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Child Custody Attorney in Dallas, TX

Helping Clients Fight for Their Parental Rights

Child custody, known under Texas law as conservatorship, is often the most contentious issue in couples going through a divorce. The general rule is that child custody orders will be made to fit the best interests of the child. This means parents interested in maintaining custody must prove that granting such would be the most beneficial to the child. The Dallas child custody lawyer at Clark Law Group has years of experience helping parents fight for their parental rights. If you have questions, call our firm.

In Texas, child custody is defined two ways: legal custody and physical custody. When a parent is granted legal custody, he or she is granted the right to make decisions regarding the child’s health care, education, religion, and any other major decisions that could affect the child’s well-being now or later in life. The parent with physical custody has the right to make decisions regarding the child’s everyday needs, such as what they eat, what they wear, and what time they go to bed. When one parent is awarded sole custody of a child, that means that he or she has both legal and physical custody and that the child has one primary residence. The other parent gets visitation rights solely.

Get help with your child custody case in Dallas by dialing (469) 906-2266 or contacting us online. Clark Law Group offers free consultations to help you get started.

How to Get Sole Custody

Typically, spending equal amounts of time with both parents is essential to a child’s emotional and developmental well-being. However, there are instances in which a court will determine that less time or even no time with a parent is in their best interest, in which case they will grant sole custody to the other parent. Under the Texas Family Code, the court might determine a parent inadequate to care for their child under the following circumstances:

  • There is a history of domestic violence and/or physical abuse;
  • There is a history of child neglect;
  • There is a history of sexual abuse, to either the child, other children, or the other parent; or
  • There was a protective order filed against the parent in question.
  • Chronic drug and alcohol abuse;
  • Poor health and fitness, resulting in an inability to properly care for the child;
  • A history of criminal activity; or
  • Absence during a majority of the child’s life;

While any court would weigh each of the above factors heavily when determining the custody of a child in Dallas, Texas, they would not consider those factors alone. They would also take into consideration the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to care for the child, and the current lifestyle choices of each parent. With that in mind, there are factors that a court would not take into consideration in a child custody case.

Complications with Child Custody in Texas

Because families can include more members than just the children and parents, custody issues can arise in a number of different places. Extended family members, for example, may feel they deserve custody because they feel the birth parents are negligent. It is important to have an attorney on your side that can help you protect your interests in these matters.

Other parties could petition for custody due to:

  • Modification of court orders such as child support orders, visitation orders, and custody orders
  • Termination of parental rights in cases involving sexual or physical abuse, drugs, criminal charges, lack of visitation, or failure to pay court-mandated child support.
  • Paternity testing proving different parental rights or support obligations
  • Step-parent adoptions

Custody for Parents Moving Out of State

When a parent wishes to move out of state, having a child custody lawyer who is familiar with Texas law is important. They can help navigate the complex laws involved in such a move.

They will need to take certain statutes into consideration such as:

  • Uniform Parentage Act (UPA)
  • Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)
  • Parental Kidnapping and Prevention Act (PKPA)
  • Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA)
  • Hague Convention on International Child Abduction

Why Choose Clark Law Group?

With awards from the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys and Avvo, the team at Clark Law Group has the experience clients need to obtain the outcome that best meets their needs. Do not try to fight for your parental rights alone. Call our firm today and get started on protecting your family.

Call (469) 906-2266 now to schedule your free consultation with Clark Law Group.

  • You showed caring, as well as being professional in court proceedings and that impressed on opposing counsel that you meant business.

    “I had the opportunity to work with Stephen Clark on what I consider a very difficult divorce that was made worse by the mistakes of my previous lawyer. She did not present any evidence on my behalf and the judge made a ruling based on missing evidence. Then Stephen came in and tried to correct the wrong. Even though we could not get the ruling reversed he tried hard and I felt did everything he could by law. However the judge refused to hear our presentation, which could have been the turning point. I also feel you were there as an advisor and friend not just someone there to take my money which means a lot to a person that is going thru traumatic events. You showed caring, as well as being professional in court proceedings and that impressed on opposing counsel that you meant business. I know you're going to do well and be a high stakes attorney, but don’t lose sight of the little guy or right from wrong and true justice because from what I saw from the other lawyers I really lost trust in the justice system.”

    Former Client

  • I highly recommend Stephen Clark for your family court matters.

