Child custody cases can be stressful for parents and children. If you are facing a custody dispute in Austin, Texas, you do not have to handle it alone. The Law Office of Ben Carrasco: Austin Family Law & Divorce Lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your relationship with your child. Contact our office today at (512) 320-9126 for a confidential consultation to discuss your options.
Joint custody allows both parents to stay involved in their child’s life. However, reaching a fair agreement is not always easy. Parents may disagree about where their child will live, attend school, or spend holidays. Our Austin joint custody lawyer can help you work toward a custody plan that puts your child’s needs first.
Why Choose Law Office of Ben Carrasco: Austin Family Law & Divorce Lawyer in Austin, Texas
At Law Office of Ben Carrasco: Austin Family Law & Divorce Lawyer, we understand how much is at stake in a child custody dispute. With 18 years of experience and board certification in family law, attorney Ben Carrasco provides knowledgeable legal representation to parents navigating complex custody matters in Austin, TX.
Our Austin family law attorney combines strategic, results-driven advocacy with the personalized attention of a small law firm. We help parents understand their rights, evaluate parenting arrangements, and pursue custody solutions that protect their parental rights and serve their children’s best interests.
Whether negotiating a parenting agreement or representing you in court, we are prepared to advocate for your interests at every stage of the process. Our goal is to help you navigate your custody dispute with confidence while protecting what matters most.
Contact the firm today to discuss your joint custody case and learn how we can help.
What Is Joint Custody in Texas?
Joint custody means both parents share certain rights and duties when raising their child. In Texas, courts often use the term joint managing conservatorship (JMC) instead of joint custody. Under a JMC, both parents may have a say in major decisions about their child’s life. These decisions may involve school, medical care, and other important needs.
However, joint custody does not always mean children spend equal time with each parent. Texas courts focus on what is best for the child when making custody decisions. Under Texas law, courts assign rights and duties to both parents, often assigning certain rights to one parent.
An Austin custody attorney can explain how these rules may affect your family.
How Do Texas Courts Decide Joint Custody?
Texas judges look at several factors when deciding custody arrangements. Their main goal is to protect the child’s safety, health, and well-being.
Some factors courts may consider include:
- Each parent’s ability to care for the child.
- The child’s physical and emotional needs.
- Each parent’s relationship with the child.
- The child’s home and school routine.
- Any history of family violence or abuse.
- Each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
Courts may also consider the child’s wishes in certain cases.
Every family is different, so custody decisions depend on the facts of each case. An Austin custody lawyer can help you explain your situation to the court.
What Rights Do Parents Have in Joint Custody?
Parents with joint managing conservatorship may share important rights and duties. However, the court order decides how those rights are divided. Depending on the order, parents may have the right to make decisions about education, medical treatment, and other matters.
Some decisions may be made by either parent alone. Others may require both parents to agree. A court may also give one parent the final say on certain issues. Both parents may have rights to receive information about their child’s health, education, and welfare.
It is important to read your custody order carefully. Your Austin joint custody attorney can explain what your order allows and what steps you should take if problems arise.
Creating a Joint Custody Parenting Plan
A parenting plan explains how parents will care for their child after separation or divorce. A clear plan can help prevent arguments and confusion.
Your parenting plan may address:
- Where your child will live.
- When each parent will have parenting time.
- How holidays and school breaks will be shared.
- How parents will make important decisions.
- Where and when children will be picked up.
- How parents will handle schedule changes.
A good parenting plan should fit your child’s age, school schedule, and daily needs.
Parents should also think about how the plan may work as their child grows. An attorney can help create an agreement that is clear, practical, and focused on your child’s future.
Can a Joint Custody Order Be Changed?
Life can change after a custody order is issued. A parent may move, change jobs, or face new family needs. Sometimes, an existing custody arrangement no longer works well. Texas law allows parents to request changes to certain custody orders when legal requirements are met.
Under Texas Family Code Section 156.101, a court may modify an order when the change serves the child’s best interest, and certain conditions apply, such as a material and substantial change in circumstances. A parent cannot simply ignore an existing court order because they want a different schedule.
Our legal team can review your situation and help you understand whether requesting a custody modification makes sense.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Austin Joint Custody Lawyer
Custody decisions in Austin, TX, can affect your family for years. You deserve legal guidance that helps you understand your options and make informed choices. At Law Office of Ben Carrasco: Austin Family Law & Divorce Lawyer, we help parents address custody disputes and parenting concerns.
Whether you need a new custody agreement or want to change an existing order, our team can guide you through the process. We understand that every family has different needs. Our goal is to help you protect your parental rights and build a stable future for your child.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an Austin joint custody attorney and learn how we can help your family move forward.