League City Unmarried Child Custody Lawyer

When parents are not married, questions about custody, visitation, and parental rights can become complex and emotionally charged. In Texas, both parents have important legal rights and responsibilities toward their children—but those rights must first be clearly established. At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., we help mothers and fathers navigate these challenges with compassion, precision, and proven legal strategies. As an experienced League City unmarried child custody lawyer, our firm ensures that every parent understands their rights, fulfills their obligations, and protects their relationship with their child.

Understanding Unmarried Custody in Texas

When a child is born to unmarried parents, the mother automatically has full custody and decision-making authority until paternity is legally established. The father does not have enforceable custody or visitation rights until he is recognized as the child’s legal parent.

Texas law requires that unmarried fathers establish paternity before they can request custody or visitation. This can be done through:

• A Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) signed by both parents, or
• A court order following genetic testing.

Once paternity is confirmed, both parents are placed on equal legal footing, allowing the court to create or modify custody and support orders based on the child’s best interests.

Establishing Paternity

Paternity is the foundation for unmarried fathers seeking parental rights. Without it, a father cannot make decisions about the child’s health, education, or upbringing.

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. helps clients:

• File petitions to establish or confirm paternity.
• Arrange DNA testing through approved labs.
• Secure court orders for custody, visitation, and support once paternity is determined.
• Address false or disputed paternity claims.

Establishing paternity protects both parents’ rights and ensures that the child receives the emotional and financial support they deserve.

Custody Rights for Unmarried Parents

Texas uses the term conservatorship rather than custody. Once paternity is established, both parents can be named joint managing conservators, sharing decision-making authority for the child’s well-being. However, one parent is often designated as the primary conservator, determining the child’s residence and primary school district.

Courts evaluate factors such as:

• Each parent’s involvement in the child’s life.
• The stability of each home environment.
• The child’s emotional and physical needs.
• The parents’ ability to cooperate and communicate.

Our attorneys help parents create parenting arrangements that promote consistency, minimize conflict, and protect the child’s best interests.

Visitation (Possession and Access)

Even if one parent has primary custody, the other is entitled to reasonable visitation unless there are safety concerns. Texas courts encourage strong relationships between children and both parents.

We help clients negotiate or litigate:

• Standard or customized visitation schedules.
• Holiday, summer, and long-distance parenting plans.
• Supervised visitation in cases involving substance abuse or family violence.
• Virtual communication provisions for parents who live far apart.

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. ensures that your visitation rights are clearly defined and enforceable.

Child Support for Unmarried Parents

Once paternity is established, both parents are financially responsible for the child’s care. The noncustodial parent—the one who spends less time with the child—typically pays child support according to Texas guidelines.

We assist clients with:

• Establishing fair child support orders.
• Ensuring proper calculation of income and deductions.
• Enforcing or modifying existing support arrangements.
• Addressing unpaid or delinquent support obligations.

Our attorneys ensure that support orders reflect the child’s needs and both parents’ financial abilities.

Parental Disputes Between Unmarried Parents

Conflicts between unmarried parents often arise over decision-making, relocation, or differences in parenting styles. These disputes can be particularly complex when there is no formal custody order in place.

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. helps clients resolve disputes by:

• Filing initial custody and visitation petitions.
• Negotiating temporary or final orders.
• Representing clients in mediation or family court.
• Enforcing existing custody and visitation orders.

We aim to create clear, enforceable agreements that reduce tension and protect the child’s emotional well-being.

Relocation and Geographic Restrictions

Relocation issues can become difficult when one parent wishes to move with the child. Texas courts generally include geographic restrictions in custody orders to ensure both parents maintain frequent contact with the child.

We help clients:

• Petition for relocation approval or defend against relocation requests.
• Modify existing orders to reflect changes in residence or employment.
• Create new visitation arrangements to maintain parent-child relationships.

Our attorneys focus on preserving the child’s stability and meaningful access to both parents.

Modifying Custody or Support Orders

As children grow and circumstances change, custody or support arrangements may need to be modified. Texas law allows for modification when there is a material and substantial change in circumstances.

Common reasons include:

• Changes in income or employment.
• Relocation or remarriage.
• Health or behavioral issues affecting the child.
• Noncompliance with existing orders.

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. helps parents petition for or contest modifications while keeping the child’s best interests at the forefront.

When Safety Is a Concern

If domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect is an issue, courts can restrict custody or visitation to protect the child. Our attorneys act swiftly to secure emergency protective orders or supervised visitation where necessary.

We provide compassionate yet decisive representation in cases involving:

• Family violence or threats.
• Substance abuse or mental health concerns.
• Endangerment or neglect claims.
• False or exaggerated allegations.

Our goal is to ensure that children are safe while preserving the rights of responsible parents.

Why Choose Lindamood & Robinson for Unmarried Custody Cases

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. is trusted throughout League City and the Greater Houston area for our experience in family law and dedication to client success. We understand the legal, emotional, and financial challenges unmarried parents face and provide tailored strategies for each case.

Clients choose our firm because we offer:

• Decades of experience in Texas custody and paternity law.
• Strong courtroom advocacy and skilled negotiation.
• Personalized, compassionate legal representation.
• Clear communication and practical solutions.
• Proven results in both contested and cooperative custody cases.

We work to secure the best possible outcomes for parents and children alike.

FAQs

Who gets custody if the parents are not married?

Until paternity is legally established, the mother automatically has sole custody in Texas.

How does an unmarried father gain custody rights?

He must establish paternity through a signed acknowledgment or a court-ordered DNA test.

Can unmarried parents share joint custody?

Yes. Once paternity is established, courts can grant joint managing conservatorship to both parents.

Does an unmarried father have to pay child support?

Yes. Once paternity is proven, the father has both financial obligations and parental rights.

Can an unmarried mother move out of state with the child?

Not if there is a custody order restricting relocation. Otherwise, she may move unless the father files a petition for custody.

Can child support be modified later?

Yes. Either parent may request modification if circumstances change significantly.

What if one parent refuses DNA testing?

The court can order testing, and refusal can lead to a default judgment establishing paternity.

Are visitation rights automatic for unmarried fathers?

No. They must be requested through a court order once paternity is confirmed.

What if we already live together but aren’t married?

Both parents still need to establish paternity legally for full parental rights.

Do I need a lawyer for unmarried custody cases?

Yes. These cases involve complex legal procedures, and an attorney ensures your 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 Unmarried Child Custody Lawyers at Lindamood & Robinson, P.C.

If you are an unmarried parent facing custody, visitation, or paternity issues, Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. can help you take the right legal steps to protect your rights and your child’s future. Our attorneys provide trusted guidance, personalized attention, and determined advocacy in every case.

Schedule a confidential consultation today with an experienced League City unmarried child custody lawyer who will help you build a secure foundation for your family and your child’s well-being.