Griffith Law Office

Child custody cases can be one of the most stressful and emotional experiences for families. You need an experienced attorney who will fight for the best interests of you and your child.

Our team at Griffith Law understands the complexities of child custody cases and what factors the courts consider, including the child's age, physical and emotional needs, stability of the parent's homes, and previous out-of-home placements.

Rachael Griffith is a family lawyer for Plano, TX. She specializes in child custody cases and understand the unique challenges that come with them.

Our experienced custody attorney, Rachael Griffith, is committed to working diligently on your case to achieve a positive outcome that prioritizes the well-being of your child. We understand the importance of reaching a swift and effective resolution for your family, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that your child's best interests are protected.

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PLANO CUSTODY LAWYER

RELIABLE LITIGATION

  • Family Law

    SOLE CUSTODY

    When one parent's actions pose a risk to the child's welfare, sole custody is often awarded to the other parent. This legal arrangement assigns one parent with the responsibility of making crucial decisions regarding the child's life. Family law attorney Rachael Griffith understands the significance of this decision and is committed to advocating for your child's best interests in court.

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  • Guardianship Law

    JOINT CUSTODY

    Joint custody refers to an arrangement where both parents have equal rights, duties, and physical custody of the child. This implies that the child splits their time between the parents' homes based on a variety of schedules and structures that fit their lifestyle, including 50/50 split or week-on, week-off arrangements.

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  • Estate Planning

    THIRD-PARTY CUSTODY

    If both parents are deemed to be unfit, are missing, or are deceased, custody may be awarded to another close relative or guardian that has acted as a caregiver for six months or more.

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HOW LEGAL CUSTODY WORKS

When filing for child custody, the court requires evidence that your child's home state is Texas and they have resided with a parent or legal guardian for at least six consecutive months. Once residency is established, our child custody attorneys will help you file all necessary paperwork and provide legal guidance tailored to your unique situation.

If the child's biological parents were never married, determining paternity may be necessary before a sole or joint managing conservatorship can be established. Our attorneys have extensive experience in negotiating child custody cases and are well-versed in Texas laws regarding family and divorce.

At our law firm, we understand that child custody disputes can be stressful and emotionally taxing. That's why we work tirelessly to ensure that your child's best interests are protected and that you have the legal support and guidance you need throughout the entire process. Whether you're seeking sole custody or joint custody, we are here to help you achieve a favorable outcome.

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FINDING THE BEST RESOLUTION FOR YOUR CHILD

PLANO CUSTODY ATTORNEY

  • MEDIATION

    Coming to a mutual agreement between parents is often the most straightforward approach to ensure that a child can comprehend and manage changes in their family dynamics.

  • NEGOTIATION

    It can be challenging for both parties to create an agreement without the guidance of a legal advisor to assist them. It is strongly advised that both parties seek the counsel of a divorce attorney to assist them in drafting an agreement.

  • LITIGATION

    If the mediation process is unsuccessful, our child custody lawyers will take legal action to litigate your child custody agreement for the best possible outcome for you and your child.

EXPERIENCED CHILD CUSTODY ATTORNEY IN PLANO, TX

A standard possession order is typically granted in most child custody cases involving two parents. This arrangement designates one parent as the primary caregiver while the other parent is allowed visitation on weekends, holidays, summer vacations, and important events.

During a child custody hearing or trial, the court may deviate from this arrangement based on various factors, including

  • The primary caregiver for the child
  • The status quo of the child's care arrangements
  • Substance abuse or mental health issues
  • History of visitation and behavioral history of each parent
  • Domestic violence or criminal history
  • Work schedules and employment of each parent
  • Developmental issues of the child
  • Living situations of each parent and their behavioral history

Ultimately, the court determines custody based on what is in the best interest of the child. To ensure that your custody case is handled with the utmost care and attention, it is crucial that you seek the assistance of an experienced child custody attorney in Plano, TX.

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Three Easy Steps To Get Started:

Schedule a Consultation

During this meeting, you will be able to discuss your case and ask any questions you may have. We will listen carefully, so we can understand the nuances of your child custody case.

Provide all Relevant Information

During your consultation, be sure to provide all relevant information about your case, including any legal documents or agreements related to your child custody. This information will help us understand your situation and build a strong case on your behalf.

Follow Our Advice

Once you've hired us as your child custody lawyer, it's important to follow our advice and guidance throughout the legal process. We can provide you with valuable insights and help you make informed decisions that are in the best interest of your child.

Remember, each child custody case is unique, and it's important to work closely with us to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family.

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Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DOES A JUDGE DETERMINE WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD?

In a child custody case, a judge will consider various factors to determine what is in the best interest of the child. These factors may vary depending on the state or country, but some common factors include:

The child's age: Younger children may require more frequent contact with both parents, while older children may have more say in the custody arrangements.

The child's relationship with each parent: The judge will consider the emotional bond between the child and each parent, as well as the quality of the parent-child relationship.

The mental and physical health of each parent: The judge will assess each parent's mental and physical health to determine their ability to care for the child.

Each parent's ability to provide for the child: The judge will consider each parent's financial stability, including their ability to provide food, shelter, and medical care for the child.

The child's preferences: Depending on the child's age and maturity level, the judge may consider their preferences regarding custody arrangements.

Any history of abuse or neglect: If there is a history of abuse or neglect by either parent, the judge will consider this when making a custody determination.

Overall, the judge's goal is to make a decision that is in the best interest of the child, taking into account all relevant factors and circumstances.

HOW DOES A JUDGE DETERMINE WHO GETS CUSTODY?

Although parents may come to an agreement, the final custody order requires a judge's approval before it becomes enforceable. In cases where the parents cannot agree, the judge or jury will make the determination based on the best interest of the children, which may involve numerous factors.

WHICH PARENT IS MORE LIKELY TO BE GRANTED CUSTODY?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to which parent is more likely to be granted custody. The decision is ultimately based on what is in the best interest of the child or children involved. The judge will consider a variety of factors such as the child's age, physical and emotional needs, the relationship between the child and each parent, the stability of each parent's home, the parent's ability to provide for the child, any history of domestic violence or substance abuse, and more.

In some cases, joint custody may be awarded to both parents. This allows the child to spend time with both parents and ensures that both parents have a say in important decisions related to the child's upbringing. In other cases, one parent may be awarded sole custody if the other parent is deemed unfit or incapable of providing a safe and stable environment for the child.

It is important to remember that the custody decision is not based on the gender of the parents or who makes more money. The court will always prioritize the best interest of the child, and the decision will be based on the unique circumstances of each case.

DEFEND WHAT MATTERS MOST

At our Plano law office, we understand the importance of communication and collaboration. We will work closely with you throughout your case, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. We will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. If you need a custody attorney in Plano, TX, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help you and your family find a positive path forward.

Contact us online or give us a call at (903)-636-3700 to schedule a consultation.

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