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We Provide Personalized Child Custody Representation in Houston and Throughout Southeast Texas

At the Ramos Law Group, PLLC, our Houston child custody lawyers are passionate and experienced advocates for parents. It is our mission to provide the highest level of legal representation to our clients.

If you are locked in a child custody case, we are more than ready to protect your rights. For a fully confidential, no-obligation initial consultation with a top-rated Texas family law attorney, please call us at 713-225-6200 or contact us online.

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An Overview of the Texas Child Custody Laws

  • The Term Conservatorships is Used in Official Legal Proceedings:

    In Texas, child custody is referred to as “conservatorship.” This term is used to describe the legal rights and responsibilities of each parent. There are two types of conservatorship: joint managing conservatorship (JMC) and sole managing conservatorship (SMC). JMC means that both parents share decision-making responsibilities and parenting time. SMC means that one parent has the legal right to make decisions and has primary physical custody of the child.

  • Texas Laws Favor Shared Parent (JMC) When Possible:

    In Texas, the court favors joint managing conservatorship whenever possible. The court believes that children benefit from having a strong relationship with both parents and encourages parents to work together to make decisions and provide for the child’s needs. However, the court will consider factors such as the child’s best interests and any history of abuse or neglect when making a custody decision. Sole custody can be awarded when deemed appropriate.

  • The Best Interests of the Child Standard Resolves Disputes:

    Under Texas state law (Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002), all custody matters are resolved with the primary considerationof what is in the best interest of the kid(s). What the parents want is a secondary consideration in Texas courts. In resolving a custody case, a court must consider what arrangement is best for the child’s health, physical safety, psychological well-being, and emotional development. If you have any questions about the standard, our Houston, TX child custody lawyers can help.

national child custody statistics

What You Should Know About the Best Interests of the Child in Texas (The Factors)

Texas courts are empowered to consider a wide range of different factors when applying the best interests of the child standard to a custody case. Indeed, courts are instructed to consider all material issues that could be useful to determine what is in the best interests of the child. Some of the factors that are specifically  this state include: 

  • The physical, psychological, or emotional needs and development of the child; 
  • The ability of each parent to act in and give priority to the child’s best interests; 
  • The ability of each parent to encourage a positive relationship with the other parent; 
  • The extent to which each parent has engaged in raising the child thus far; 
  • The geographical proximity of the parents; 
  • The child’s express wishes (if twelve years of age or older); and
  • Any other factor deemed relevant to the court. 

As a parent who is going through a child custody matter in Houston—whether as part of a divorce, separation or otherwise—it is imperative that you put a strong focus on building a case that proves that you can act within the best interests of your child. Ultimately, that is the most important factor. Our Southeast Texas custody lawyers can help.

We Help Parents Find Amicable Solutions in Child Custody and Visitation Cases

There are few things for parents that are more stressful or emotionally taxing than a custody battle. Most people going through a custody case are looking for a low-conflict resolution that preserves family relationships and allows for cooperative parenting going forward. We strive to help parents find amicable solutions that prioritize the best interests of their children. 

Our Houston, TX family law attorneys are experienced in navigating the legal complexities of child custody and visitation cases in Texas, and we work closely with our clients to develop a customized strategy that meets their unique needs. Our goal is to help parents achieve a peaceful and efficient resolution while minimizing the negative impact on their children—whenever possible.

Why Parents Rely On the Houston Child Custody Lawyers at Ramos Law Group

For parents, going through a custody case is never easy—even if you and your co-parent are largely on the same page. The right professional legal representation can make all of the difference. At the Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we are devoted to providing high-level guidance and support in custody cases. Among other things, our Houston child custody attorney is prepared to: 

  • Hear your story, answer questions, and explain your custody case;
  • Investigate the matters, gathering evidence and information needed in your custody case;
  • Advocate for you in any child custody negotiations with your former spouse/co-parent; and 
  • Take whatever action is needed to protect your parental rights and your children.

Our Trial-Tested Litigators Are Ready to Fight for Your Custody Rights

Although we strive to find amicable solutions, we also realize that may not be possible in every custody case. In some situations, going to trial is necessary to protect the rights of our clients and their children. Our trial-tested litigators are ready to fight for your custody rights in court. We have the knowledge, experience, and tenacity to vigorously represent our clients in front of a judge. We will work tirelessly to build a compelling case that advocates for your child’s best interests and your parental rights. If you are facing a contested custody case and need a skilled and aggressive advocate on your side, please do not hesitate to contact our Houston child custody lawyers today.

