Child Custody Modifications

Child Custody Modifications in Collin County, Texas

Although family law attorneys try to create child custody agreements that will serve the needs of the children and the wishes of their parents until the children reach 18, modifications of child custody agreements sometimes become necessary.

For more than 10 years, the law office of Barbara L. Jouette, Attorney, P.C., has served parents in McKinney and surrounding Texas communities who  seek child custody modifications. Attorney Barbara Jouette is a lawyer, a mother and a grandmother who understands families from both a professional and a personal perspective.

We are pleased to offer legal guidance to parents with questions about child custody modifications. Contact our office to make an appointment for a free 30-minute initial consultation.

Child Custody Modifications: In the Best Interests of the Child

Just like your original child custody and visitation order or agreement, all requests for child custody modifications must show that the requested changes are in the best interests of the children subject of the order.

Did You Know? A child who is 12 years old or older has the right to express his or her own preference as to which parent to live with primarily.

The following are some of the most common situations in where a parent may want to request a child custody modification:

• One parent is abusing alcohol or has another chemical addiction. Chemically dependant parents risk losing their custody and visitation rights, but may be able to prevent that loss by agreeing to complete a chemical abuse counseling program. In the interim, the court may agree to allow supervised parenting time.
  
• One parent is convicted of a crime and is incarcerated. Incarcerated parents are typically allowed visitation with their children at the jail or prison. The court will modify the custody and visitation agreement as necessary to provide a stable environment for the child.
  
• One parent's new spouse or partner is a drug user, abuses alcohol, or has a criminal record. Courts are reluctant to completely terminate the custody or visitation rights in such situations, but modifications may be put in place to provide more supervision to ensure the children are safe.
  
• Parental relocation: The parent with primary custody wants to relocate, either within Texas or out of state. Child custody modifications are required because the other parent's custody and visitation rights will be impacted.
  
• Grandparents may seek custody of grandchildren when the child's parents are incapable of providing a safe and healthy environment. These "third-party custody cases" can be complex unless the parents agree to transfer custody to the grandparents.

Families Come First at the Law Office of Barbara L. Jouette, Attorney, P.C.

If you have concerns about your existing child custody arrangement, we can help you evaluate your options. We can also provide advice about dispute resolution methods including mediation and collaborative law.

Contact our office to schedule a complimentary initial consultation with McKinney family law attorney Barbara Jouette.