Custody & Visitation
“I want full custody.”
“What about summer breaks? Holidays? Where will my kids be on Christmas?”
“Who makes the decision when I have to take my child to the doctor? What if the doctor says my child needs medical treatment?”
“I want to take my child on a trip. Can’t I just go?”
“My spouse is going to want full custody of our kids.”
These are common questions parents ask, regarding what happens to their children in the case of divorce. But what does “custody” mean, in the state of Texas? And what do people who make statements such as those above usually really mean?
The answer is both simple and complex. “Custody” is generally thought of by the layperson to mean “physical possession” of a child. Which is true, as far as it goes. However, when Texas courts are tasked with deciding “custody” of a child, the focus is much more comprehensive and nuanced than simply deciding who will have physical possession of a child and when. One of the hardest parts of a divorce is the effect it has on the children, and at the Routzon Law Firm we understand this. Our attorneys work with you and the courts to make sure the children are spending the proper amount of quality time with each parent to maintain their wellbeing. We understand the extremely sensitive and emotional nature of this issue and handle each matter with particular care.
Our attorneys work with our clients to help them understand how the many issues involved in raising children (taking care of expenses, making decisions that affect the children, deciding where they will live and go to school, etc.) are intertwined and connected within the law and how Texas laws and judges may treat these various issues. Texas law permits flexibility in creating a visitation schedule, and our attorneys will strive to help you and your spouse reach a customized agreement that helps the children through the difficult process of divorce, allowing them to flourish in separate households.
Our experienced attorneys at the Routzon Law Firm are able to assist parents and families in Tarrant, Wise, Denton, Navarro, and Dallas counties. We will work with you in your unique situation and locale, providing assistance as you navigate decisions for your children and their future.
Sometimes however, the difficult truth is that one parent cannot provide a safe, positive environment for their child or children. When a parent identifies that his or her child is being subjected to such a situation, it is important to take steps to protect the child. Texas law provides a number of agencies and resources such as Child Protective Services that can assist the parent. Our experienced attorneys at the Routzon Law Firm can help you determine whether your child is in such a situation and how to proceed if they are.
These situations can sometimes lead to decisions about parental rights, and whether both parents can continue as legal guardians of the children. Let us help you sort through the legal process and ramifications of such a decision. If you believe your child may be living in an unsafe or unhealthy environment, call us at 817-616-0734.
Raising children is complex. We understand that the decisions our clients have to make during the legal process of divorce are difficult, sometimes painful, and have very serious long-term consequences. We care about our clients and do our very best to help guide them through the complex process of divorce and subsequent custody decision-making process.
Contact our experienced family attorneys today at 817-616-0734 for more information and to schedule a consultation.