Contact Our Houston, TX Child Custody Attorneys for Immediate Help

At the Ramos Law Group, PLLC, our Houston child custody lawyers are standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you have any questions about child custody or child visitation, we are here to help. Call us at 713-225-6200 or send us a direct message to arrange your strictly private consultation. From our law offices in Houston, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands, we represent parents in custody and visitation cases throughout the entirety of Southeastern Texas.

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Child Custody in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Standard Possession Order in Texas?

Under Texas law (Tex. Fam. Code § 153.252(remove) .3101-3171), there is a presumption for the type of child custody arrangement that is known as a standard possession order or (SPO).

In order to simplify the child custody process of many parties, the so-called Standard Possession Order is presumed to be in the best interests of all children who are at least three years old.

There are three types of SPOs: One for parents that live within 50 miles of each other, one for parents that live between 50 and 100 miles of each other, and another for parents that live in excess of 100 miles from each other.

An SPO includes a predetermined schedule for child-time sharing. To be clear, parents always(remove) may want (have the right)remove to petition for a custody arrangement that is different from the Texas Standard Possession Order and the Court will consider such requests on a case-by-case basis. Our experienced family law lawyers can help you do so. 

Will a Parent Without Primary Physical Possession of the Child Get Visitation Rights?

Yes—at least in most cases. The SPO includes a visitation schedule for a parent that does not have the primary physical possession of a child. Even if one parent is granted a sole managing conservatorship (SMC), visitation will still often be granted to the other parent. However, in Texas, it is possible that a court could order supervised visitation or deny visitation at all if deemed in the best interests of the child. 

Can a Child Decide Who They Live With in Texas?

In Texas, a child cannot make the decision on their own about which parent they will live with. That being said, if the child is 12 years old or older, their input will often be taken into consideration by the court. The court will consider the child’s preference, along with other factors, such as the child’s best interests and the circumstances of each parent. Still, ultimately the court will make a custody decision that is in the best interests of the child.  

Can Child Custody Be Modified in Texas?

Yes. A child custody order or agreement is subject to modification as long as it is still in effect (Tex. Fam. Code § 156.001). To obtain a child custody modification, the petitioner must prove that there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances and that their proposed modification is in the best interests of the child. As an example, one parent relocating from Houston across the state to West Texas could constitute a material and substantial change in circumstances. 

Our Client Testimonials

Superb Law Firm

The decision to end my 25-year marriage was not an easy one, but hiring the Ramos Law Group was. From the initial consultation to the execution of the Divorce Decree everyone at the firm displayed the utmost professionalism and I was treated as if I was their only client. My attorney Lindsey, always provided precise legal guidance, was usually one step ahead of the opposing counsel, and had a superb understanding of how things would play out in the court room. Additionally, whenever my case needed a little extra horsepower, Mary provided that "surge" to keep things on track.

Worth Every Penny

"Ms. Ramos and her entire staff worked with professionalism and compassion to guide me through the most difficult time of my life and to an outcome that was best for my family and myself. Ramos Law is incredible and I highly, highly recommend their services."

Custody case won

"I was recommended to see Mary Ramos for my on coming custody case,it was the best thing I could've done honestly.The Ramos law group was quick with emailed responses and telephone calls,informative with ANY questions I had and they also took action with what they thought would work,which it did,I had money troubles and they were still willing to help they sent me with a younger lawyer Lindsey Lewis to help save some money and she was the best!She knew what she was doing and Mary was still on my case to make sure things went smoothly and to catch any details Lindsey and I might have missed.All in all I am a very satisfied client and if I ever needed a family lawyer again I would come back.My case was won as I received primary for my daughter which is exactly what I asked for.If you're willing to listen to what they have to say and follow their guidance they're definitely worth hiring.I thought I wanted sole custody for my daughter and they explained that wasn't in the best interest for her and honestly they were right,they speak to you on a professional level and also a real level of how things are actually going to work and what could happen if you take a certain action.They definitely care about their clients and make their own bond with you,you're not just money in their pockets you turn into family. "

Divorce Attorney

"I received excellent advice and representation from Ms. Lindsey Lewis. She kept me updated at every step of the process, and I never felt as if my case was set aside. I would hire The Ramos Law Group in the future. "

Highly recommend

"I started my divorce with a lawyer who was not very responsive. My divorce case was complicated and needed more laborious scrutiny. Since the case was not moving forward I had to switch lawyers. Made the switch to Ramos Law group. Since the very first day Mary and her team have been very efficient and meticulous. Since the case was complicated the team had to go through myriads of pages in discovery. I was pleased with the legal team that helped us handle the paperwork in a very timely manner. All my questions were answered very promptly. The relay of information was easy with their software system. We finally had a law firm that we could trust. My divorce was finalized and I only have Mary and her team to thank for going through a difficult divorce. I would highly recommend the Ramos law group for their help and support for getting my life back on track. "

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