Few legal matters in Dallas carry more emotional weight than child custody during divorce. Your relationship with your children deserves strong, compassionate legal protection. At Ashmore Law, our Dallas child custody attorneys have helped mothers, fathers, and grandparents secure fair parenting agreements for over a decade.

We fight for parenting plans that reflect your critical role in your child’s life—whether through joint conservatorship, sole custody, or grandparent custody rights.

Understanding Texas Child Custody (Conservatorship)

In Texas, “custody” is called conservatorship and falls into two categories:

• Managing Conservator – The parent making major decisions on education, healthcare, and upbringing.

• Possessory Conservator – The parent with visitation rights and scheduled parenting time.

Courts often favor joint conservatorship, unless evidence shows it’s not in the child’s best interests. Our Dallas custody lawyers ensure your parental rights are protected through every stage.

Mediation, Negotiation, or Litigation — We Handle It All

Whenever possible, we help parents reach fair custody agreements through Dallas child custody mediation, reducing stress and conflict. But if your co-parent is unfit or unwilling to cooperate, our firm will litigate aggressively for sole custody to safeguard your children’s wellbeing.

Grandparent Custody & Custody Modifications

When parents can’t provide a stable home, Dallas grandparents may seek custody or visitation. Our attorneys help grandparents establish legal conservatorship to protect family bonds.

Custody orders can also change as children grow. If your current parenting plan no longer fits your family’s needs, we assist with custody modifications to reflect your child’s best interests.

FAQs about Custody in DFW

1. Does joint custody mean equal time in Texas?
No. Joint conservatorship refers to shared decision-making authority, not an automatic 50/50 schedule. Texas courts decide parenting time based on what serves the child’s best interests under Texas Family Code §153.002. Research from Boston University and family law scholars confirms that shared parenting can succeed across various time splits when both parents remain engaged and cooperative.

“Joint custody does not require an equal split of time.” — Boston University School of Law, Family Law Review

2. Do stay-at-home moms usually get primary custody?
Courts do not favor a parent based on gender or employment status. Instead, judges consider who has provided consistent daily care, emotional stability, and a nurturing environment. A stay-at-home parent’s active caregiving and established routines often carry significant weight in custody determinations, particularly for young children.

Supported by Texas Family Code §153.134 and the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Guide to Parenting and Child Adjustment After Divorce (2020).

3. Can custody orders change as children grow older?
Yes. Custody and visitation orders can be modified if a material or substantial change affects the child’s wellbeing (Texas Family Code §156.101). As children mature, courts may adjust schedules to align with school needs, extracurriculars, or teenagers’ preferences.

“Custody arrangements should evolve with children’s developmental stages.” — Journal of Family Psychology (2018)