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Galveston & Brazoria

Kemah, TX Child Custody Lawyer

We help people in Galveston & Brazoria Counties navigate divorce and family law matters with confidence — whether in or out of court.

kemah tx child custody lawyer

When you’re going through a divorce or separation, nothing is more important than ensuring your child’s well-being and preserving your relationship with them. Child custody battles can be emotionally draining and legally complex, but you don’t have to face them alone. At the Law Office of Aimee Stritchko, our family law attorneys help Kemah, TX parents navigate child custody cases.

As your legal partners, we understand that every family’s situation is unique. That’s why we take the time to listen to you, understand your concerns, and develop a personalized strategy that protects your parental rights and prioritizes your child’s best interests.

Don’t let uncertainty or fear hold you back from seeking the legal support you need. Contact the Law Office of Aimee Stritchko today to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced Kemah, TX child custody lawyers.

What to Know About Child Custody in Texas

In Texas, child custody is referred to as “conservatorship.” There are two main types of conservatorship: joint managing conservatorship (JMC) and sole managing conservatorship (SMC). JMC is the default arrangement, where both parents share the rights and duties of raising their child. SMC, on the other hand, grants one parent the exclusive right to make important decisions for the child.

When determining conservatorship, Texas courts consider several factors, including:

  • The child’s physical and emotional needs
  • The parenting abilities of each parent
  • The stability of each parent’s home environment
  • The child’s preference, if they are 12 years or older
  • Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse

Best Interest of the Child Standard

The guiding principle in all Texas child custody cases is the “best interest of the child” standard. This means that courts will make decisions based on what they believe will best promote the child’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Under Texas Family Code Section 153.002, courts consider various factors when determining the best interest of the child, such as:

  • The child’s emotional and physical needs, now and in the future
  • Any emotional or physical danger to the child, now and in the future
  • The parental abilities of the individuals seeking custody
  • The programs available to assist these individuals to promote the child’s best interest
  • The plans for the child by these individuals
  • The stability of the home or proposed placement
  • Any acts or omissions of the parent that may indicate the existing parent-child relationship is not a proper one
  • Any excuse for the acts or omissions of the parent

As your Kemah, TX child custody attorney, we will help you present a strong case that demonstrates your commitment to your child’s best interests.

Developing a Customized Child Custody Plan

Creating a detailed parenting plan is crucial for establishing a stable and healthy environment for your child post-divorce. A comprehensive parenting plan should address issues such as:

  • Residential schedule for the child
  • Holiday and vacation schedules
  • Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and
  • extracurricular activities
  • Communication protocols between parents and with the child

At the Law Office of Aimee Stritchko, we take a collaborative approach to crafting parenting plans that work for your unique family situation. We strive to minimize conflict and promote cooperation between parents whenever possible.

Parenting Time and Visitation Schedules

In Texas, non-custodial parents are typically granted visitation rights under a Standard Possession Order (SPO). The SPO outlines a default schedule for weekends, weekdays, holidays, and summer vacations.

However, the SPO may not always fit your family’s needs. Our skilled attorneys can help you negotiate a customized visitation schedule that accommodates your work obligations, your child’s school and extracurricular activities, and any other special circumstances.

In cases involving domestic violence or substance abuse, supervised visitation may be necessary to ensure the child’s safety. We will work tirelessly to protect your child’s well-being while preserving your parental rights.

Child Custody Modifications in Kemah, TX

As your child grows and your circumstances change, you may need to modify your existing child custody order. In Texas, you must show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was issued.

Some common reasons for seeking a modification include:

  • Changes in the child’s needs or preferences
  • Parental relocation
  • Changes in a parent’s work schedule or living situation
  • Concerns about a parent’s ability to care for the child

Our experienced Kemah, TX child custody attorneys can guide you through the modification process, from filing the necessary paperwork to presenting a compelling case in court.

Relocation and Child Custody

If you or your ex-spouse plans to move a significant distance, it can have a major impact on your child custody arrangement. Under Texas law, you must notify the other parent and the court of your intention to relocate at least 60 days in advance.

If the other parent objects to the move, you will need to present a strong case demonstrating that the relocation is in the child’s best interest. Factors the court will consider include:

  • The reason for the move
  • The distance of the move
  • The impact on the child’s relationship with the non-relocating parent
  • The child’s ties to their current community

Our skilled attorneys will help you navigate the relocation process and fight for an outcome that protects your child’s well-being and your parental rights.

Kemah, TX Child Custody Enforcement

When a parent fails to comply with a child custody order, it can be frustrating and disruptive to your child’s life. In these situations, you may need to take legal action to enforce the order.

Some common enforcement issues include:

  • Failure to follow the possession schedule
  • Refusal to allow the other parent access to the child
  • Interference with the other parent’s communication with the child
  • Failure to share decision-making responsibilities

Our experienced Kemah, TX family lawyers can help you enforce your child custody order through contempt of court proceedings. We will work diligently to ensure that your rights as a parent are respected and that your child’s best interests are protected.

Parental Alienation and Its Impact on Child Custody

Parental alienation occurs when one parent actively undermines the child’s relationship with the other parent. This can involve making negative comments about the other parent, limiting contact between the child and the other parent, or manipulating the child’s feelings.

Parental alienation can have a devastating impact on the child’s emotional well-being and can influence custody decisions. If you suspect that your ex-spouse is engaging in parental alienation, it’s crucial to address the issue with the help of a skilled attorney.

Our team at the Law Office of Aimee Stritchko is experienced in handling complex child custody cases involving parental alienation. We will work tirelessly to gather evidence, present a strong case, and protect your child’s right to a healthy relationship with both parents.

Child Custody and Support in Kemah, TX

Child custody and child support are closely intertwined issues in Texas family law. The amount of child support a parent is required to pay is based on their income and the amount of time they spend with the child under the custody arrangement.

When custody arrangements change, it may be necessary to modify child support orders accordingly. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you navigate the complex relationship between custody and support, ensuring that your child’s financial needs are met.

Termination of Parental Rights

In rare cases, it may be necessary to terminate a parent’s rights to protect the child’s safety and well-being. In Texas, parental rights can be involuntarily terminated on grounds such as:

  • Abandonment
  • Endangerment
  • Abuse or neglect
  • Failure to support the child
  • Incarceration
  • Substance abuse

Parents may also choose to voluntarily relinquish their parental rights, often in the context of adoption. Whether you are seeking to terminate the other parent’s rights or defend against termination, our compassionate attorneys are here to guide you through this emotionally challenging process.

Get the Legal Guidance You Need for Your Child Custody Case in Kemah, TX

When you’re facing a child custody battle, you want an attorney who has the experience, knowledge, and commitment to protect your parental rights and your child’s best interests. At the Law Office of Aimee Stritchko, we have a deep understanding of Texas child custody laws and a track record of success in Kemah, TX family courts.

Our approach to child custody cases is centered on open communication, compassionate guidance, and aggressive advocacy when necessary. We take the time to understand your unique family situation and work closely with you to develop a strategy that achieves your goals while prioritizing your child’s well-being.

If you’re in Kemah, TX, and need help with a child custody issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Law Office of Aimee Stritchko. We offer confidential consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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