Child Custody Lawyer
Child custody disputes are highly stressful. If handled improperly, you could lose custody rights that you are entitled to.
Our dedicated family law attorneys can stand by your side, shouldering the burden and ensuring that your child's best interests are met.
At Harris Cook Law - Family Law Division in Arlington, TX, our team of dedicated professionals works with you to achieve an optimal resolution.
Serving the Greater Dallas–Fort Worth Area
From Family Law Offices in Southlake and Arlington, TX
Don't fight alone. Contact Harris Cook Law - Family Law Division Today
Navigating the legal waters of a child custody case can be difficult and stressful. By hiring Harris Cook Law, you can rest easier knowing our law firm will handle the complexities of your case and guide you through this difficult time in your life. We pride ourselves on creating a relaxing atmosphere at our family law offices in Southlake and Arlington, and have therapy dogs on location to give you comfort. Call us today or request a consultation online.
(817) 572-9900
The Benefits of Working With a Child Custody Attorney
While it is possible to represent yourself in a child custody case, hiring a child custody lawyer is always recommended. The legal insight of a lawyer who regularly handles child custody issues can provide many benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Family law is complicated, especially issues of custody. You may find yourself doing hours and hours of internet research but still not be confident that you have a full grasp of the legal situation. When you hire a child custody lawyer, you may be able to sleep better at night. Working with an attorney ensures that every aspect of the case is being handled properly.
Faster Results
Someone without formal legal training will almost certainly make some kind of error, whether on paperwork or in the courtroom. These mistakes can lead to frustrating and stressful delays in the dispute being resolved. In some cases, this can even affect your final outcome. For the most efficient possible resolution, enlist a child custody attorney.
Protection of Your Rights
The other parent might try to compromise your access to your child, especially if he or she has their own legal representation. To avoid receiving anything less than your full legal custody rights, it's important to have a lawyer by your side.
A Great Review For Our Arlington Law Office
“We contacted Harris Cook requesting counseling in regards to a child custody case. David was very compassionate with our current situation but was also very proactive in looking ahead and advising us in a direction that would be best for our family. David was so confident and professional through all of the ups & downs. We knew we were in great hands and we feel so blessed to have achieved the outcome that David and his staff worked so hard for.”
– Michelle, 5-Star Review
What Influences A Judge's Custody Decision?
While Texas statutes and prior case law provide guidance for custody choices, judges still have wide discretion in determining conservatorship. If both parents are made conservators, the judge typically names one parent the primary joint managing conservator (the “custodial parent”). The custodial parent is the one that has the right to determine where the child lives and receives child support. All other decisions are typically made by both parents, unless otherwise spelled out in the conservatorship.
The child custody lawyers at Harris Cook Law are familiar with what judges use to determine conservatorship and who is the custodial parent. We work closely with you, collecting evidence that will help persuade a judge that selecting you as the custodial parent will be in your child's best interests.
Aspects a judge typically considers include:
- The ability of a parent to give first priority to the welfare of the child
- Whether a parent can encourage and accept a healthy relationship with the other parent
- How much a parent participated in a child's care before the split
- Whether the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of the child benefit from a joint managing conservatorship
- Incidences of neglect, abuse, and alcohol or drug dependency
- The distance between the parents' homes
- Each parent's financial stability
- If the child is 12 or older, the judge may consider the child's preference in deciding where they prefer to live
- Any other relevant factors
Why Hire Harris Cook Law?
Whether you are working out the details of a recent divorce or remediating a previous child custody agreement, David Cook, John Clark, and our associates want to help you reach a just and fair arrangement that meets the best interests of your child. Our attorneys frequently handle child custody disputes and care deeply about the families they assist through these difficult times.
Our attorneys have practiced law in the Arlington and Southlake areas for decades, and in that time have built a respected family law practice.
What Sets Us Apart?
Unlike some other family lawyers, Harris Cook Law is committed to the emotional well-being of our clients. In our minds, a "win" doesn't really count if parents and children come away from a custody dispute with traumatic memories and emotional scars. We take pride in handling every custody case as quickly, amicably, and fairly as possible.
Everyone at Harris Cook Law strives to provide a relaxing, stress-free atmosphere. We love introducing clients to our office divorce therapy dog, Baxter. If you are looking for child custody lawyers who will handle your situation kindly while seeking a just resolution, look no further than Harris Cook Law.
Another 5-Star Review For Our Arlington Attorney
"We hired Donna Smiedt to handle a very contentious child custody case in 2010. From the day we signed on to have Donna represent us we have received excellent representation and results. Donna has represented us well and listened to all of our needs and requests. Donna was professional and reassured us that our case would be taken care of. My wife and I can not say enough good things about Donna and her personal attention to a stressful matter. We highly recommend to anyone going through a divorce or considering divorce. You won't find a better family attorney than Donna Smiedt."
Ed M., 5-Star Google Review
Call Us Today For Answers to Your Custody Questions
Without an attorney, the best interests of your child may be in jeopardy. Reach out today to make certain that your rights–and your child's future–are protected while going through a divorce or informal separation.
