Serving Clients in Arlington, Colleyville and Throughout the Fort Worth Metro Area
In Texas, we have some unique laws relating to child custody. Unlike other states, we refer to custody as conservatorship. The courts interpret parenting rights very liberally. For example, during a period of legal visitation, the non-conservator (noncustodial) parent has the legal right to make important decisions about the child's welfare. When working out a child custody agreement between parents, it is critical that the wording of the final agreement is precise and will stand up as a court judgment.
To Provide the Right Answers, We Start With the Right Questions
If you are a resident of the Fort Worth region and have a dispute over child custody and visitation (either in a divorce or outside of marriage), talk to an attorney at the Bob Leonard Law Group, P.L.L.C., in Fort Worth. Our lawyers are recognized among the leading Texas family law attorneys in the Fort Worth metro area.
Our service area includes communities throughout the following North Texas counties:
Tarrant County · Denton County · Parker County · Hood County · Ellis County · Johnson County · Wise County
Working out the right custody and parenting arrangement starts with determining what is best for your children. Many parties don't think it is fair, but the legal truth is that the courts consider the children's best interests to be more important than meeting the personal needs of parents who often harbor anger over the terms of the divorce. We use our insight and experience in family law courts in Tarrant County, Denton County, Parker County, Hood County, Ellis County and Johnson County to help you pursue a resolution to child conservatorship issues that will result in an outcome that protects your child's interests while meeting the expectations of the specific judge involved.
It Starts With Clear Language
Often, disputes about child custody and visitation agreements arise because the language in the agreement is open to interpretation. Our attorneys are experienced in all aspects of divorce litigation matters. We have been involved in disputes that arise over a single phrase or sentence, and we apply that experience to drafting clear, concise and enforceable proposals and agreements.
"Don't settle for a child custody agreement that works now, but might raise problems when your child is older. The courts don't make modifications without extremely good reason. We will take the time to determine what your long-term objectives are and draft language that will avoid future problems." Attorney Bob Leonard
Here Is a Typical Story
Jim and Bonnie are filing for divorce. They have one daughter, Amy, age six. Jim has agreed to let Bonnie keep the house as part of the property settlement, and both parents feel it will be best if Amy continues to live with Bonnie as primary custodial parent, with Jim granted ample parenting time over weekends, certain holidays and special occasions. Jim will also have parenting time with Amy for three full weeks over every summer. The two draft up a proposed custody and visitation agreement and present it to their respective attorneys for review.
Bonnie's attorney at the Bob Leonard Law Group sees potential future problems because of the vagueness of the language. The exact holidays are not specified and the "special occasions" are "as determined" throughout the year. In addition, the three weeks of summer parenting time for Jim have no stipulations regarding the child's activities, travel or living arrangements. While Amy is in her early elementary school years, the agreement seems to work well. However, Bonnie's lawyer has seen these types of short-term agreements turn into bitter disputes as the child grows and the parent's lives change.
Precise and Clear Language — Looking Out for the Best Interest of the Child
Our Fort Worth custody attorneys start by asking some fundamental questions about the parents' personal values and long-range objectives for the family. We will find a solution that often involves coming together to work out language that cannot be open to personal interpretation, including language that allows for special considerations as your child grows and wants a say in custodial arrangements.
From offices in Fort Worth, our family law attorneys provide legal advice and representation for clients in such DFW communities as Arlington, North Richland Hills, Bedford, Grapevine, Colleyville, and Irving, TX. Call us at 817-336-8500 or contact us by e-mail to arrange a consultation with an experienced Fort Worth custody attorney today.
