New Braunfels Child Custody Attorney

Child Custody Disputes Lawyer In Comal County, Seguin And South Central Texas

All good parents put the best interests of their children before their own, and they are willing to make sacrifices in this area. But although they share an overall vision, most parents disagree as to what makes up their children’s best interest, and what sacrifices they are willing, or able, to make. In moments like these, when important questions regarding child custody and child support are determined, it is critical that you have an attorney who fights for your legal and financial rights.

The energetic attorneys at The Bettersworth Law Firm start working for you from day one. Our approach is to seize the initiative as soon as possible, beginning at the temporary hearing. We maintain that aggressive approach through discovery and in settlement negotiations. Then, at the trial, we are fully prepared to do battle on your behalf.

What To Expect In A Custody Case

Although every case is different, most family law matters have a distinctive rhythm, especially when it comes to child custody matters:

• Temporary hearing: At this initial hearing, which usually takes place about two weeks after the petition is filed, the judge renders orders concerning custody and support that often serve as the blueprint for the final orders.
• Discovery: Our strategy is to learn as much as possible while disclosing as little as possible, and we are more than willing to go to court to defend your interests.
• Mediation: Most judges order contested cases to a structured negotiation session. It is important to bargain from a position of strength during these meetings.

In many cases, the judge appoints an attorney ad litem to represent the children and orders a social worker to make a report.

After The Gavel Falls

The orders state they are “final,” but that is a relative term. As long as there are children under 18, there will always be custody disputes. These disagreements often become more pronounced as the children get older. In the months and years after the judge’s decision, most people return to court for:

• Modification: Sometimes these agreements are based on an informal understanding between the parents, and other times the judge must directly intervene to determine the best interests of the children.
• Enforcement: These two proceedings are often combined, so ongoing issues concerning parenting time division are resolved on a more permanent basis.

While there is technically no limit to the number of modification and enforcement actions that can be filed, most judges do not hesitate to assess penalties against those who bring these cases to court in bad faith.

Once child custody decisions are made, it is rather difficult to undo them. For a free consultation with a hard-working attorney who gets to work quickly, contact The Bettersworth Law Firm at 830-443-9193. We offer the resources of a big firm and the environment of a quaint law office.