Child Custody + Visitation

Visitation is called possession and access in Texas and consulting with a visitation rights attorney is critical in protecting your child. In Texas, parents usually share possession and access, unless it is not in the child’s best interest or may endanger the child. The developmental needs of a child can influence possession and access arrangements. For instance, toddlers require regular and consistent interaction to bond with both parents. Texas law mandates that the court consider the preferences of children 12 years of age or older if an in-chambers conference with the child is requested. Courts generally favor joint custody to maintain a child’s relationship with both parents.

At Duffee + Eitzen, our visitation rights attorneys are well-versed in Texas family law and court procedures related to custody and visitation. Our firm is dedicated to ensuring that your parental rights are protected and that custody arrangements are fair and just. With our team’s advanced knowledge, skills, and strategic experience in Texas family law, you can trust that your case will be handled with the utmost diligence and care.

Establishing parental rights can be a challenging process for all couples including LGBTQIA+ families. From helping you understand the complicated custody process to developing a strategic legal strategy for your divorce, our family law firm will work alongside you to empower you with the knowledge needed to make the right decisions for you and your children. Duffee + Eitzen family lawyers can walk you through this complex process. We are prepared to provide compassionate support and legal experience, working in partnership with you towards a resolution that prioritizes your family’s best interests.

Few relationships are as precious as the one between a grandparent and their grandchild. In Texas, a grandparent does not automatically have the right to visit their grandchild. However, a grandparent may be awarded visitation or custody in certain circumstances if the parent cannot provide a safe, stable home environment. Contact Duffee + Eitzen’s child custody lawyers for more information about grandparents’ rights.

Dividing marital assets can be challenging, especially when a marital estate involves complex property issues. In Texas, navigating the intricacies of complex property division requires experience, knowledge and a critical approach. Our team employs a strategic, constructive, and intelligent approach to help you divide assets effectively. We work to protect what matters most for your future.

Complex property division can encompass issues including business valuations, characterization of separate and community property, commingled property, appreciation of separate property, tracing of assets, closely held business interests, trust matters, family limited partnerships and tax issues. At Duffee + Eitzen, we are dedicated to providing the vital legal support necessary to navigate complex property division while safeguarding your interests.

Life changes can significantly impact your ability to comply with existing family court orders which may mean you need a modification attorney to help amend your divorce agreement. Over time, changes in income, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen events may arise. Children’s needs and relationships also evolve, necessitating adjustments to previous agreements. If you find yourself unable to meet the terms of a family court order due to substantial changes in circumstances, our modification lawyers at Duffee + Eitzen are here to assist.

We can help you petition the court for modifying child custody orders and support your claim. Our attorneys are also equipped to represent you if you need assistance contesting modifications. Whether you need to alter child support, child custody, or spousal maintenance arrangements, we have the experience to advocate for your best interests.

Questions or uncertainties surrounding paternity can significantly impact cases involving parental rights, child custody, child support, and child relocation. Establishing paternity is crucial for securing certain rights and obligations and often requires the assistance of a knowledgeable child custody lawyer.

Paternity uncertainties are pivotal in legal disputes involving parental rights and responsibilities. Establishing paternity is essential for securing legal rights and obligations, and our attorneys are here to guide you through these complex cases. In Texas, paternity can be established through several methods, including acknowledgment, where both parents state they are the parents, or by signing an Affirmation of Paternity when the father claims parenthood. Paternity may also be presumed if the parties were married at the time the child was conceived.

Determining paternity is vital for both married and unmarried parents, affecting significant family issues like inheritance, and parental involvement, and child support.

A divorce doesn’t sever ties between former spouses completely, especially when children are involved. If you believe the court orders involved in your case need modifying or enforcing, our lawyers can advise you on what to do next and how to file a petition to modify or enforce a divorce decree in Texas. This can occur when the parent responsible for child support fails to pay, when there is a failure to comply with orders for possession of and access to a child, and when there is a failure to comply with orders regarding the exercise of rights and duties regarding a child.

We understand the complexity of these legal, financial, and emotional situations that can occur when former partners fail to comply with court orders. If you are experiencing any of the above difficulties, our team of family lawyers is here to help. Our lawyers will review your court orders and advise you on whether it is possible for you to request a court to enforce your existing order and the likelihood of your request being successful.