Harris Cook Law - Family Law Division in Arlington and Southlake, TX, can help you reach a custody solution that serves your child's best interests.
Schedule a legal consultation by contacting us online or by calling our office at:
(817) 572-9900
Avoid the Courtroom: Custody Agreements Through Mediation
There is an alternative to lengthy and confusing custody disputes handled by the court. Mediation with David Cook, John Clark, and their team allows parents to reach a custody agreement amicably and quicker than traditional litigation, especially if the parents are on good terms. In addition, mediation is usually much cheaper than going through the courts.
During mediation, the two parents, their attorneys (if they have them), and a mediator meet in a neutral location to negotiate a custody agreement. The lawyers at Harris Cook Law can work as a parent's attorney or as a mediator. These meetings offer opportunities for parents and their representation to work out a custody plan that meets their child's best interests.
Child Custody in Texas: Quick Facts
David Cook, John Clark, and our team are proud members of the Tarrant County legal community and have served clients from Arlington, Southlake, Mansfield, and the Greater Dallas and Fort Worth area for decades. Before beginning your child custody negotiation, here are some facts about child custody in Texas you may find useful:
- In Texas, child custody is legally referred to as "conservatorship."
- The default position of Texas is to name the divorced parents joint managing conservators, but the well-being of the child is always the court's top priority. To argue for a court-ordered arrangement other than joint managing conservatorship, the assistance of a child custody lawyer is particularly valuable.
- Joint managing conservatorship is not the same as shared custody. In typical joint managing conservatorship arrangements, one parent has primary physical custody of the child while the other parent has visitation rights (possession and access). Both parents have equal say in decision-making regarding the child, such as education, religious upbringing, extracurricular activities, etc.
- Judges in Texas are required to consider evidence of domestic abuse when handling a custody case.
- In some circumstances, especially those involving parental neglect, third parties can sue for custody of the child. David Cook and John Clark also assist third parties, especially grandparents, with custody cases.
Do You Have a Complex Case? We Specialize in Difficult Child Custody Cases
Our familiarity with the state child custody laws, the Texas legal system, and local judges are a boon when it comes to presenting your case to the court. In addition to crafting a sound legal strategy, Harris Cook Law also makes a point of creating a calming environment that will help you make thoughtful decisions.
If you have questions about your next steps, leave us a message online or request a consultation by phone:
(817) 572-9900
Another Rave Review For Our Arlington Attorneys and Law Office
“Very knowledgeable and helpful. I was able to understand my rights with situation I was dealing with.”
– Ms. Snow, 5-Star Review
When to Hire a Child Custody Attorney
Legal aid is always recommended during a child custody situation. However, acquiring the assistance of a qualified child custody lawyer may be especially important in certain cases:
New Divorce
If you and your spouse share children and are divorcing, the most important agreement that will be reached is the child custody agreement. Getting the custody arrangement right the first time can save serious headaches and heartaches in the future. Having an attorney's assistance is especially important if you plan on pursuing an arrangement other than Texas's default custody decision (joint managing conservatorship).
Interstate Custody Arrangements
Custody disputes become even more complicated when the two parents live in different states. Whether the parents lived in different states at the time of separation or one moved away after, the legal maze created by such a situation is difficult to navigate. David Cook, John Clark, and our team can handle these situations and will work with you to reach a beneficial solution.
Changing Circumstances
Previous conservatorship agreements may require modification if the circumstances of the parents or children change. Possible changes include one parent remarrying, a change in employment status, a medical health issue, or unexpected financial hardship. In these situations, your custody agreement may no longer serve the best interests of your child. A child custody lawyer can help amend it.
Parental Conduct Issues
If you are concerned that the behavior of your co-parent is irresponsible, illegal, or harmful to your child in any way (especially in the case of abuse), a child custody attorney can help you gain primary or even full physical custody of your child. The family court system in Texas takes child abuse very seriously. A lawyer can help you quickly get your child to safety–immediately and in the long-term.
Let Us Help You
Custody negotiations are rarely easy. If you are going through a complicated divorce or contentious disputes over visitation, possession, and access to your child, the difficulties may be compounded.
Harris Cook Law - Family Law Division wants to help you find the best situation for your child. Whether you are outlining your first child custody arrangement or need to amend an existing one, let us make the situation a little easier for you.
If you live in Arlington, Southlake, or Mansfield, TX, we encourage you to contact us online or schedule a consultation by calling:
(817) 572-9900
Kind Words for Our Child Custody Law Office in Arlington
"I have known Donna since 2006 and am beyond grateful to have had her on my side. She is considerate, confident, and truly a loving person. My journey with her has led her to become a genuine friend of mine and I would highly recommend her to anyone! She will listen to your needs and pour her heart into being an advocate for you. She is unlike any other lawyer and will be real with you and take care of business. She excels at what she does and has a passion for winning for all of her clients."
Tony H., 5-Star Google Review
Child Custody and Military Parents
Being in the military can make family law matters even more difficult. Texas law has special stipulations to help military parents navigate their service obligations as well as custody arrangements. Our Arlington team proudly helps military parents throughout Southlake, Mansfield, and the Greater Dallas and Fort Worth area with child custody issues.
