Children and Custody

When parents do not live together, whether because of divorce, separation, or other reasons, they often turn to the courts to create the rules that the divided family now has to live by. Handling cases involving custody, possession, child-support, and enforcement actions, Hannah Stroud is there to advocate for what you believe to be in the best interests of your children.

Understanding that settlement and mediation  often provide the longer-term path to a positive co-parenting situation, Hannah will explain the benefits of working with the other parent and avoiding court.

However, as with all cases, court is sometimes the only way to successfully resolve your case, especially when dealing with a parent who refuses to work towards resolution. Using the evidence you provide, as well as third party experts such as counselors, parenting facilitators, and court appointed evaluators, Hannah will ensure that the court hears and understands your individual family story and goals.

Cases involving children are called “Suits Affecting the Parent Child Relationship.” Within these cases, decisions as to conservatorship, possession, and support are made, defining the rules by which you and the other parent must abide.

Conservatorship:

“Where will my child primarily live, what school will my child go to, can I decide what doctor or counselor my child sees, can I travel overseas with my child?”

These are some of the many questions that will be addressed within the conservatorship portion of your case. Focused on the rights and duties that each parent has over their shared children, conservatorship seeks to set out the rules by which major decisions will be made as your children grow up. Understanding the importance of focusing on the present as well as the future, Hannah Stroud will explain the law to you as it relates to your family.

Possession (“Parenting Time”):

“How often will I see my child, what about holidays, what about the summer?”

Your possession schedule, sometimes referred to as “parenting time”, will clearly set out what time you will have with your child. While Texas provides a Standard Possession Order, more and more families choose to create a non-standard possession schedule that works for their children’s specific needs. Understanding the importance of maximizing positive parenting time, Hannah works with her clients to ensure the best path is laid towards developing and maintaining a healthy relationship with the child.

Support:

“Will I have to pay child support, how much support will I receive, who will provide medical insurance, who pays for my child’s medical expenses?”

In addition to the time you spend with your children, decisions must also be made about who provides both child and medical support for the children. The Texas Family Code provides parents and courts with guidelines to determine these matters but, as with all matters pertaining to children, the ultimate goal is always “the best interests of the child.” With a firm understanding as to the law, Hannah will work to ensure your needs and that of your family are met.