A child custody dispute is one of the most emotionally charged legal battles a parent can face. When the relationship between you and your child is at stake, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a powerful, compassionate advocate. As your dedicated child custody attorney in Houston, Hirani Law Firm combines deep legal knowledge of Texas family law with a genuine understanding of the emotional stakes for your family.
Managing Conservatorship
In Texas, 'conservatorship' refers to the legal rights and duties a parent has regarding their child. A 'Managing Conservator' has the right to make significant decisions about the child's life, including decisions about education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
Possessory Conservatorship
A 'Possessory Conservator' generally does not have the right to make major decisions for the child but has the right to spend time with the child (possession and access / visitation).
Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC)
This is the most common arrangement in Texas and is presumed to be in the best interest of the child. In a JMC, both parents share the rights and duties of a Managing Conservator. However, one parent is typically designated as the 'primary' conservator with the right to establish the child's primary residence.
Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC)
A court awards one parent Sole Managing Conservatorship when joint managing conservatorship is deemed not in the child's best interest, which typically requires evidence of abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or substance abuse by the other parent.
The "Best Interest of the Child" Standard
In any custody decision, the court's only consideration is the 'best interest of the child.' This is not about the parents' desires or convenience; it is about what will provide the child with the most stable, nurturing, and safe environment.
Key Factors Courts Evaluate
When determining the best interest of the child, a judge will consider factors such as: the child's age, emotional, and physical needs; the stability of each parent's home; each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent; any history of domestic violence or child abuse; and the child's own preferences (if the child is 12 or older, the court must consider, but is not bound by, their expressed preference).
We Listen First
Before we strategize, we take the time to truly understand your family's unique situation, your goals for your children, and your concerns about the other parent.
Strategic, Aggressive Advocacy
We develop a tailored legal strategy designed to achieve your custody goals. If the other party is uncooperative or is attempting to alienate you from your children, we fight aggressively to protect your parental rights.
Focused on the Children
While we are your advocate, we never lose sight of the fact that the ultimate goal is to achieve the best outcome for your children.