Texas Child Custody Lawyers
Let Us Help You Find the Best Custody Lawyers in Texas for Your Family’s Future
When you’re going through a divorce, protecting your children’s best interests is one of your highest priorities. You’re not alone; it’s one of our highest priorities, too. Our clients often report that the impact that divorce will have on their children is one of their primary concerns.
Centering Your Family’s Needs—Every Step of the Way
Most mothers and fathers recognize that having a positive and nurturing relationship with both parents is an important part of a child’s self-esteem and well-being. However, the stress and negative emotions that accompany most family law disputes can, in the heat of the moment, interfere with a parent’s ability to recognize the harm caused by ongoing parental conflicts. Hiring an accomplished, family-focused child custody lawyer in Dallas, TX, can help you to navigate the divorce process as calmly and skillfully as possible.
At Goranson Bain Ausley, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver sound legal advice while guiding clients through contentious, emotional situations with minimal stress. Our custody lawyers for mothers and fathers strive to avoid unnecessary pain for your family, putting your family’s needs at the center of everything we do. The local Texas attorneys on our team understand that the care of your child is your number one priority as a parent. We also know that it is essential for parents to actively manage the emotional impact of custody litigation on themselves in order to better protect the child or children from collateral harm. When you work with an Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Granbury, Midland, or Plano custody lawyer at Goranson Bain Ausley, know that while we always aggressively protect our clients’ rights, we also strive to keep the best interests of their children at the forefront by keeping them out of litigation.
How is Child Custody Determined in Texas?
The process for establishing custody varies depending on whether or not a divorce is involved, and, if so, on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. If you’re not a party to a divorce, you’ll begin custody proceedings by filing a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR). But either way, it’s wise to start by contacting a custody lawyer in Austin or Dallas, TX, who can advise you on the next steps. These will likely include collecting medical, employment, and financial records and any other evidence applicable to your case.
Child custody matters can be stressful, but it’s important to remember that the custody determination process is designed to help protect the best interests of the children involved. A well-crafted parenting plan is also a critical foundation for harmonious co-parenting. Our experienced, compassionate child custody attorneys in Dallas or Austin can facilitate cooperation and help you create an agreement that’s focused on your child’s needs.
What is Standard Child Custody in Texas?
Currently, Texas Family Code sets a standard possession order as follows:
- Non-custodial parents who live within 100 miles of their children have the right to possession on the first, third, and fifth weekends of every month, on Thursday evenings during the school year, on alternating holidays, and for an extended period of time (up to 30 days) during summer vacation.
- If non-custodial parents live farther than 100 miles apart, the weekend schedule may be reduced to one weekend per month, the midweek visit is canceled, the summer break is extended to 42 days, and a spring break is added.
If the child/children’s safety is a concern, a judge can also issue a supervised possession order that requires visits with non-custodial parents be supervised by a family member or other third party. When you work with one of the custody attorneys at our firm, we’ll work hard to make sure that your child’s best interests are protected.
2025 Standard Possession Calendar
We are dedicated to providing all of our clients with valuable resources that will help them in their divorce journey. Use the button below to download our 2025 Standard Possession Schedule Calendar.
Get Divorce Help From a Respected Texas Custody Attorney
If you’re at the beginning of the divorce process, it’s normal to have a lot of questions and even some anxiety about what the future looks like for you and for your family. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Divorce is a stressful time for everybody involved, and we understand that you want the best custody lawyer in Texas on your side to help make the process easier. Whether you live in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Granbury, Midland, or Plano, a child custody lawyer with Goranson Bain Ausley can help you feel confident about the road ahead for you and your family.
Trusted and Experienced Child Custody Lawyers in Texas
At Goranson Bain Ausley, we understand that child custody decisions are some of the most emotionally charged decisions that you will make during a divorce. Every trusted and local custody attorney at our firm is here to help support you with clear legal advice while also facilitating a constructive, solution-oriented approach that will help you arrive at the best possible arrangement for your family. Reach out to an Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Granbury, Midland, or Plano child custody lawyer at our firm today to get started.
Awards & Credentials
- Thomas P. Goranson 1997
- Thomas L. Ausley 1997
- Diana S. Friedman 1998
- Thomas A. Greenwald 2003
- Kathryn J. Murphy 2004
- Eric Robertson 2007
- Kelly Ausley-Flores 2009
- Aimee Pingenot Key 2015
- Kristen A. Algert 2017
- P. Lindley Bain 2020
- Ryan R. Bauerle 2022
- Lindsey Obenhaus 2023
- Hayley Collins Blair 2021 2018
- Lindsey Obenhaus 2024 2023 2022 2021
- Katie Flowers Samler 2020 2019 2018
- Kathryn J. Murphy 2024 2023 2020 2019 2018 2017 2010 2009 2008
- Aimee Pingenot Key 2024 2020 2019 2017
- Thomas A. Greenwald 2022 2018 2012 2011 2009 2008
- Paula Larsen 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2008
- Diana S. Friedman 2017 2016 2015 2013
- Angeline Lindley Bain 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008
- Thomas P. Goranson 2011 2009 2008
- Beth E. Maultsby 2010
- Thomas L. Ausley 1980
- Thomas P. Goranson 1980
- Gary L. Nickelson 1984
- Paula Larsen 1985
- Angeline Lindley Bain 1993
- Kathryn J. Murphy 1995
- Diana S. Friedman 1996
- Kristen A. Algert 1997
- Thomas A. Greenwald 1997
- Eric Robertson 1997
- Kelly Ausley-Flores 2000
- Curtis W. Harrison 2002
- Cindy V. Tisdale 2003
- Jeff Shore 2006
- Clint Westhoff 2006
- Jeff Domen 2009
- Angel J. Berbarie 2010
- P. Lindley Bain 2012
- Aimee Pingenot Key 2012
- Kevin Davidson 2017
- Rob Frazer 2018
- Ryan R. Bauerle 2018
- Hayley Collins Blair 2019
- Lindsey Obenhaus 2019
- Katie Flowers Samler 2019
- Jonathan James 2020
- Chris Nickelson 2021
- Chandler Rice Winslow 2023