San Antonio Child Custody Lawyer
For my clients with children in San Antonio, concerns about their child’s well-being – and about my clients’ own parental rights – are often at the forefront of their minds. When I first meet with my family law clients at The Law Office of Mark C. Thompson, my initial priority is to listen to their situations so that I can provide helpful information and legal advice. I also try to reassure clients and help lessen their anxieties.
“Mark was professional, friendly, helpful and the experience was very positive” O.P., San Antonio
Unless they have a clear, positive relationship with their spouse, many clients initially seem resigned to a long, drawn-out and emotionally taxing child custody fight. In some cases, it will be necessary to be aggressive with my clients’ spouses and their lawyers, but in many others, I can take a collaborative approach to do what is best for my clients’ children while preserving a healthy parenting relationship between my clients and their spouses. This can be a truly win-win situation.
It is important that your lawyer have the ability to seek every opportunity to reach a compromise when in your and your children’s best interests, all while being persistent and tough if your spouse and his or her lawyer are intent on fighting reasonable child custody arrangements. Call my San Antonio office at 210-775-1140 for a consultation.
Bexar County Joint Custody Attorney
Courts in Texas use the terms “sole managing conservator” and “joint managing conservator” to refer to what most people know as “sole” and “joint” child custody. Judges are very open to creative custody schedules that are the result of cooperation between parents. I work closely with my clients to determine what their parenting priorities are and what their children will require in the months and years to come, then pursue an arrangement that will achieve those goals as much as possible.
My clients who are in the military or have jobs with nontraditional schedules benefit from this individualized and highly tailored approach. Each of my clients is different, which is why I take the time to understand my clients’ goals so that I can strive to ensure that those goals are met.
If your or your former spouse’s situation has changed considerably since your divorce was finalized, I can also help you pursue a custody modification.
FAQs: Addressing Clients’ Concerns About Child Custody
To help you better understand the process, here are answers to some frequently asked questions that I often discuss with clients.
What elements do courts take into account when deciding on child custody?
In Texas, courts focus on what is best for the child when deciding custody. They look at the child’s health and emotional needs, the stability of each parent’s home, and each parent’s ability to care for the child. The child’s bond with each parent is also important.
Courts consider how willing parents are to work together and support the child’s relationship with the other parent. If there is evidence of domestic violence, abuse or neglect, it will greatly affect the court’s decision.
Is it possible for a child to decide which parent they want to live with?
In Texas, a child can share their preference about which parent they wish to live with, but this is not the sole factor in the decision. A judge takes the child’s wishes into account, particularly if the child is 12 years or older. The court will also evaluate the child’s maturity and the reasons behind their choice, along with all other evidence, to decide what best serves the child’s interests. Ultimately, the judge makes the final decision.
What to do if the other parent doesn’t follow the custody agreement
If the other parent isn’t following the custody agreement, start by keeping a record of each violation. Note the date, time and details. Send a written notice to the other parent, asking them to follow the agreement. If they continue to ignore it, you can ask the court to enforce the order. Talking to a lawyer about your options can be helpful to discuss all your legal options.
Contact Me For Your Initial Consultation
Get answers to your initial questions by contacting me, San Antonio child custody lawyer Mark C. Thompson, for an initial consultation at my office. Email me or call 210-775-1140.