While Texas courts do not allow a child to choose which parent they want to live with legally, children 12 years of age and older can express their preference. A judge may interview a child privately to discuss their wishes, ensuring their voice is heard. Although an older child’s desires...
Blog Category | Child Custody
How Texas Courts Determine the Best Interests of the Child
If you and your ex share minor children in Texas, the court will issue a conservatorship order as part of your Final Divorce Decree. This order will include how much time each parent will have with the child and each parent’s rights in making important decisions. In making these difficult...
Creating Your Own Parenting Plan in Texas
When you are getting a divorce, you must develop a parenting plan that outlines each parent’s legal responsibilities as well as the child’s living arrangements. Figuring out custody and visitation rights (called conservatorship and possession/access in Texas) can be challenging, especially when you and the child’s other parent may be...
Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) Explained
Texas law refers to physical custody as possession and access. Court orders in Texas will include a standard possession order that details when each parent is granted time with the child. The standard possession order (SPO) establishes a parenting schedule, specifies when and where exchanges will occur, and designates which...
How Texas Courts Decide Child Custody
Among deciding how bank accounts will be divided and who will keep the family home in a divorce, child custody concerns must also be addressed. A child’s needs are constantly changing, making it crucial that all factors be considered when determining legal and physical custody. If both parents cannot reach...
Key Differences Between Legal and Physical Custody in Texas
In the midst of divorce, couples must decide how important decisions regarding their children’s upbringing will be handled and how much time each parent will have with their child or children. In some situations, parents may reach an agreement on custody and/or visitation rights, which is outlined in a parenting...
Military Deployment Impact on Texas Custody Arrangements
Military service can create unique challenges for families, especially when it comes to child custody arrangements. If one parent is called away on deployment, how does that affect custody, visitation, or child support orders? The good news is that Texas law has special rules to help families deal with these...
Understanding Grandparent Rights Under Texas Family Law
Grandparents play a special role in many children’s lives. They often provide extra love, support, and guidance. However, what happens when family issues make it hard for grandparents to see their grandkids? In Texas, grandparents have certain legal rights to ask a court for visits or custody. This can become...
Can You Change Your Child’s School District After Divorce?
Divorce can bring many changes to your family life. One question that comes up for many parents is whether they can move their child to a different school district after the divorce is final. The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, wants you to know how these moves are handled...
Paternity Rights and Responsibilities for San Antonio Parents
When you welcome a child into your life, you feel an immediate sense of care and responsibility. Yet, when parents are not married or if there is any question about a child’s biological father, serious legal questions can arise. Understanding paternity rights and responsibilities helps ensure that children have the...
Establishing Paternity Rights in Bexar County Courts
For unmarried fathers in Bexar County, establishing paternity rights is a key step in building a legal and emotional bond with their child. Paternity establishment grants fathers the right to be involved in their child’s life, including the ability to seek custody, visitation, and decision-making responsibilities. It also ensures that...
Holiday Visitation Schedules: Planning for Success in San Antonio
For divorced or separated parents in San Antonio, handling holiday visitation schedules can be a challenging and emotionally charged process. Holidays are a time for family, celebration, and creating lasting memories, but when parents are no longer together, it can be difficult to make sure that everyone’s needs are met....
How Can I Modify a Child Custody Order in Texas?
As Texas family lawyers, we often receive questions about modifying child custody orders. Life changes, and sometimes, these changes necessitate adjustments to existing custody arrangements. If you’re considering modifying a child custody order in Texas, it’s important to understand the process and requirements. Reach out to our experienced Texas family...
Grandparents’ Rights in Texas Family Law Disputes
As Texas family lawyers, we understand the often emotional nature of grandparents’ rights cases. Whether you’re seeking visitation or custody of your grandchild, understanding Texas family law can be challenging. In this blog, we’ll break down the key aspects of grandparents’ rights in Texas to help you understand your options....
Back-to-School Custody Issues: Texas Parents’ Legal Guide
As the new school year approaches, divorced or separated parents in Texas may face unique challenges when it comes to child custody arrangements. These issues can complicate things, but with the right legal guidance, parents can make sure that their children’s best interests are protected and that their rights as...
Statutory Basis – Family Violence in Texas
At The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, we understand that family violence is a serious issue that affects many households in Texas. As experienced Texas family law attorneys, we believe it’s important for our clients to understand the legal framework surrounding family violence in our state. Here, will explore...
Grounds a Judge Will Modify a Child Custody Order
After a divorce, parents decide the custody of their children. Whether by mutual agreement or through court intervention, custody arrangements are important. They determine where the children will live and who will have custody. Parents also agree on their children’s education, health care and stability. They decide who will make...
Child Custody Battle Strategies for San Antonio Parents
Going through a child custody battle can be one of the hardest things a parent ever faces. If you’re in San Antonio and fighting for custody of your kids, you’re not alone. At The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, our San Antonio child custody lawyers understand how important your...

