Child Custody Attorneys in Denton County
Experienced Legal Guidance for Custody Proceedings in Denton County, TX
Even in the most amicable of divorce proceedings, agreeing on a satisfactory child custody arrangement can be an arduous process. Parents often ask us how to win child custody in Denton, Texas. The state of Texas makes it a priority to give both parents access to their children following a divorce, but that can happen in one of two ways. One parent can be given sole custody, also known as sole managing conservatorship, or custody can be shared through a joint managing conservatorship. Understanding the differences between these arrangements can be crucial to determining what might work best for your family and ensuring decisions are made in the children's best interest.
The significance of these custody arrangements has more to do with decision-making responsibilities than living arrangements, which is why the state generally prefers naming each parent a managing conservator. This helps maintain a balanced role for both parents, allowing them both to stay actively involved in key aspects of their children's lives, from educational choices to healthcare decisions.
Why Choose Our Child Custody Attorneys?
- We put 110+ years of combined family law experience on your side
- We aim to deliver the best in customer service in Denton, Collin County, and Tarrant Counties
- Our child custody lawyers carefully listen to our clients' concerns before we give advice
- Our legal team includes family lawyers who are certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Our law firm offers financing to help with retainer fees.
Call (940) 293-2313 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with a Denton child custody lawyer near you. Serving Tarrant, Denton, and Collin Counties.
Reasons to Work with a Local Custody Lawyer
Choose one of our local child custody attorneys in Denton County for your case. Why? Put simply, local legal professionals know what to expect better than an attorney from another city or county in Texas. Their familiarity with local judicial tendencies and community norms can provide a strategic advantage in your custody arrangements.
At Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers, we are proud to offer our legal services as Denton locals. We know the Denton County courts, the judges who work there, and the reasoning they often use when making a decision for a child custody case. This local insight helps in tailoring legal strategies that align with regional practices and expectations, facilitating smoother proceedings.
Another important benefit of hiring a local lawyer is that we genuinely care about how your legal matters progress and conclude. We see you as a neighbor first and a client second. By helping you and your family enjoy a fair and reasonable child custody agreement, we see it as a way to uplift our community. Our goal extends beyond just legal success; it’s about strengthening community ties and providing peace of mind.
There is no reason to wait to get help for your child custody situation when Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers makes it so easy to work with trustworthy and caring legal professionals. Ever since we opened our doors in 1998, we have become a pillar in the community for reliable legal counsel in all matters related to family law and divorce.
How Does Domestic Violence Affect Child Custody in Texas?
As of September 1, 2015, Texas Senate Bill 818 requires a parent who is appointed as a conservator of a child (the custodial parent) to disclose particular information regarding a history of domestic violence. This legislation reflects the state's commitment to child safety, emphasizing that all parents must be transparent about living arrangements that may impact the child's welfare. Previously, a parent subject to a court order was required to reveal if they were living with a person who had been convicted of a sexual offense; now, parents in Texas must adhere to more rigorous reporting measures.
A custodial parent must tell the other parent if:
- They establish a residence with a person who is subject to an active, final protective order at the time when the residence is established;
- They live with or allow unsupervised access to a child by a person who is subject to a final protective order; and/or
- They are subject to a final protective order issued after the date of the order establishing conservatorship.
For the first requirement, the notice must be presented to the other parent as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after a parent begins living with a person who is subject to a protective order. The deadline for the second requirement is 90 days and, for the third requirement, it is 30 days. Complying with these deadlines is critical to avoid legal penalties and to protect all parties involved.
Failure to notify the other parent results in a Class C misdemeanor. This highlights the importance of transparency and timely communication in co-parenting agreements, ensuring that both parents can focus on the welfare of their children without unforeseen legal obstacles.
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He was kind, compassionate and listened to my needs and concerns. He efficiently handled and executed what needed to be done in a timely fashion! Shelby and his staff are amazing!- Michele
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I recently had the privilege of working with Shelby for my divorce and custody proceedings, and I am absolutely delighted with the exceptional level of support and expertise he provided. Throughout the entire process, Shelby demonstrated unwavering professionalism and dedication. Shelby listened attentively to my concerns, fears, and wishes, ensuring that I felt heard and understood. He provided comprehensive guidance, addressing all my questions and explaining complex legal matters in a way that was easy to comprehend. The success I achieved in securing international custody of my children stands as a testament to Shelby's expertise and unwavering diligence. His remarkable ability to achieve such outcomes in such a difficult case is a true testament to his capabilities. He also displayed genuine care and empathy throughout the entire process. His compassion and understanding made me feel reassured. I would wholeheartedly recommend Shelby to anyone in need of a family lawyer.- Asif
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Ashley was amazing when it came to handling my case. I recommend her to anyone seeking a help with family court issues.- Seth
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I have used Duane Coker for several legal issues over the past seven years. Each time he was always honest with his advice and very aggressive in pursuing my best interest in the situation. I would highly recommend him to anyone.- Ted
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Kelly was the second lawyer I had hired for my divorce matter after I had to terminate the first one. The difference was night and day - Kelly was always prepared, was willing to engage in strategy sessions, offered various unique approaches to problems, and was very easy to work with. I highly recommend her and Coker Legal in general.- Luke
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We are from California and we needed a local probate attorney. After calling around and speaking with 3 different attorneys, we settled on Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers. Tyler Livingston and his staff were amazing and very efficient. Even though we are in California, he kept us up to date. He settled our case in 5 months and we are extremely grateful for the service we received. If you are looking for a highly-skilled, affordable attorney, this is the firm we recommend.- Helena R.
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Ashley was very courteous and professional handling my case & I would recommend this law firm to my family or friends.- Larry
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- Tammy V.
It was a pleasure working with Attorney Sheba George. She was diligent and thorough with each detail on an update of a name change. You can count on her to get the job right.
