mothers over fathers—or vice versa—in custody cases. Instead, the law requires courts to evaluate each parent's ability to provide a safe, stable, and supportive environment for the child. Historically, mothers were more often granted primary custody, but today both parents are considered equally capable of serving as conservators.

Judges examine factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, who has been the primary caregiver, the stability of each household, and any history of family violence. The emphasis remains on the child's best interests, not parental gender.

Unconscious biases can sometimes affect the court's perception of a parent. To ensure that you are fairly represented, consider working with an experienced family law attorney.

When Do the Courts Give One Parent Sole Custody?

While joint conservatorship is common in Texas, there are circumstances where a court may award one parent sole managing conservatorship. This gives one parent the exclusive right to make key decisions about the child's upbringing and may limit the other parent's access. Sole custody is typically granted when joint arrangements would not serve the child's best interests.

Reasons for awarding sole custody may include a parent's history of abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or a demonstrated inability to provide a safe home. In some cases, severe conflict between the parents may also justify sole conservatorship if cooperation is impossible. Even then, the noncustodial parent may still receive visitation rights unless contact would endanger the child.

Since these cases are complex and highly fact-specific, having an attorney at your side is critical. Legal representation can help to make sure that your evidence is properly presented and that the court fully understands why your proposed custody arrangement is in the child's best interests.

Contact a Lewisville Child Custody Lawyer Today

At The Ramage Law Group, we serve as devoted advocates for parents in need of legal representation. We handle all child custody cases with individual attention and care, pursuing personalized solutions that reflect every family's unique circumstances.

Our attorneys have decades of shared experience in complex issues of family law. To set up an initial consultation with our firm, call our offices at 972-562-9890 or contact our Lewisville, TX child custody attorneys.