Child Custody Lawyer in El Paso
Our Focus is Your Child’s Wellbeing
Child custody cases are stressful for families. They can be especially disorienting for the children involved. Here, at Joseph & Hartshorn, we provide individualized and compassionate legal representation for parents involved in child custody disputes. We work hand-in-hand with you to negotiate on your behalf and find the best possible solution for you and the children involved.
Our child custody lawyer, Jordan Hartshorn, is dedicated to helping families reach resolutions and establish order and structure in their child’s life through fair child custody arrangements. We serve El Paso and the surrounding areas. Connect with us to learn more.
Our Child Custody Services
Divorce cases that involve children also have custody issues at hand. Reaching an agreement over a child can be difficult for parents for various reasons. Having a child custody lawyer by your side means you have someone standing up for your rights and representing you in what can be intimidating court proceedings and hearings. As your attorney, we are your advocate, and we work hard to find solutions.
Determining Child Custody in Texas
If you are going through a child custody dispute, it will be beneficial for you to know and understand the general factors the court will take into consideration when determining custody or conservatorship. The court will make their determination on what is in the best interest of the child. The following is a brief list of the factors the court may take into consideration:
- Physical and emotional needs of the child
- Whether the child is in any physical or emotional danger
- Home stability
- Financial stability
- Parenting skills
- The child’s primary caregiver
- Child preference if the child is 12 or older
- Any past reports of child abuse or neglect
What Goes Into the Child Custody Process?
When determining child custody, the courts will assess various aspects of the parents’ lives and determine a fair solution. Every case will vary and no two cases are the same. If one parent fights for sole custody, for example, they must prove to the court that the other parent is unfit. The courts will not simply award sole custody without a legitimate reason.
The child custody process looks something like this:
- Determine what type of custody you are seeking: Speak to your child custody lawyer about your options.
- Begin filing: You may have already filed for a divorce or will have to file a petition for custody (Suit Affecting Parent Child Relationship).
- Mediation or hearing and conferences: In this stage, every case can be a little bit different. It may depend on how much parents agree or disagree about the possible child custody agreement. Parents may agree to try to work out some of the terms through their attorneys and outside of court.
- Discovery and mediation: Your attorney will walk you through the discovery process, if necessary. It’s a way for each side to see what the other side is preparing to bring to court.
- Trial: If parents do not reach an agreement on their own, the case will go to trial.
- Final orders: The judge makes a decision and signs final orders, bringing the case to a close. There are appeals processes, however, for parents who may feel the outcome was unfair or unwarranted.
Types of Conservators in Texas
The state of Texas calls people in charge of a child a conservator. The managing conservators in a child’s life will make decisions regarding a child’s care, education, or medical decisions.
Possessory conservators are those entitled to visitations with a child. In Texas, the different types of conservators are:
- Joint managing conservators: These are two parents who share the custody and the rights and responsibilities surrounding the child’s life. Texas courts lean toward awarding joint managing conservators unless there is evidence that doing so is not in the best interest of the child.
- Sole managing conservator: This designates one parent to make the decisions regarding a child’s life. This may be the option the court opts for when there is a violent or disagreeable relationship, or if one parent lives very far away.
- Split managing conservator: This might be an option when there is split custody and each parent is named managing conservator of one child.
- Possessory conservator: This applies when one parent has the right to visitations. When one parent is deemed to be the sole managing conservator, the other parent will likely be named the possessory conservator and have access to the child and/or visitation rights.
Family Lawyer Jordan Hartshorn is Ready to Help
Are you getting a divorce and need to discuss child custody as well? Don’t be afraid to seek out your options. Family lawyer Jordan Hartshorn will fight on your behalf. Call us today and learn more.
