Stephenville Child Custody Lawyer

Protecting Your Parental Rights

While going through a divorce is never an easy process, what makes it a hundred times more challenging is when children are involved. Here at the Law Offices of Brady L. Pendleton, we acutely understand just how exhausting and traumatic these cases often are for both children and their parents. Emotions are already running high before both parties have to then decide how to best provide for their children’s interests. Sometimes your previous partner might stand in the way of your child’s needs, which is when you need our knowledgeable child custody lawyer in Stephenville to step in.

We can navigate intense situations to make sure your child’s well-being is the primary priority at all times, handling the case sensitively but powerfully to come to your family’s defense. For any of your custody concerns, trust our firm to provide reliable counsel.

Call us today at (888) 246-6869 so our compassionate family law attorney can give you the advice you need.

How Do I Decide Whether to Obtain Sole or Joint Custody?

Particularly if you and your former partner are not on the best of terms in the process of your divorce, it can be difficult to determine whether sole or joint custody is the better option. This is where it becomes essential to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of either case with your experienced child custody attorney.

According to family laws in Texas, the general assumption is that both parties involved become known as “joint managing conservators.” This would mean both parents equally take responsibility not only in caring for a child’s physical, mental, and emotional needs, but both would decide together on key decisions regarding a child’s moral, social, and cultural upbringing.

In certain circumstances, however, there may be issues that come to light which prove that it would be inappropriate for one of the parties to be a conservator – for example, if there is any background of domestic violence, alcohol abuse, or drug usage which negatively affect the child. These scenarios would mean that one of the parents would take the role of the sole managing conservator in caring for the child’s primary needs.

Roles of Both Parents After Custody

Even if one parent becomes the sole managing conservator and another parent is titled the possessory conservator, this does not mean that the latter can shirk caring for the child’s needs.

Both parents have the responsibility to protect and safeguard the best interests of their child, and this means they should contribute financially as well as with time spent with the child.

Just a few of the child’s needs which both parents should be contributing toward include:

• Safe, reliable housing and shelter
• Nutritious food and clean water
• Clothing
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Education
• Moral, social, and cultural development
• Anything else that would promote a child’s well-being and general happiness

Local Support for Child Custody in Stephenville

Living in Stephenville, you know that our community is tight-knit and supportive. Regarding child custody matters, it's crucial to have a legal team that understands the unique dynamics of our area. At the Law Offices of Brady L. Pendleton, we are deeply familiar with the local resources and government entities that can play a role in your custody case. Whether it's working with the Erath County Courthouse or understanding the nuances of local family services, we are well-prepared to guide you through the process.

One of the common challenges parents face in Stephenville is balancing work and family life, especially when dealing with custody arrangements. With many residents employed at Tarleton State University or commuting to nearby cities like Fort Worth, finding a custody schedule that works for both parents can be daunting. Our firm is adept at crafting flexible custody agreements considering your work commitments and your child's needs.

Additionally, we understand the importance of maintaining stability for your child. Stephenville's excellent school system and community programs are vital to your child's development, and we strive to ensure that your custody arrangement supports their continued participation in these activities. Whether it's ensuring they can stay in their current school or participate in local sports leagues, we work to keep your child's life as consistent as possible.

For those dealing with more complex issues, such as domestic violence or substance abuse, we can help you navigate the additional challenges these situations present. We know local support services and can connect you with the right resources to protect your child's well-being.

At the Law Offices of Brady L. Pendleton, we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal support to families in Stephenville and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to discuss your child custody concerns and find out how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your family.

Dedicated, Powerful Advocacy

For any further specifics of your case and detailed allocation of duties and rights, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your experienced and empathetic child custody attorney in Stephenville. We serve clients throughout Erath, Parker, Tarrant, Hood, Comanche, Hamilton, Bosque, Palo Pinto, Johnson, Somervell, Eastland, Brown Counties, and Tarleton State University.

Contact us now at (888) 246-6869 so the Law Offices of Brady L. Pendleton can stand by your side in the most challenging of times.