Fort Worth Child Custody Lawyers
Skilled, compassionate custody attorney
Fort Worth parents trust
When parents separate or divorce, child custody decisions often matter more than anything else. At the Sisemore Law Firm, our experienced team of child custody attorneys helps parents protect their rights while prioritizing what matters most—the well-being of their children.
Why sets our Fort Worth child custody lawyers apart
Led by experienced child custody attorney (Fort Worth) Justin Sisemore, our team represents Texas families in custody matters ranging from cooperative parenting plans to highly contested disputes. We are also prepared to advocate aggressively when needed, while still pursuing practical solutions that support long-term stability and co-parenting for everyone involved.
Parents dealing with child custody matters deserve clear guidance, steady communication, and advocacy that puts their children first. If you need a family law attorney in Fort Worth, you can count on the Sisemore Law Firm’s child custody lawyers in Fort Worth, Texas to:
Once your custody matter is resolved, our goal is to help you move forward with clarity and confidence—knowing your parental rights and your child’s needs have been addressed.
How does child custody work in Texas?
In Texas, child custody is referred to as conservatorship. Courts determine how parental rights, responsibilities, and parenting time are allocated based on what serves the child’s best interest.
Child custody orders may address:
- Who makes major decisions for the child.
- Where the child primarily lives.
- How parenting time is allocated.
- Child support and enforcement.
Texas law surrounding child custody has evolved considerably over the years, so it’s critical to consult an experienced family law custody attorney regarding any custody concerns. Our custody lawyers handle the full range of child custody-related legal matters, including:
A custody lawyer in Fort Worth can help you understand how Texas law applies to your situation and develop a strategy that protects your parental rights.
What are the types of child custody arrangements in Texas?
Texas courts recognize three main types custody arrangements (conservatorship), that take into account the child’s needs and the parents’ circumstances. These include:
Texas family courts consider many variables when deciding which custody schedule is appropriate for each individual child and their parents. Learn more about the factors below. >>
When should you consult a child custody attorney?
You should consider speaking with a child custody lawyer Fort Worth families trust if you are:
If you have children, it’s critical to speak with a child custody lawyer early on. They can explain your rights regarding conservatorship, negotiate a sensible visitation schedule and clarify how child support works. Getting legal guidance upfront can help minimize disputes and ensure your child’s needs are met.
If you suspect family violence, neglect, substance abuse, mental health issues or other behavior that could put your child at risk, consulting a child custody lawyer is essential and should be done sooner rather than later. An attorney can help you modify child custody, restrict visitation and take other legal steps to safeguard your child’s health and well-being.
When life changes occur—remarriage, job loss or promotion, medical crisis, financial issues, child’s needs evolve, etc.—existing custody orders may no longer be suitable. A custody lawyer can assess whether these changes qualify as a “material and substantial change in circumstances” and guide you through the process of modifying your orders.
Moving to a new city, county or another state can have child custody implications. Whether you are the relocating parent or the parent staying behind, a child custody lawyer can help you navigate custody laws involving relocation, adjust possession schedules and address jurisdictional issues to ensure compliance with Texas laws. Please note that modifying geographic restrictions is extremely difficult, but is possible in narrow circumstances.
How to file for child custody in Texas
In short, filing for child custody typically involves submitting a petition, serving notice on the other parent, and participating in negotiations, mediation, or court hearings. Because custody orders can have long-term consequences, we strongly recommend working with an experienced child custody attorney to address custody issues.
A custody lawyer in Fort Worth from the Sisemore Law Firm can guide you through each step of the process and work to secure a fair, workable parenting plan.
What clients have to say about our divorce lawyers Fort Worth, TX
What factors does the court take into account for child custody in Texas?
To determine what arrangement will best suit the child’s needs—sole managing conservatorship, joint custody, visitation schedules, child support in Texas, etc.—the judge will take several factors into consideration, with some carrying more weight than others.
