Child Custody Attorneys Serving Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties
Custody decisions are some of the most consequential a family will ever face. At Hanshaw Kennedy Hafen, we handle child custody matters in divorce, paternity cases, and other suits affecting the parent-child relationship with the focus and care they deserve.
Our attorneys include dedicated child custody lawyer Collin County TX professionals who work through litigation, mediation, and negotiated agreements depending on what your situation calls for.Whether you need a trusted child custody attorney McKinney TX or a skilled custody attorney North Dallas families rely on, we take time to understand your family, your goals, and what your child needs, then build a strategy around that.
We serve clients across Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties from our office in Frisco.
What Child Custody Covers in Texas
In Texas, custody is referred to as conservatorship, and working with a knowledgeable conservatorship attorney Collin County clients trust can help clarify the process. It includes two separate issues: who has the right to make decisions for your child, and when each parent has physical possession of the child. Both matter, and both are addressed in your custody order.
Most parents are named joint managing conservators, which means they share decision-making rights. That does not always mean equal parenting time. The possession schedule is determined separately and can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the case.
High-Conflict Custody Cases
When the relationship between parents is contentious, custody cases become more complicated. Communication breaks down, disputes over the child’s schedule escalate, and the legal process can be used as leverage in ways that hurt everyone involved, especially the children.
Our attorneys identify high-conflict dynamics early and build your strategy accordingly. As a trusted high conflict custody attorney Frisco firm, we anticipate challenges before they arise, prepare you for difficult negotiations, and stay focused on outcomes that protect your child and your parental rights.
Parental Rights in Texas
Your rights as a parent can include access to your child’s medical and educational records, decision-making authority over residence, healthcare, education, and religious upbringing, and defined periods of possession and access. Understanding what rights you have and how to protect them is a core part of what our parental rights attorney Frisco TX attorneys do.
In some cases, a court may order a custody evaluation by a neutral third-party professional who makes recommendations based on the child’s best interests. Our attorneys prepare clients thoroughly for this process.
Visitation and Possession in Texas
Texas uses a Standard Possession Order as the default visitation schedule for most families, and working with a child custody and visitation attorney Texas courts recognize can help ensure it fits your needs. It generally includes:
- The first, third, and fifth weekend of each month from Friday at 6 p.m. to Sunday at 6 p.m.
- Every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Alternating Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
- Spring break on alternating years.
- 30 days in the summer.
- Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekends with the respective parent.
Family Violence and Custody
A history of family violence can significantly affect the outcome of a custody case. Courts take these situations seriously, and so do we. Our attorneys understand the legal steps required to protect you and your child, including seeking emergency protective orders and presenting evidence of abuse or endangerment to the court.
If you or your child are in immediate danger, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Special Circumstances
Special Needs Children
Custody cases involving children with disabilities or special medical needs require additional consideration around support, decision-making, access, and long-term care planning. Our attorneys have experience navigating these cases and making sure the court has a full understanding of your child’s needs.
Mental Health Factors
When mental health is a factor in a custody case, we work with evaluators and expert witnesses to present an accurate picture to the court. The goal is always to protect your child’s wellbeing while preserving your parental rights.
Neglect and Endangerment
If you believe your child is being neglected or placed in danger, contact our office immediately. We have experience obtaining protective orders and taking urgent legal action to protect children in those situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Joint managing conservatorship means both parents share decision-making rights for the child. Sole managing conservatorship gives one parent primary decision-making authority, typically when there is a history of family violence, abuse, or other circumstances that make joint management unworkable. Either arrangement can exist alongside various possession schedules.
Not necessarily. Joint conservatorship refers to shared decision-making, not equal time with the child. The possession schedule is a separate part of the custody order and can range from the standard possession schedule to a true 50/50 arrangement depending on the circumstances.
Yes. Custody orders can be modified when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Common reasons include a parent relocating, a significant change in the child’s needs, or a change in a parent’s work schedule or living situation. See our Modifications page for more information.
Texas courts base custody decisions on the best interests of the child. Factors include the emotional and physical needs of the child, each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, any history of family violence or abuse, and in some cases the child’s own preferences depending on their age and maturity.
Our Services
Like to speak with someone directly about a child custody case?
Request a consultation