Legal Strength With a Child-Focused Approach
When your child’s future is at stake, you deserve representation that respects your role as a parent and understands the emotional weight of custody disputes. Our child custody lawyer in Cypress, TX provides practical, compassionate guidance through every stage of the custody and support process. Whether you’re negotiating a parenting plan or heading to court, we’re here to protect your parental rights and your child’s well-being.
Helping You Secure the Best Arrangement for Your Children
Few legal matters are more emotionally charged than custody. At Delvaille Law Firm, we prioritize the one standard that matters most: the best interest of your child. We help parents in Cypress, Houston, and nearby communities find solutions that promote stability, preserve parent-child relationships, and provide clarity during uncertain times. You don’t have to go through this alone.
In Texas, the legal term for custody is conservatorship. There are two main types:
- Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC) – Both parents share rights and responsibilities. This is the standard arrangement in most cases unless it would not serve the child’s best interest.
- Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC) – One parent is given the exclusive right to make key decisions, often when the other parent is absent, abusive, or otherwise unfit.
Texas courts also decide possession and access, which is the schedule outlining when each parent spends time with the child. Our Cypress custody attorney will explain how these terms apply to your specific situation and help build a workable parenting plan.
Texas Child Custody Basics (Conservatorship)
Understanding Possession and Access (Visitation)
In most cases, the court will use the Standard Possession Order to guide visitation. If parents live close, the non-primary parent may have the child:
- The 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends of each month
- Thursday evenings during the school year
- Alternating holidays and extended summer time
Custom schedules can also be created to fit your family’s needs. A clear, detailed plan reduces confusion and conflict—and protects everyone involved.
How Courts Decide Custody in Texas
Texas judges must make custody decisions based on the child’s best interest. That includes evaluating:
The emotional and physical needs of the child
The stability of each parent’s home environment
Each parent’s involvement and relationship with the child
Any history of abuse, neglect, or substance abuse
The child’s wishes (if they’re 12 or older—courts may consider their preference)
Importantly, Texas does not favor one parent over the other based on gender. Whether you’re a father or mother, your right to seek custody is equal under the law.
Child Support in Texas: What to Expect
Texas law requires the non-custodial parent (the one who has the child less than half the time) to pay child support based on a formula tied to their income:
- 1 child: 20% of net resources
- 2 children: 25%
- 3 children: 30%, and so on
Support usually continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school. If a parent is unemployed or self-employed, the court may
impute income based on work history or earning ability. Our
child support lawyer in Cypress can help you understand what to expect—and ensure support orders are fair and enforceable.
Changes & Enforcement of Custody or Support Orders
Life changes—and so should your custody or support orders if they no longer reflect your current situation. You may be eligible for a modification if:
- A parent relocates
- Income changes substantially
- The parenting schedule is no longer working
- The child’s needs have changed
If the other parent is violating the court order—refusing to follow the schedule or not paying support—we can pursue
enforcement through the court system, including possible contempt proceedings. Don’t tolerate violations that hurt your child or disrupt your life.
Whether you’re pursuing joint custody, sole custody, visitation rights, or support enforcement, we provide both strength and sensitivity. We’ll:
- Draft and file legal documents with accuracy
- Represent you in hearings and mediation
- Build a strong case that reflects your parenting role
- Handle complex situations involving relocation, family violence, or parental alienation
We represent both mothers and fathers, and we understand the unique challenges each parent may face. From securing time with your children to ensuring financial support is in place, we’re committed to helping you achieve a fair outcome—and a stable future.
How Our Attorney Can Help with Custody Cases
At what age can my child decide where to live?
Texas courts may consider a child’s opinion at age 12 or older, but it’s not the only factor. The judge still decides what’s in the child’s best interest.
Can I withhold visitation if the other parent isn’t paying child support?
No. Visitation and support are separate legal matters. The proper way to address unpaid support is through enforcement, not by denying parenting time.
Do mothers always get custody in Texas?
No. Courts treat both parents equally. Many fathers receive joint or even primary custody based on their involvement and the child’s needs.
What if we were never married—can I still get support or custody orders?
Yes. If you’re not married to the other parent, you can file a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) to establish paternity, custody, and support. We handle these cases regularly.
Common Custody & Support Questions in Texas
Secure Your Family’s Future—Start With a Consultation
Your children are what matter most. If you’re navigating custody, support, or enforcement issues in the Cypress area, we’re here to provide answers and advocacy. Our child custody attorney in Cypress is ready to help you create a path forward that honors your role as a parent and promotes your child’s best interests.
Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can assist with your custody or support matter.