San Antonio Child Custody Lawyers | Graham Family Law

San Antonio Child Custody Lawyers: Protecting What Matters Most

Child custody disputes can be some of the most emotional and difficult situations families encounter. When your children’s future is uncertain, you need guidance you can trust. At Graham Family Law, our custody lawyers San Antonio are here to help protect the bonds that matter most.

Our experienced custody lawyers San Antonio offer steady support during tough times. We focus on child-centered advocacy and fight for your parental rights, always putting your children’s well-being first. With our team guiding you through the Texas family law system, you’ll have a plan in place to shield your family from unnecessary stress.

Graham Family Law serves families throughout Bexar, Gillespie, Kendall, Comal, Guadalupe, and surrounding counties in South and Central Texas. If you need help, call Graham Family Law at 210-308-6448 to talk to our custody lawyers San Antonio.

Understanding Texas Child Custody Terms

Legal words used in Texas courts may differ from everyday conversation. If you’re starting a custody process, understanding these terms will help you work better with your custody lawyers San Antonio.

Conservatorship and Custody

Texas courts use conservatorship instead of “custody.” Parents are called conservators.

• Managing Conservatorship: Lets you make major decisions for your child, such as those involving school, health, and religion.
• Possessory Conservatorship: If you don’t have managing conservatorship, you’re usually a possessory conservator. You still get time with your child but may have fewer choices about big decisions.

Possession and Access

Time spent with the child is called possession and access rather than “visitation.” The schedule spells out when each parent cares for or spends time with their child.

How Texas Courts Decide Custody

The law in Texas puts the best interest of the child first. Courts expect both parents to be involved whenever possible. Judges and custody lawyers San Antonio look for ways to share responsibilities, even if time isn’t split 50/50.

What Judges Consider

If parents can’t work things out, a judge looks at:

• The child’s needs, now and in the future
• Each parent’s ability to take care of the child
• How stable each home is
• Support and resources for parents
• Any history of violence, drug use, or neglect
• The child’s preferences (kids 12 and older can speak with the judge about their wishes; the judge still decides what’s best)

Types of Custody Outcomes

Depending on your situation, the court can order any of these types, with support from custody lawyers San Antonio:

1. Joint Custody (Joint Managing Conservatorship)

Parents share rights and responsibilities. One parent typically determines where the child lives; the other often pays child support and spends regular time with the child.

2. Primary Custody

One parent picks the main home, usually receives child support, and the other parent has a set visitation schedule.

3. Sole Custody (Sole Managing Conservatorship)

For cases with violence, drug use, or neglect, only one parent gets to make all the important decisions. The other may have limited or supervised visits.

4. Split Custody

In rare cases, each parent may become the primary caregiver for different children in the family, but this usually happens only for strong reasons.

When Life Changes: Modifications and Moving

Custody orders are supposed to last, but life changes. Jobs shift, children’s needs change, or families move. If there’s a big change, your custody lawyers San Antonio can help file for a new court order.

How to Change an Order

If you want to change a custody or support order, you must show the court that something important has changed since the last order. Custody lawyers San Antonio can guide you through the process, from filing the petition to explaining why a change is needed.

Moving With a Child

Special rules apply if you want to move with your child:

• Geographic Restrictions: Most orders keep the child in the same or nearby counties.
• Getting Permission: If you want to move further, you’ll need agreement from the other parent or court approval. The court considers what’s best for your child, not just the parent’s wishes.

Why Work With Custody Lawyers San Antonio?

Trying to handle custody alone can lead to bigger issues down the road. Even when parents get along, custody can become tough when children are involved.

Jamie Graham & Associates brings more than 100 years of combined experience supporting families. Here’s how the custody lawyers San Antonio at our firm help you:

• Planning: We review your situation and build a plan that protects your role as a parent.
• Reducing Conflict: We act as a buffer to lower tension and keep your kids out of conflict.
• Protecting Your Rights: We fight for your time with your kids and defend against unfair actions.
• Co-Parenting Support: We help set up detailed parenting plans to prevent future misunderstandings.

Our Pledge to Your Family

Graham Family Law and our custody lawyers San Antonio know that children do best when they have strong, stable relationships with both parents. We work hard to keep children out of disagreements and focus on their well-being in every case.

Whether you need help with divorce, modifying an order, or enforcing a current arrangement, our custody lawyers San Antonio are ready to help you secure your family’s future.

Get a Consultation

Don’t leave your relationship with your children to chance. If you want strong advocacy and caring support, reach out to our custody lawyers San Antonio today.

Call Graham Family Law at 210-308-6448 or fill out our online contact form to get started.

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• Child Custody & Support – Texas State Law Library
• Texas Child Custody Laws – Findlaw