Custodial Parents Deploying for Military Service
If you are the custodial parent and deploying for military service, you may ask the courts to designate another person as the custodian while you are deployed. This can be the non-custodial parent, a grandparent, a close friend, or another relative, depending on your situation. If the courts determine the non-custodial parent is not fit to take on the role of the custodial parent, or if the person you designate is deemed unfit, the courts may appoint someone for you.
Non-Custodial Military Parents and Visitation
If you are the non-custodial parent and deploying for military service, you may ask the courts to designate another parent to fulfill your visitation time. You may also ask the courts to designate make-up visitation times for when you return from your deployment or temporary military duty. This will be determined based on the best interests of the child. This request may be made to the courts up to 90 days following the end of your deployment or temporary military duty.
Exploring a Collaborative Approach To Child Custody Arrangements
Child custody negotiations do not have to be contentious, especially when you have David Cook and John Clark as your legal advocates. In addition to our background in mediation, we also have deep experience applying a collaborative law approach to family law cases, and we can do the same to ease the process in your child custody case if you choose to work with our Arlington law firm.
Collaborative family law is a form of alternative dispute resolution intended to help involved parties reach an agreeable outcome without taking the case to court. It is most commonly applied to divorce, but it can be used to ease the process in a variety of family law areas, such as child custody and support. In this scenario, you and your attorney will meet with your ex and their counsel for a series of private, four-way meetings in a neutral setting.
Children's Interests Come First
In Collaborative Law
Taking a collaborative path allows parents to step away from the charged nature of the courtroom and keep their children's best interests front and center. It lends to more in-depth consideration of your family's unique circumstances, like work and school schedules, medical needs, housing arrangements, and more. Because this is a private avenue of resolution, any sensitive personal or financial information regarding your family will remain confidential.
Quicker Path to Resolution
Collaborative cases usually reach a point of resolution after four to six meetings spread over several months—this process can be much faster than the average custody resolution experience through the court. This collaborative schedule is customizable to accommodate extenuating circumstances in a non-adversarial manner. The streamlined nature of the collaborative custody process also tends to make this avenue more cost-effective than litigating custody in a drawn-out court battle.
Better Adherence to Terms
Because both parents and their family law attorneys take an active role in the negotiations, both sides can reach a resolution in their favor. Our law firm finds that there is better long-term adherence to custody and child support plans created in the spirit of cooperation. If a situation arises in which you or your ex must modify your family law arrangement, you can start from a place of good faith and honesty by choosing a collaborative angle.
Unmarried Fathers Face Disadvantages Our Family Law Attorneys Can Help You Overcome Them
When an unmarried couple with a child separates in Texas, the mother automatically receives full physical custody and legal custody. The father's rights can be seriously limited, even if his name is on the birth certificate. Our family law attorneys in Arlington take an unbiased approach to custody disputes and understand that there are many situations in which a child's best interests are served by being in the custody of their father instead. David Cook and John Clark are prepared to help you get fair rights to your children, whether you are going through a divorce from your child's mother or you were never married at all.
We can help you establish paternity, if necessary, and submit a court order to begin the process of establishing your physical and/or legal custody rights. We can also help you explore a collaborative resolution if your ex is amenable. Contact our law firm in Arlington, TX, for a thorough review of your legal options.
(817) 572-9900
Another 5-Star Testimonial
“I went to David to handle my divorce. He took what seemed complicated and certain to drag on, resolving it quickly and cleanly. His staff was a pleasure to work with. I have since referred numerous friends to his firm. highly recommend!”
– Jeff, 5-Star Review
Child Custody in Texas: Glossary of Terms
- Conservatorship: The legal term for "custody" in Texas, describing your court-ordered relationship with your child.
- Joint Managing Conservator: When two parents are named joint managing conservators, the child primarily resides with one parent while the other parent has visitation rights. Both parents have equal say in major decisions.
- Custodial Parent: The parent with whom the child lives in the case of a joint managing conservatorship.
- Non-Custodial Parent: The parent who has visitation rights but with whom the child does not primarily live.
- Sole Managing Conservator: If a parent (or even a non-parent) is named sole managing conservator, they have exclusive decision-making rights over the child.
- Possessory Conservator: If one parent is a sole managing conservator, then the other parent may be a possessory conservator, who can still enjoy a relationship with the child but does not have the final say in decision-making for the child.
- Custody Order: A court order from a Texas state judge that declares where the child will live, who has decision-making power for the child, who has visitation rights, and other specifics of the custody arrangement.
- Visitation: The court-ordered plan that outlines when a non-custodial parent can spend time with their child.
- Child Support: Court-ordered payments made by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent to assist in raising the child.
Our Arlington Team Protects The Interests of the Child
"Donna has represented my son in a child custody case and my wife and I in a grandparents custody case and she has done a masterful job. I don't know where my grandchildren would be without Donna. She has given them a chance to have a much better life and a chance to be loved and grow into well rounded adults. Donna is a very caring person that really looks out for the benefit of children and her clients."
Jerry J., 5-Star Google Review
