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Experienced Child Custody Attorneys Representing Parents in Sugar Land and Throughout Fort Bend County 

At the Ramos Law Group, PLLC, our top-rated Sugar Land child custody lawyers are passionate and skilled advocates for parents and families. We know how emotionally challenging it is to go through a complex child custody or child visitation dispute. Regardless of the nature of your custody case, we are standing by, ready to advocate for you and your parental interests. Our attorneys will help you find the best path moving forward. To schedule your strictly confidential child custody consultation, please do not hesitate to contact our Sugar Land, TX law office today. 

Sole Custody vs. Joint Custody (Conservatorships)

In family law legal proceedings, Texas courts and lawyers use the term ‘conservatorship’ instead of child custody. There are two basic types of conservatorships: joint managing conservatorship (JMCs) and sole managing conservatorships (SMCs). As you may expect, a JMC is joint custody and an SMC is sole custody. 

Similar to other states, Texas policy favors awarding parents a joint managing conservatorship. Put another way, Texas courts will presume that some form of joint custody is in the best interest of your child and, thus, appropriate for your case. JMCs take many different forms. As an example, one parent may be granted primary physical custody while both parents retain shared legal custody, which means the ability to make legal decisions (such as educational or medical choices) for a child. 

Although joint custody is generally favored in Texas, there are certainly plenty of cases in which a sole managing conservatorship will be awarded to one of the parents. When a court determines that sole custody is in the best interests of the child, a Sole Managing Conservatorship will be granted. If you are seeking sole child custody in Fort Bend County, TX, you will need professional representation. Contact our Sugar Land child custody attorneys right away. 

Understanding the Best Interests of the Child Standard

Under Texas law (Texas Family Code § 153.002), child custody cases are resolved by considering what is in the best interests of the child—the parents’ desires will always be a secondary consideration. If there is a dispute over custody or visitation, a Texas court will make a determination based on what is best for the child’s physical safety, psychological health, and overall well-being. Factors used to determine the best interests of the child include: 

  • The relationship each parent has developed with the child; 
  • The stability that each parent is able to provide; 
  • The parents’ willingness to cooperate; 
  • History of domestic violence, child abuse, or child neglect; 
  • The child’s wishes (If 12 or older and mature enough to give input); and
  • Any other issue deemed material to the case. 

When involved in a custody or visitation case, parents should approach with the goal of proving that they can provide the best environment for children to grow and thrive. Ultimately, Texas courts will focus on the child’s well-being. You can increase your chances of getting a successful outcome in a custody case by emphasizing your parental fitness and willingness to create the best atmosphere for your kids.  

What is a Standard Possession Order (SPO)?

Under Texas law, a standard possession order is presumed to be in the best interests of children who are three years old or older (Texas Family Code § 153.252). Possession is simply a term that Texas courts use to mean parenting time. A standard possession order is a basic schedule that is used to determine how a child will spend their time. It addresses weekdays, weekends, holidays, and more. There are two types of SPOs: 

  • Standard possession for parents who live within 100 miles of each other; and
  • Standard possession for parents who live more than 100 miles apart. 

While a standard possession order is assumed to be in the best interests of most children, there are exceptions. Parties to a child custody or child visitation case can petition the court for a modified possession order. A modified possession order can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of you and your family. It could include everything from split weeks to only day visits with no overnight time. If you are seeking a modified possession order, an experienced Sugar Land, TX child custody attorney can help.  

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Contact Our Sugar Land, TX Child Custody Attorney Today

At the Ramos Law Group, PLLC, our Texas child custody lawyers are compassionate, effective advocates for parents. We work tirelessly to protect the things that matter most. To set up a confidential, no obligation consultation with a top-rated child custody attorney, please contact our legal team today. With an office in Sugar Land, we represent parents in Fort Bend and throughout the surrounding region. 

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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