Bee Cave Child Custody Lawyer

Experienced Child Custody Attorney in Bee Cave, TX

When you end a relationship and there are children to consider, engaging in a custody case can be one of the most emotional and painful events of your life. Whether you’re dealing with a custody contest or are trying to navigate an uncontested but legally complex custody agreement, it’s vital that you have a Bee Cave child custody lawyer in your corner to protect you and your children’s interests.

Trusted Custody Assistance in Greater Austin

The legal team at Heinrich Christian, PLLC, understands the inherent difficulties of a child custody case. Texas’s child custody laws are fairly strict, so having a Bee Cave child custody attorney by your side to help you understand those laws may be the most important legal decision you make in the custody process. Our firm has over 25 years of combined family law experience to devote to your case. We know how to help you and your family get through this.

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Child Custody Cases in Bee Cave

If you and your partner cannot reach an amicable settlement regarding custody, it will generally have to be decided by the Bee Cave court system. Bee Cave custody cases are typically handled by the Travis County Civil and Family Courts at 1700 Guadalupe Street in Austin.

You don’t have to go through divorce to deal with custody matters, though they are a common element of divorce in Texas, where approximately 49% of people over the age of 15 are married, and around 10% are divorced. Texas has an annual divorce rate of 2.1 divorce cases per 1,000 people. Custody can easily become the most sensitive and contentious part of your divorce, so remember to tread carefully.

Factors to Consider in a Travis County Custody Case

Every parent needs to remember certain factors that can come into play in the custody process. Under the Texas Family Code, legal parents are afforded certain rights and responsibilities regarding their child. These include:

• The duty of care, protection, control, and reasonable discipline
• The duty to provide support to the child
• The right to make important decisions about the child’s education and religion
• The right to decide where the child lives and to take daily care of them (physical custody)
• The duty to manage the child’s finances

These rights and responsibilities can be limited or cut off by a court’s decision in a custody case. When making a custody decision, courts consider various factors, including:

• Your child’s wishes. If your child is at least 12 years old, their wishes are likely going to be taken into consideration by the court. To avoid embarrassing either spouse, the court may ask your child to express their concerns and desires behind closed doors.
• Your child’s needs. The court must always prioritize the child’s physical and emotional needs, also known as the best interests of the child, over all other factors in a custody case. The court ultimately has to decide on what’s right for the child, which may include refusing the child’s own requests entirely. They may also refuse your parenting plan in favor of something they have devised themselves.
• Stability. One of the most important factors in a custody case is the child’s stability. The court wants each parent to build a stable home for their child if they desire joint custody. If one parent lacks sufficient income to afford consistent housing and cannot maintain a safe home environment for their child, they may not receive physical custody until their circumstances change and the decision is revisited.
• Parental abilities. The court needs to know that you are a good parent, so they will closely investigate your history. They may look into your financial situation, your ongoing parental responsibilities, and whether or not you have a criminal history. If they find a history of neglect, abuse, or domestic violence, your chances of getting physical custody may be low.

FAQs

Is a Custody Case Worth It?

Whether a custody case is worth it depends on you and your family’s needs. If a custody case can help you give your child stability and allow you to remain a consistent presence in their life, then the potential costs of going through the legal process are likely worth it. A custody lawyer can help you evaluate your situation and determine whether you should pursue a case.

How Much Does Hiring a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in Texas?

The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer in Texas varies. Every child custody case is different and comes with its own unique factors that can influence the outcome and the cost. One of the most important factors is whether or not your case is contested or uncontested. Generally, a contested case is considerably more expensive than an uncontested one.

What Makes a Parent Look Bad in Court?

Many things can make a parent look bad in court, and some things can permanently damage your image with the judge. Don’t display any hostility. Don’t bad-mouth the other parent. Don’t try to hide assets or lie to the court. Above all, never try to use your children as bargaining chips to get more out of your ex. All that does is make the court see you as opportunistic. It can damage your chances of getting custody.

Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?

Yes, it’s generally a good idea to hire a child custody lawyer. It can be intensely stressful to navigate a custody case on your own, especially if your ex has their own lawyer. A good lawyer can help you take control of your case, provide necessary guidance, assist you with meeting filing deadlines, and give you a better chance at an outcome that suits both you and your child’s needs.

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer Today

At Heinrich Christian, PLLC, we can guide your case where it needs to go, advocate for you when necessary, and work to prevent your ex from trying to take advantage of you. Contact us to speak with a team member and set up your consultation today. Our office is conveniently located in Round Rock, northeast of Bee Cave via the MoPac Expressway.