Board Certified in Family Law • Beaumont, Texas
BEAUMONT CHILD CUSTODY LAWYER
Texas child-custody cases can determine parental rights and duties, where a child primarily lives, and when each parent has possession and access. Jonathan Stovall, Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, represents parents in Beaumont and Southeast Texas in custody and related family-law matters.
Texas Terminology
Texas Custody Orders: Conservatorship, Possession, and Access
People commonly use “custody” to describe where a child lives and how parenting decisions are made. Texas statutes generally use more specific terms.
01
Conservatorship
Conservatorship concerns the rights and duties of a parent or other appointed conservator. An order may appoint sole or joint managing conservators and allocate decision-making rights.
02
Possession and Access
Possession and access describe when a parent has time with a child and the conditions that apply. The appropriate order depends on the law and the child’s circumstances.
03
Primary Residence and Parenting Decisions
An order may designate the person with the right to determine the child’s primary residence, set a geographic area, and allocate parental rights and duties.
The Governing Standard
The Child’s Best Interest Comes First
Texas Family Code §153.002 makes the child’s best interest the court’s primary consideration in deciding conservatorship and possession/access. The analysis depends on the evidence and the child’s circumstances; a website cannot predict the result of a particular dispute.
Joint managing conservatorship does
not itself require equal or nearly equal periods of possession.
CUSTODY REPRESENTATION
Child Custody Matters We Help Clients Address
Initial Conservatorship and Parenting Orders
Define parental roles, decision-making rights, residence, possession schedules, exchanges, communication, and support.
Temporary Orders
Establish an interim parenting structure while a divorce or custody case is pending.
Possession Schedules and Parenting Plans
Account for the child’s needs, school and activities, locations, schedules, transportation, holidays, and safety concerns.
Modifications of Existing Orders
Evaluate whether Chapter 156 requirements are met and whether a proposed change is in the child’s best interest.
Questions Involving Existing Orders
Read the existing order closely before deciding what response or remedy the facts and law may support.
Safety and Family-Violence Concerns
Raise immediate safety concerns promptly; Texas law identifies evidence courts must consider in specified circumstances.
BEFORE THE CONSULTATION
Preparing for a Custody Consultation
Bring the Current Orders and Pleadings
Bring the complete signed order and any pending pleadings.
Organize a Child-Focused Timeline
Prepare a concise chronology and preserve complete original communications.
Identify Immediate and Long-Term Goals
Separate urgent issues from the parenting structure requested for the future.
General Information
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody in Beaumont
These answers describe general Texas law. Advice depends on the specific facts and existing orders.
What is child custody called in Texas?
Texas generally uses “conservatorship” for parental rights and duties and “possession and access” for parenting time. Orders may also address residence, geographic restrictions, decision-making, and support.
Does joint managing conservatorship mean equal parenting time?
No. Texas Family Code §153.135 states that joint managing conservatorship does not require equal or nearly equal periods of possession and access.
What does a court consider in a custody case?
The child’s best interest is the primary consideration. Other statutory presumptions and factors may apply depending on the issue.
Can a child choose which parent to live with?
A child’s wishes may be considered in the manner allowed by Texas law, but the child does not make the final legal decision.
Can a custody order be modified?
Yes, but only when Chapter 156 requirements are met, the proposed change is in the child’s best interest, and an applicable statutory ground is established.
Can possession be withheld because support was not paid?
Texas law states that a court may not condition possession or access on payment of child support. Obtain advice before acting outside an order.
Work With a Beaumont Child Custody Lawyer
Contact
Jonathan Stovall at Galmor, Stovall & Gilthorpe. The firm also provides
divorce representation and other
family-law services.
Galmor, Stovall & Gilthorpe
485 Milam
Beaumont, Texas 77701
(409) 832-7757
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Viewing this page or contacting the firm does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship. Past matters do not guarantee a similar result. Do not send confidential information until the firm confirms that it can receive it and agrees to represent you.