Along with the best interest of the child—a top priority for our law firm’s custody lawyers (Fort Worth, TX)—judges may consider factors such as:
In Texas, children age 12 or older are allowed to meet with the judge to discuss which parent they prefer to live with. However, the judge will make the final decision.
Texas courts take family violence very seriously. If any evidence of violence by either parent exists, the judge may limit or terminate that parent’s access to the child and likely award the other parent sole managing conservatorship.
Judges will consider each parent’s proposed custody and visitation plan but they will need to make a case and provide evidence for their proposal, especially when parents aren’t on the same page.
Texas presumes it is best for a child to have a relationship with both parents. Courts look at caregiving history, parental involvement, and existing bonds with the child.
Courts evaluate whether physical ailments or mental health of a parent, as well as any other members of the household, could impact the care and safety of the child.
Parents need to provide a clean, safe living environment and put food on the table. Judges will assess household safety, stability, and who resides in each home.
If the child is having a hard time adapting to life in one parents’ home or struggling to do well in a new school, the judge will take these issues into consideration.
Judges may appoint amicus attorneys and attorneys ad litem, or turn to parenting coordinators, mental health professionals and other experts to weigh in on Texas custody cases.
A knowledgeable custody attorney in Fort Worth, TX can help present these factors clearly and effectively to the court.
child custody resources:
prepare to meet with your custody lawyer, fort worth
Child custody cases can move quickly and being prepared to speak with your lawyer can make a meaningful difference. The resources below are designed to help you understand common custody issues, clarify how Texas law applies in certain situations and identify the right questions to ask when meeting with a child custody attorney in Fort Worth.
No. 1: See if you qualify for a custody modification
Texas has strict guidelines related to custody modifications.
No. 2: Get answers to military custody questions
If you have questions about military service and how it affects custody, we have answers.
No. 3: Find out how incarceration affects custody
Just because a parent goes to jail, doesn’t mean they lose custody.
No. 4: “Hear” how custody works in Texas
On his podcast, attorney Justin Sisemore discusses child custody in depth.
No. 5: Get clarity on sole custody vs. full custody
Is there a difference between full and sole custody and how does Texas law define it?
No. 6: Learn how 50/50 custody works
Hoping to get equal parenting time and wondering how child support works?
Texas Child Custody FAQs
There are three reasons a judge will change custody orders in Texas:
1). There has been a material and substantial change in the child’s or parent’s life.
2). The child (who is age 12 or older) told the court that they wish to revise the existing custody or visitation orders.
3). A parent voluntarily relinquishes their rights to the child.
A parenting plan spells out how parents will share parental rights, responsibilities, time and decision-making responsibilities for a child. A parenting plan can also include supplementary information like academic expectations for a child, acceptable disciplinary tactics and more.
To modify a child custody order in Texas, a parent must file a petition with the court of continuing jurisdiction and an affidavit may be required. If both parents agree, the process can move quickly. If there is a dispute, the court will review evidence and decide whether a modification is justified and in what form.
Sometimes. Incarceration does not automatically terminate parental rights in Texas. Courts evaluate the nature of the offense, sentence length, the child’s safety and other concerns when considering custody or visitation changes.
In Texas, service members generally enjoy the same rights as civilians. A parent will not lose custody if they join the military. However, a parent may need to get temporary orders to address custody, possession and access during deployment, unless deployment is already addressed in existing custody orders.
About the Sisemore
Law Firm
At Sisemore Law Firm, we know family challenges can feel overwhelming. That’s why we provide compassionate support and expert guidance, backed by over 25 years of experience in family and divorce law. You deserve understanding and dedicated representation—and we're here to help.
Counties We Serve
Collin County
Dallas County
Denton County
Ellis County
Johnson County
Parker County
Tarrant County
Wise County
The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established through your use of this content. We recommend consulting a licensed attorney for personalized legal guidance tailored to your specific situation.
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