Child Custody Attorney in Tarrant County

Settlement-Focused Custody Representation with Courtroom Readiness

At Holland McGill Law, PLLC, we develop each legal strategy around the family circumstances, parenting concerns, and goals that shape the case. We pursue workable custody arrangements through focused negotiation whenever possible.

Our child custody services are available in English and Gujarati. When parents can’t reach an agreement, we prepare to present the disputed issues to the court.

Speak with our Tarrant County child custody lawyer about your circumstances and possible next steps. Call (817) 934-5922 to arrange a free initial consultation.

Texas Conservatorship & the Child’s Best Interest

Texas uses the term conservatorship to describe parental rights and decision-making authority. Possession and access determine when a child spends time with each parent. Although people commonly refer to both subjects as custody, a court order can treat decision-making rights and parenting time as distinct issues.

We handle matters involving joint managing conservatorship, sole managing conservatorship, and split conservatorship arrangements involving different children. A joint arrangement generally gives both parents specified rights and duties, but it doesn’t necessarily provide identical authority or equal parenting time. A sole arrangement gives one parent certain exclusive rights identified in the order.

Texas courts may consider circumstances such as:

• The child’s emotional and physical needs
• The child’s age and individual circumstances
• Each parent’s involvement in the child’s life
• Any history of abuse
• Other facts relevant to the best interest of the child

No single factor automatically decides every case. We assess the facts affecting the child, the requested parenting arrangement, and the evidence available to support our client’s position.

When Judges Interview Children About Their Preferences

Texas Family Code Section 153.009 addresses interviews between judges and children in chambers, meaning privately in the judge’s office rather than through ordinary courtroom testimony. In a nonjury proceeding, the court must interview a child who’s at least 12 years old about the child’s wishes concerning conservatorship or primary residence if a party requests it. A judge may interview a child younger than 12 at the court’s discretion.

The child’s preference is relevant, but it doesn’t control the outcome. The judge remains responsible for determining what arrangement serves the child’s best interest after considering the broader circumstances.

Possession Schedules, Visitation Rights & Child Support

A Standard Possession Order establishes a schedule for possession and access between a parent and child. The appropriate schedule can depend on an agreement between the parents, the issues presented to the court, and the terms the judge finds suitable under the circumstances.

Conservatorship, possession schedules, visitation rights, and child support may all be addressed within the same case. Child support remains a separate financial obligation from parenting time and decision-making authority. A disagreement about support doesn’t, by itself, redefine the possession schedule established in a court order.

We represent clients in matters involving fathers’ rights, mothers’ rights, and grandparents’ rights. Our custody attorney in Tarrant County can evaluate how the requested rights fit within the existing case, court order, and family relationships.

The Tarrant County Child Custody Process

Cases involving conservatorship, possession, and access are heard through the Tarrant County Family Law Center in Fort Worth. The path forward depends on whether the parents agree, which issues remain disputed, and whether the court requires additional proceedings or services.

An uncontested custody case may take a couple of months or less, while a contested case can take more than a year. Timing varies based on the complexity of the dispute, court scheduling, required evaluations, and the parents’ ability to resolve issues.

Mediation

Mediation allows parents to negotiate custody terms with the assistance of a neutral mediator. Most parents eventually reach a settlement with a mediator’s help. If an agreement isn’t possible, the court must resolve the disputed issues.

Tarrant County Family Court Services provides mediation, parental orientation classes, supervised visitation, and custody evaluations. The resources involved depend on the circumstances and directions issued during the case.

Custody Evaluations

A custody evaluation provides information about disputed parenting issues. Tarrant County identifies it as a last-resort tool for severe or complex custody disputes rather than a routine step in every case.

A Tarrant County custody evaluation takes a minimum of 90 days after all parties have paid the evaluation fees in full. The process can take longer depending on the issues, the parties’ participation, and the evaluator’s process.

Related Legal Services for Tarrant County Families

Custody concerns often arise alongside other legal issues. We provide representation for the immediate dispute and related proceedings that affect family relationships or existing court orders.

Our services include:

• Divorce
• Child custody
• Custody modifications
• Paternity
• Termination of parental rights and adoption
• Child support
• Property division
• Mediation
• Collaborative law
• Visitation rights
• Fathers’ rights
• Mothers’ rights
• Parental rights
• Grandparents’ rights

Collaborative law provides a structured process for addressing disputes outside traditional litigation. We can assess whether collaborative law or mediation fits the issues and the participants’ ability to work toward agreed terms.

Discuss Your Custody Matter with Our Legal Team

We offer in-person appointments and consultations by Zoom or telephone, giving you a practical way to discuss your current order, requested custody arrangement, or pending case.

We’ll listen to your priorities, identify the disputed legal issues, and explain how negotiation or litigation may fit the circumstances. Our settlement-focused approach is backed by courtroom advocacy when judicial involvement is necessary.

Call (817) 934-5922 to schedule your free consultation with our Tarrant County child custody team.