    “Mr. Clark recently helped me with a Pro Se dissolution. We have 3 children. Mr. Clark was very knowledgeable about the ins and outs of family court in Dallas County. He offered excellent advice for structuring the decree to be fair to all parties (as that was my wish) and I was able to complete the Prove Up with no issues. His input allowed me to answer the judge's questions correctly to avoid the pitfalls that I saw others make that same day in court. I was well armed ahead of time with instructions on how to file, and what to do and say on the day of the prove up. It was reassuring to already have ALL of the documents filled out ahead of time as I saw others struggling to finish up the paperwork that the court clerk handed out on prove up day. His fees were very reasonable and he was very timely in preparing the documents and make the few modifications that I requested. He was accommodating of my schedule and respectful of my time. After our initial meeting, we were able to correspond through email and that is a big help as we're all faced with very busy schedules. I highly recommend Stephen Clark for your family court matters.”

    Brian

  • Because of him, I have one of the greatest relationships that a father could ask to have with his daughter (My Everything)

    “Mr. Clark is the most Genuine, Selfless, human being I've encountered. His integrity is bar none. He went above and beyond mine, and everyone else's expectation and delivered results no one thought were possible. Because of him, I have one of the greatest relationships that a father could ask to have with his daughter (My Everything) Thank you, Mr. Clark. Thank you for believing in me…”

    Timothy

  • Another attorney I hired made many errors. Mr. Clark was able to take my case in midstream & "rescue" me

    “ He came highly recommended to me & now I in confidence would recommend Stephen Clark to any one needing attorney services.”

    Patrick

  • He was No Nonsense with the opposing party and we had a smooth and expedient victory.

    “Mr. Clark won a Breach of Contract case for me in a very short amount of time. I am very pleased to have worked with him. I most appreciate the fact that he kept on top of everything! He prompted me throughout the different stages of my case. He was No Nonsense with the opposing party and we had a smooth and expedient victory.”

    Diana

  • After less than ten minutes of deliberation, the Jury returned with a unanimous verdict of Not Guilty.

    “My experience with Mr. Clark was nothing short of superb. Following a marijuana related DUI arrest during which no evidence was found, Mr. Clark helped guide me through the long, arduous court process and ultimately mounted a successful defense against the state in a trial by jury. The prosecution brought forward the "Drug Recognition Expert" who arrested me that night as well as a toxicologist from Austin. Mr. Clark effectively cast doubt on the Expert's ability to objectively judge who may or may not be under the influence of any substance, then proceeded to question the toxicologist until he admitted that the results of the blood test they had taken from me that night were inconclusive. After less than ten minutes of deliberation, the Jury returned with a unanimous verdict of Not Guilty. I would highly recommend Mr. Stephen Clark for his professionalism, courtesy, and expertise.”

    Former Client

  • Thank goodness that chapter is closed, and I’m now ready for a much brighter and happier future.

    “Just wanted to let you know that I was happy with the level of attention you gave to every detail regarding my divorce. It was quick and painless, and I never had to take off work to get the paperwork done. I appreciate you representing me in court. Thank goodness that chapter is closed, and I’m now ready for a much brighter and happier future.”

    Teresa

  • He was respectful in every situation and was mindful of the details involved.

    “Stephen was brought in on my case involving divorce with children and has been a great help. He checked in regularly and kept me updated on anything going on. He let me know if there was anything he needed from me to move things along. He advised me after carefully researching and even asking his peers what would be best. He was respectful in every situation and was mindful of the details involved.”

    Jeremy

  • Mr. Clark clearly cares about his clients and goes out of his way to keep them informed, and make them feel at ease.

    “Mr. Clark was able to handle my divorce which I had been told by several attorneys, would be a very difficult divorce to file. He was able to handle it, and within one month I was divorced. Mr. Clark clearly cares about his clients and goes out of his way to keep them informed, and make them feel at ease. I would highly recommend Mr. Clark. I foresee Mr. Clark as being one of the top attorneys in Texas. Thank you Mr. Clark.”

    Sylvia

  • Stephen made the most difficult time in my life bearable, and for that I am forever thankful.

    “I had the privilege of having Stephen Clark represent me in my child custody case in Collin County (July 2015). Stephen was very professional and him and his assistant were always very quick to respond to any concerns and questions that I had. Stephen first met me in his office on a holiday weekend to discuss my stressful situation. As much as I hated giving him weekly updates of the chaos in my life, he always listened and knew what to say to calm me down. My Ex hired what he calls a "bulldog" attorney who has practiced law for over 38 years in Collin County. Although it intimidated me a little bit, Stephen did not let that phase him and did not back down in the courtroom. Stephen made the most difficult time in my life bearable, and for that I am forever thankful. He did what was in the best interest of my daughter and now I am happy to say that I have peace in my daily routine.”

    Rebecca