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Weatherford, Texas Custody and Visitation Lawyer

Custody and Visitation Lawyer | Weatherford, Parker County

Proven Texas Family Law Attorney to Help You Resolve Custody and Visitation Disputes

Few things in life can be as emotionally draining as the determination of custody and visitation in a divorce proceeding. As a parent, you want what’s best for your children. You also want to play a meaningful role in their growth and development. The emotions you feel, though, can make it difficult to be objective. That’s when you need an experienced family law attorney. The Loftin Firm can help.

About The Loftin Firm

Attorney Trey Loftin brings more than a quarter of a century of legal experience to residents in Weatherford, Parker County, and across Texas who are involved in any type of dispute involving child custody and visitation. A former prosecutor and district court judge, attorney Loftin has a comprehensive knowledge of the laws governing custody and visitation in Texas. A proven trial lawyer, he knows how to protect your rights before a judge and jury, if necessary. Because of his experience, though, he also knows when it may be in your best interests to negotiate a child custody/visitation arrangement.

The Loftin Firm provides a free initial consultation to anyone seeking to resolve a custody or visitation controversy. To arrange a meeting, call 817-441-8933 or contact attorney Trey Loftin by email.

Custody and Visitation Law in Weatherford, Parker County

In Texas, when you seek to terminate your marriage and there are minor children in the home, you must come to an agreement on the terms of custody and visitation or the court will make the determination for you, which will most likely include a geographic instruction to not move away too far to ensure possible violation.

  • What is custody and visitation?—In Texas law, custody is referred to as “managing conservatorship,” and visitation is known as “possession and access.” Custody includes both physical and legal custody. Physical custody refers to where the children actually stay or visit, and legal custody addresses issues related to their well-being, such as medical care, education, religious training, and extracurricular activities.
  • Different Types of Custody Arrangements—In Texas, custody generally takes one of two forms:
    • Joint custody—The most common form of custody, this involves both parents caring for and making decisions related to the minor children. This is called joint managing conservatorship.
    • Sole custody—In rare situations, where warranted by what the court deems the best interests of the child, one parent may be given exclusive physical and legal custody. This is called sole managing conservatorship and greatly limits the rights and access of the visiting parent.

The Custody and Visitation Process in Weatherford, Parker County

The process for determining custody and visitation in Texas is pretty straightforward:

  • Initial custody and visitation hearings—If you come to agreement on the terms of custody and visitation during the divorce process, hearings with testimony and other evidence may be considered, and the court will ultimately issue a custody and visitation order called a temporary order.
  • Mediation in custody cases—The court often requires you to take your differences to mediation, where a neutral attorney will work with you to try to find a solution. Mediation is not binding unless the parties sign a written settlement called an MSA (mediation settlement agreement).
  • How the court makes its decision in custody disputes—The court reviews the best interests of the children when rendering decisions about custody and visitation. This includes assessing the needs, parents’ abilities to meet those needs, the parents’ respective home environments, the parent-child relationships, and any special needs of the children. If the child is 12 years of age or older, the child’s wishes, while not binding, are also considered.

Why You Need a Custody and Visitation Lawyer

Custody and visitation are complex and emotional issues that can make it difficult to be objective and reach good long-term decisions. A proven custody and visitation attorney will know your rights and responsibilities, will be a strong voice for you in all hearings and proceedings, and will help you make good decisions for yourself and your family.

Why Choose The Loftin Firm for Custody Cases

When you hire The Loftin Firm to help you resolve a custody or visitation matter, you’ll get:

  • Extensive experience with Texas divorce laws—Trey Loftin has successfully represented clients in a range of custody and visitation controversies and is well-versed in Texas family law and procedure.
  • A comprehensive knowledge of local courts and judges, as well as opposing counsel—Attorney Loftin knows how local judges handle custody and visitation disputes and how to work effectively with opposing counsel to get the outcome you need.
  • Compassionate and client-focused representation—Attorney Loftin understands the emotional challenges that come with divorce and will take the time to listen and learn the unique aspects of your case, as well as what you need to move forward.
  • Protection of your parental rights and your child’s future—Trey Loftin knows the importance of the parent-child relationship and will work hard to help you work out an arrangement in which you will be actively involved in your child’s life and future.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

There’s no secret to getting good results in a divorce proceeding. It takes knowledge, experience, skill, and hard work. That’s the Loftin advantage.

To schedule an appointment, call The Loftin Firm at 817-441-8933 or contact attorney Loftin online. Your first consultation is free.

Effective Advocacy for Clients Across Parker County, Texas, Including Weatherford,

Willow Park, Aledo, and Annetta, and Throughout Fort Worth

Frequently-Asked Questions About Custody and Visitation in Weatherford, Parker County, Texas

How do I file for child custody in Weatherford, Parker County, Texas?

The initial divorce petition and response commonly involve requests for temporary orders for custody. If there’s an existing custody agreement and you want to change it, you must file a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) to modify custody.

How much does a custody lawyer cost in Weatherford, Parker County?

The total cost to resolve a custody matter in Texas can vary substantially, based on the complexity of issues involved and the time and procedures required to come to an agreement or obtain a court order. Because custody and visitation attorneys generally bill by the hour, the more complex the issues, and the longer both sides fight, the greater the potential cost.

How long does a custody case take in Weatherford, Parker County?

The time required to resolve a custody dispute in Texas can vary substantially, based on a variety of factors, from the ability of the parents to agree on critical issues to the presence of material charges, such as child abuse/domestic violence, substance abuse, or a request by one parent to relocate with minor children. Uncontested matters can be settled in a few months. More complicated situations can take years.

What factors do judges consider in a child custody case?

The court’s primary obligation in Texas is to promote the best interests of the children. To make this determination, the court will focus on the child’s needs, the parents’ abilities, and the relationship the child has with each parent. The child’s physical and emotional well-being are paramount, but the child may have input if aged 12 or older. The court will also assess each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s basic needs (food, shelter, and medical attention), give the child emotional support, provide a stable home environment, and proper discipline.

What are the common challenges in child custody cases?

A number of issues can make the determination of custody and visitation difficult. One of the parents may need to move to another part of the state or even to another state, including for reasons out of their control (such as a change of military duty station). There may be evidence of domestic violence or abuse by one of the parents or concerns about substance abuse or criminal activity. Other issues that often arise include mental health challenges or when one parent tries to alienate the child’s affection for the other parent.