League City Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody is often the most emotional and challenging aspect of a divorce or separation. Every parent wants what’s best for their child, but disagreements about where a child will live or how major decisions are made can quickly become complex and stressful. At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., we help parents throughout Galveston County resolve custody matters with compassion, strategy, and deep knowledge of Texas family law. As a dedicated League City child custody lawyer, our firm works to protect your parental rights while ensuring that your child’s best interests remain at the heart of every decision.

Understanding Child Custody in Texas

In Texas, the legal term for custody is conservatorship. Courts use this term to describe each parent’s rights and duties concerning the care, control, and upbringing of their child. There are two main types of conservatorship:

• Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC): The most common arrangement, where both parents share decision-making authority and responsibilities for the child.
• Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC): Granted when one parent has primary decision-making rights due to special circumstances, such as abuse, neglect, or absence of the other parent.

Texas law presumes that joint custody is in the child’s best interest unless there is evidence showing that one parent’s involvement would be harmful. Our attorneys help parents understand their options and advocate for custody arrangements that promote stability, fairness, and the child’s overall well-being.

The Best Interests of the Child

All custody decisions in Texas are guided by one standard—the best interests of the child. Courts consider multiple factors when determining what arrangement best supports the child’s needs.

These factors include:

• The emotional and physical needs of the child now and in the future.
• Each parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.
• The child’s relationship with each parent.
• Each parent’s involvement in the child’s education, healthcare, and daily activities.
• Any history of family violence, substance abuse, or neglect.
• The child’s wishes (if 12 years of age or older).

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. presents strong evidence and well-prepared arguments that highlight your role in your child’s life and demonstrate why your proposed arrangement serves their best interests.

Physical and Legal Custody

Custody in Texas includes two main components:

• Physical Custody (Possession): Refers to where the child lives and the parenting time schedule.
• Legal Custody (Decision-Making Authority): Refers to the right to make important decisions about education, medical care, and religious upbringing.

We help parents negotiate and formalize both aspects of custody through detailed parenting plans that address all major decisions and ensure smooth co-parenting transitions.

Visitation and Parenting Time

Even when one parent has primary custody, Texas law encourages frequent and meaningful contact with the non-custodial parent. Standard visitation (known as possession and access) ensures both parents maintain a strong relationship with their child.

Our firm assists clients with:

• Drafting customized visitation schedules that work for both parents.
• Adjusting schedules for holidays, vacations, and school breaks.
• Handling relocation or move-away cases that affect visitation.
• Enforcing visitation orders when one parent interferes with access.

When necessary, we advocate for modifications to ensure visitation arrangements continue to reflect the child’s evolving needs.

Joint vs. Sole Custody

Most Texas courts favor joint custody because it encourages shared parental involvement. However, sole custody may be awarded if the court finds that one parent is unfit or incapable of providing a stable environment.

Joint custody typically includes:

• Shared decision-making rights.
• Equal access to school and medical records.
• Cooperative communication between parents.

Sole custody may be appropriate when there is evidence of:

• Domestic violence or child abuse.
• Parental substance abuse or criminal activity.
• Emotional instability or absence of one parent.

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. helps clients build compelling cases for joint or sole custody, depending on the specific needs of the child and family circumstances.

Custody for Unmarried Parents

Unmarried parents must establish paternity before custody and visitation rights can be determined. Once paternity is legally confirmed—either through a voluntary acknowledgment or DNA testing—both parents have the right to seek custody and support orders.

Our attorneys represent both mothers and fathers in paternity and custody cases, ensuring that parental rights are recognized and that fair parenting plans are established.

Modifying Existing Custody Orders

As children grow and life circumstances change, custody arrangements may need to be adjusted. Texas law allows parents to request a modification when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances, such as relocation, remarriage, or a change in income.

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. helps clients file modification petitions, negotiate new parenting schedules, and represent them in court hearings to ensure the new arrangement continues to serve the child’s best interests.

Enforcement of Custody Orders

Unfortunately, not all parents follow court-ordered custody and visitation terms. If your co-parent refuses to comply with your order or interferes with visitation, we can take legal action to enforce compliance.

Our firm helps clients:

• File motions to enforce custody or visitation orders.
• Seek contempt rulings for repeated violations.
• Recover lost visitation time.
• Request modifications if noncompliance continues.

We are committed to ensuring that your rights—and your child’s right to a consistent relationship—are protected.

Why Choose Lindamood & Robinson for Child Custody Cases

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. has earned a strong reputation across League City and the Greater Houston area for successfully handling child custody and family law matters. We combine deep legal knowledge with compassion and strategy, ensuring that your child’s welfare and your parental rights remain our top priorities.

Clients choose our firm because we offer:

• Decades of experience in Texas family and custody law.
• Skilled negotiation and courtroom representation.
• Detailed, customized parenting plans that minimize conflict.
• Strong advocacy in both contested and cooperative cases.
• Clear, compassionate guidance during emotionally difficult times.

We understand that custody disputes can be stressful and life-changing. Our attorneys help you move forward with confidence, knowing your case is in capable hands.

League City Child Custody FAQs

What is the difference between joint and sole custody?

Joint custody allows both parents to share decision-making and parenting responsibilities, while sole custody grants one parent primary control.

How is custody decided in Texas?

Courts determine custody based on the child’s best interests, considering factors like each parent’s stability, relationship with the child, and home environment.

Can my child choose which parent to live with?

Children 12 or older can express a preference, but the court makes the final decision based on the child’s best interests.

What if my ex violates the custody order?

You can file a motion to enforce the order. The court may impose penalties or modify custody if violations persist.

Can custody orders be changed later?

Yes. Custody can be modified if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances.

How does relocation affect custody?

If your order includes a geographic restriction, a parent must obtain court approval before moving the child.

Can unmarried fathers get custody rights?

Yes, once paternity is legally established, fathers have the same custody and visitation rights as mothers.

Do I need to go to court for a custody agreement?

Not always. Many custody cases are resolved through mediation or settlement agreements approved by the court.

How long does a custody case take?

It depends on whether the case is contested. Some cases settle quickly, while others may take several months or more.

Do I need an attorney for custody disputes?

Yes. Custody cases involve complex laws and emotional stakes, and an experienced lawyer ensures your parental rights are fully protected.

Serving League City and the Surrounding Areas

• League City
• Friendswood
• Clear Lake
• Webster
• Dickinson
• Kemah
• Seabrook
• Nassau Bay
• Santa Fe
• Bacliff
• San Leon
• Alvin
• Pearland
• Texas City
• Galveston

Contact The Skilled League City Child Custody Lawyers at Lindamood & Robinson, P.C.

If you are facing a custody dispute or need to establish or modify parenting arrangements, Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. can help. Our attorneys bring experience, compassion, and results-driven advocacy to every case.

Schedule a confidential consultation today with an experienced League City child custody lawyer who will protect your parental rights and help create a stable, supportive future for your child.