Types of Custody
Texas awards sole or joint physical custody and sole or joint legal custody. Understanding the nuances of these custody types is essential for parents who want to ensure their rights and responsibilities are clearly defined.
In cases of shared custody, you can be taken to court if you try to exclude the other parent from the decision-making process. Texas promotes cooperation and collaboration between parents, recognizing that successful co-parenting benefits the child’s development and emotional well-being. You can also go to court to ask for sole legal custody if you believe that you and the other parent are unable to make important decisions together, but you will have to prove to the judge that shared legal custody is not in the child’s best interests. This approach requires presenting solid evidence and clear reasoning about how not granting sole custody could negatively affect the child's well-being.
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Sole CustodyIn Texas, sole custody may be awarded without much hesitation by the court if one of the parents is considered unfit due to an alcohol or drug dependency or other reason. However, most courts favor as much influence for both parents as possible.
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Joint CustodyJoint custody is the preferred option of the Court whenever possible. Shared custody has advantages in that the children have continued contact with and the involvement of both parents and the onus of parenting is shared. Joint custody can be awarded if the parents are divorced, separated, no longer living together, or never lived together.
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Physical CustodyPhysical custody is the right for a parent’s child to live with them. It is often the case that the court awards joint physical custody if the child spends considerable time with both parents. Sole primary custody is usually awarded when the child lives primarily with one parent and the other maintains visitation rights.
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Legal Custody
Legal custody refers to a parent's right to contribute to the making of significant decisions in the child’s life, including their schooling, religious upbringing, and medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Questions? Consult an Attorney at Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers!
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Where Is Your Office Located and How Can I Contact Your Firm About My Child Custody Case?
Our Denton office is located at 3251 Unicorn Lake Blvd, Denton, TX 76210. You can contact us about your child custody case by calling (940) 293-2313 or filling out an online contact form, whichever you prefer.
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Do I Need a Lawyer for a Child Custody Case in Denton?
You are allowed to handle a family law case without hiring legal counsel if you want, but it is not advisable. Family law judges will warn you that managing a child custody case on your own is not recommended, too. They want what is best for your child, and they know that a licensed legal professional can offer important guidance and insight.
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How Long Does a Child Custody Case Typically Take in Denton?
From start to finish, a child custody case can take a few months or longer than a year. It depends on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the parents to cooperate. Courts do not like dragging out child custody cases because it can confuse the child further, though, so it’s important to try to work together.
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What Are the Different Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Denton?Child custody is sorted into different categories and arrangements: physical (which parent can live with the child); legal (which parent can make important decisions for the child); joint (both parents share custody rights); and sole (one parent gets full custody rights).
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How Does the Court Decide Child Custody in Denton?Denton County family law courts will always decide a child custody case based on the best interests of the child. When working on your case, you should stay focused on what your child needs to be happy and build your argument around that.
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What Happens if I Cannot Agree on a Custody Arrangement With the Other Parent?
If you can’t agree on a custody arrangement with the other parent, the case will have to go to court. The family law judge will likely tell you to attempt mediation first. If that effort fails, then the matter will escalate to courtroom litigation.
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Can I Modify an Existing Child Custody Order in Denton County?You can modify an existing child custody order in Denton County if the current order has provisions that are no longer tenable and put you and/or your child in undue hardship. Typically, a modification petition will only be approved if you can prove that you have undergone a “significant life change” that necessitates it.
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What Happens if I Want to Relocate With My Child Outside of Denton?Before you can relocate out of Denton with your child, you will have to discuss the matter with the other parent first. Even if you reach an agreement with each other about the relocation, you should talk to an attorney and discuss if the matter should be taken to court to make it official. No matter what you do, you should never move with your child to another city or county without telling the other parent. You could be accused of breaking a court order at the least or child abduction at the worst.
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What Are My Rights if There Is a History of Domestic Violence in My Child Custody Case?You have the right to bring evidence of domestic violence carried out by your ex-spouse or the child’s other parent to court and use it during child custody arguments. The court may consider domestic violence accusations and convictions when reaching its decision.
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How Does the Court Handle Child Custody Cases Involving Unmarried Parents in Denton County?In Texas, child custody laws tend to automatically favor the mother when the child’s parents are unmarried. The legalization of same-sex marriages has challenged this default, though, so courts need to take more time to evaluate the unmarried parents’ situation before making a decision.
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What Should I Expect if My Denton Child Custody Case Goes to Trial?If your child custody case goes to trial in Denton County, you can expect the judge to want to hear an argument that supports your child’s best interests. You can expect the other parent to bring a lawyer to court, so you should have one, too. You can also expect that the trial process could be difficult for your child, even if they don’t have to go to court often or at all, so you might want to consider talking to a child therapy specialist if your child shows signs of distress caused by the trial.
Why Choose Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers?
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Video Consultations & Meetings Available
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Voted Best Family Law Firm & Best Law Firm in Denton County
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Working Hard to Achieve the Best Results Possible
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Deeply Committed to Listening & Helping You
What Can a Custody Attorney Do for Me?
Denton County child custody cases can become complicated and incredibly contentious for many families. We can help you make sense of the matter if you are unsure of where to begin and how to file for child custody in Texas. Seeking guidance early can prevent missteps and ensure that your custody documentation is aligned with both state requirements and your circumstances.
A child custody attorney in Denton County can be by your side from start to finish, helping you to create an effective custody plan and representing your interests inside and outside of court. This approach aims to secure an arrangement that truly reflects your child’s best interests while accommodating practical family dynamics. Our custody lawyers will always be there to offer our objective advice so you do not make rash choices. We focus on informed decision-making, empowering you to approach custody challenges confidently.
Build a Brighter Future for Your Children
