The Woodlands
Child Custody
Attorneys
The Legal Team
Families in Texas Trust
Child custody disputes can be as complex as they are emotional. When the future of your child is at stake, you deserve guidance from a legal team that understands just how important the outcome of your case is to you. At Skillern Firm, we are committed to helping you pursue a custody arrangement that reflects your child’s needs and supports long-term stability, just as we have done for countless clients throughout our many years of practice.
Talk to our team about child custody today. Dial (713) 229-8855 or fill out an online contact form now.
Why Choose Us for Child Custody Cases
Custody matters require both legal knowledge and careful, attentive representation. At Skillern Firm, we bring decades of combined experience, a full team of attorneys and support staff, and a proven record of helping families with complex custody issues. Attorney Matthew Skillern, Partner Caitlin Thorpe, and Senior Counsel Robin Klein are Board-Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, so we can offer a level of insight and knowledge that very few other law firms in Texas can.
Make our firm your first choice for your child custody case because:
- We use a team-based approach so your case receives comprehensive attention.
- We have attorneys with Board-Certified Family Law experience guiding strategy.
- We remain fully prepared for negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
- We focus on solutions that protect your child’s well-being and your parental rights.
- We handle high-conflict custody, relocation, and cases involving special circumstances.
Joint Custody vs. Sole Custody
Texas law uses the terms “joint managing conservatorship” and “sole managing conservatorship,” but many parents refer to these broadly as joint custody and sole custody. Joint custody is the most common arrangement and encourages both parents to remain involved in the child’s life. However, sole custody may be appropriate in situations involving safety concerns or serious conflicts. Courts may order sole custody when there is a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, neglect, or other significant concerns, for example.
Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody
Child custody in Texas is divided into two major concepts: legal custody (rights and decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives and when). Understanding this distinction helps you evaluate what type of arrangement best supports your child and fits your family’s circumstances.
Important aspects of child custody include:
- Who can consent to medical and dental treatment
- Who can speak to teachers and access school records
- Who determines the child’s primary residence
- Who can make decisions about education, counseling, and extracurricular activities
- How parenting time is divided between households
Legal and physical custody can be shared jointly or allocated primarily to one parent. Even in joint arrangements, one parent may have the exclusive right to designate the child’s primary residence, subject to geographic restrictions. We are here to help you understand how these rights are typically structured and how to pursue terms that serve your child’s best interests.
What Courts Review When Deciding Custody
Texas courts are required to make all custody decisions based on the best interests of the child, not that of either parent. Judges evaluate a range of factors to determine what arrangement will promote the child’s physical and emotional well-being the most. While parents are encouraged to reach agreements through negotiation or mediation, the court will make the final call if you cannot agree on conservatorship or possession terms.
Judges typically consider the following when reviewing a child custody case:
- The child’s physical and emotional needs
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and safe home
- The history of caregiving responsibilities
- Any concerns about domestic violence or unsafe behavior
- Each parent’s willingness to encourage a healthy relationship with the other parent
- The child’s expressed preferences, when appropriate
- The geographic distance between the parents’ homes
- Any special medical, educational, or developmental needs
The above factors, and more, shape both legal decision-making rights and the parenting time schedule. We can help you prepare your case and arguments thoroughly so the court receives a clear and accurate understanding of your role in your child’s life and why we think a certain custody arrangement makes the most sense.
Child Custody Modifications in Texas
Custody orders are not always permanent. Texas law allows you to request a modification when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances, or when the current arrangement is no longer workable or safe. Whether you are seeking a change or responding to one, we can guide you through the legal standards and the evidence required to show that the change would be justified and legally allowed, or not.
Common reasons for modification include:
- A parent moving or planning to relocate
- Significant changes in a parent’s work schedule or salary
- Concerns about a child’s safety or well-being
- Changes in the child’s developmental or educational needs
- Substance abuse, criminal activity, or instability in a parent’s home
- The child expressing a mature preference about residence
- A parent repeatedly violating the existing custody order
Child Custody Enforcement
When one parent does not follow the custody or visitation order, it can cause disruption, confusion, and unnecessary conflict. Texas law allows you to pursue enforcement actions that demand that the other parent comply with the court-ordered schedule. Enforcement may involve documenting violations, gathering evidence, and asking the court to impose remedies such as makeup parenting time or, in serious cases, additional sanctions or restrictions.
Enforcement actions do not automatically mean hostility or heavy-handed measures, though. Many issues can be resolved through communication or negotiation. However, if the violations continue or if your child’s well-being is affected, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
“I can’t imagine I would have made it through my divorce, mentally or emotionally, without her. She is insanely intelligent and astute, she is on top of absolutely everything family law related, responsive, reassuring, and gives you confidence in a very unfamiliar world. She’s prompt, factual, strategic, and exactly what you hope for in a lawyer if not more. You can depend on her. Tina is also phenomenal in court. She found so many discrepancies in my ex’s attorney’s work. It was not only impressive, but revealed how detrimental things can be without a truly thorough lawyer like Tina.”
“Not one detail missed and with the situation where my children were at risk, the extra care and attention made all the difference to get full judgement in my favor. I highly recommend Matt and his team!”
“Skillern Firm is the best attorneys in Houston. He genuinely cares about his clients and his firm is diligent, hardworking and very through. I highly recommend him and do not have enough words to thank him for his extraordinary performance in getting justice for my family.”
“I have used several family law attorneys in the 10-17 years and my ex takes me back to court every year. I have worked with Matt Skillern, Caitlyn Thorpe, and Stacy Sawyer. I would never go elsewhere. If you want it done, and done right, do not hesitate to contact them. I have had terrible experiences with all of the family law attorneys I have dealt with outside of them. I only provide positive reviews so my bad experiences are not noted. If you want a positive and good experience, pls go there!”
“The communication is top notch from her to her staff. Her responses were quick at all times, and never left any questions unanswered. I always felt how important my case was to her. Caitlin is an amazing, trustworthy, brilliant, and beautiful human who truly cares about her clients and will fight hard for them. Caitlin isn’t scared to speak out and won’t sugarcoat anything. She knows family law extremely well and during trial always knew the facts of my case very well, was familiar with all details and effectively fought for my kid's rights. I couldn't have been happier with Caitlin and the outcome of my case. I only wish I would’ve hired her sooner, right when the divorce started. Anyone would be so lucky to have her as their attorney.”
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Child custody cases require clear guidance, informed strategy, and support from a team that knows Texas family law. Let Skillern Firm and our Woodlands child custody attorneys use our experience, team-focused approach, and commitment to client care to help you navigate every stage of your custody case. Whether you need to establish custody, modify an existing order, or enforce your parental rights, we are ready to stand by you and support your child’s future.
Start today. Dial (713) 229-8855 and schedule a consultation with Skillern Firm.
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