Austin Child Custody Lawyer
At Ferguson Law Practice, we understand that child custody matters are emotionally charged and deeply personal. Our experienced team of legal professionals is dedicated to guiding you through the complex world of child custody proceedings in Austin, Texas. As a trusted Austin child custody lawyer, we are committed to advocating for the best interests of your children and helping you secure a favorable custody arrangement.
Call Ferguson Law Practice today at (512) 996-5407 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our child custody attorney in Austin!
- Sole Custody: In this arrangement, one parent is granted primary physical custody, and the other parent typically has visitation rights.
- Joint Custody: Also known as shared custody, both parents share significant periods of physical custody. This arrangement requires effective communication and cooperation between parents.
Legal Custody:
- Sole Legal Custody: One parent can make major decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, religion, and other important aspects of their upbringing.
- Joint Legal Custody: Both parents are responsible for making major decisions for the child. Cooperation is essential to ensure the child’s well-being.
How is Child Custody Determined in Texas?
Child custody decisions in Texas are based on the child’s best interests. Factors that are considered include:
- Child’s Well-Being: The court evaluates which custody arrangement would promote the child’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
- Parent-Child Relationship: The court assesses each parent’s ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment and their history of involvement in the child’s life.
- Child’s Wishes: If the child is mature enough, the court may consider their preferences regarding custody arrangements.
- Parent’s Ability: The court examines each parent’s ability to meet the child’s basic needs, provide a safe home, and support their development.
- Stability: The court considers the stability of each parent’s home environment, including factors such as living arrangements, employment, and lifestyle.
What Makes a Parent Unfit?
In some cases, a parent’s behavior or circumstances may lead to concerns about their fitness to have custody of their child. The court may determine a parent to be unfit if they exhibit the following:
- Abuse or Neglect: Any history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse towards the child or another family member can be detrimental to a parent’s custody claims.
- Substance Abuse: If a parent struggles with substance abuse or addiction, it can raise serious concerns about their ability to provide a safe and stable environment for the child.
- Domestic Violence: A history of domestic violence can lead the court to question a parent’s ability to ensure the child’s safety.
- Mental Health Issues: Severe untreated mental health issues can impact a parent’s capacity to effectively care for their child’s needs.
Request Your Legal Consultation Today
Call Ferguson Law Practice, PLLC at (512) 996-5407 or
contact us by using our online request form.
Contact Our Austin Child Custody Attorney Today
As your trusted Austin child custody lawyers, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of custody proceedings while prioritizing the well-being of your children. Whether you are seeking sole custody, joint custody, or modifying an existing arrangement, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Contact Ferguson Law Practice today to schedule a FREE consultation with our child custody lawyer in Austin!