Fort Worth Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody disputes are often the most emotionally charged and legally complex issues in family law. Whether you're going through a divorce, facing a modification, or dealing with a noncompliant parent, the outcome of your custody case will affect your day-to-day life for many years to come.

CW Martin is a board-certified family law attorney who has represented parents in Tarrant County since 2011. He is in court on a regular basis advocating for mothers, fathers, and children across Fort Worth and the surrounding area.

Our firm offers a free 15-minute consultation to help you understand where you stand. We also provide financing options for eligible clients and offer the flexibility to handle full cases or just one part of your custody matter. Call (817) 813-7777 to speak with CW Martin Law Office, PLLC.

Start With a Complimentary Case Evaluation

We begin each potential case with a short, no-obligation call. During that 15-minute conversation, we learn more about your current situation, including any prior court orders, parenting concerns, or logistical challenges. If we move forward, we take time to evaluate your goals, review the relevant history, and explain how Texas courts apply the law to custody decisions. That includes conservatorship, possession schedules, relocation restrictions, and enforcement tools. CW Martin will explain what the Texas Family Code allows, what judges expect in contested hearings, and what kind of parenting plan may be realistic for your situation. Our legal guidance is shaped by what actually happens in courtrooms across Tarrant County, and we look forward to putting our experience to work for you.

We Know How Texas Courts Handle Custody

Joint vs. Sole Conservatorship in Texas

In Texas, child custody is legally referred to as conservatorship. The court may appoint both parents as joint managing conservators or, in some cases, one parent as sole managing conservator. Most families receive joint managing conservatorship, but that doesn't mean time is split evenly. It refers more to shared decision-making. Courts still designate one parent as the primary custodian, often with the right to determine the child's primary residence. These decisions fall under Chapter 153 of the Texas Family Code. CW Martin helps parents present facts that support their role in the child's life—whether they are seeking primary custody or a balanced schedule.

Customizing Possession and Access

The Texas Family Code provides a Standard Possession Order (SPO), which sets a default schedule for visitation. For parents who live within 100 miles of each other, that often includes first, third, and fifth weekends, a weekly overnight, and shared holidays. But this schedule doesn't fit every family. Some clients need expanded visitation, a 50/50 rotation, or supervised exchanges due to safety concerns. CW Martin has created hundreds of customized parenting schedules and can help you build a plan that fits your family while still meeting the court's requirements.

Custody Disputes During Divorce

Custody is often the most hotly contested part of a divorce. In these cases, decisions about where a child will live and how time is divided must be made alongside financial matters and property division. Temporary orders hearings may be needed early in the case to establish a stable arrangement while the divorce is pending.

For example, a father in Fort Worth recently came to us after his spouse abruptly moved out and kept their three-year-old daughter from him. He hadn't seen her in over two weeks when we filed for temporary orders. At the hearing, we presented messages, daycare records, and testimony from a family friend who witnessed their strong bond. The judge granted our client alternating weeks and named him joint managing conservator with equal rights to make decisions. That hearing helped create a routine that lasted through the remainder of the divorce.

CW Martin prepares thoroughly for these hearings, using testimony, school records, and witness statements when needed. We take the long view to build custody arrangements that promote consistency and reflect the child's best interest.

Modifications and Changing Needs

Life doesn't stay the same after a custody order is signed. If circumstances have changed substantially, Texas law allows parents to request a modification. This could be due to a move, job change, a new marriage, or concerns about safety or compliance. We represent parents on both sides of modification cases, whether you're asking to change the terms or responding to the other parent's request. CW Martin approaches these cases with focus and factual grounding, especially when children are at the center of the dispute.

High-Conflict and Emergency Cases

Some cases involve more than routine scheduling disputes. If you're dealing with threats to your child's safety, interference with court-ordered access, or false allegations, the stakes are higher. CW Martin is known for courtroom advocacy and prepares emergency filings when needed. In cases involving family violence or neglect, we request emergency relief, including protective orders and immediate changes to possession. These matters move quickly and require a steady hand. We act quickly without compromising preparation.

From Parenting Plans to Protective Orders, We Handle the Full Range of Custody Issues

Support for Fathers and Mothers

Our firm represents both mothers and fathers. Texas law does not favor one parent over the other, but evidence and preparation matter. We help clients demonstrate how they support their child's emotional, educational, and medical needs. We build strong, child-focused presentations that explain why your requested arrangement serves the child best. Whether you're trying to maintain your involvement or protect your child from instability, we will assist you.

Custody and Child Support

Although child support is a separate issue from custody, they are often negotiated together. Texas calculates support using a percentage of the paying parent's net monthly income under Chapter 154 of the Family Code. But changes may apply when medical costs, educational needs, or travel expenses are involved. Our family law firm helps parents understand what to expect and how support may be modified if circumstances change. We also assist with enforcement when support is overdue or improperly withheld.

School Zones, Relocation, and Geographic Restrictions

Many custody orders limit where the child can live. These geographic restrictions often tie the child's residence to a particular school zone or county. If you or your co-parent plan to move, you may need court approval.

A common situation involves one parent receiving a job opportunity in another part of Texas (say, a nursing position in Tyler that would offer better pay and benefits). If the current custody order includes a geographic restriction tied to Fort Worth, the other parent may object, especially if the move would limit weekday access to their child. In that kind of case, the court would look at how the relocation affects the child's school routine, relationships with extended family, and access to medical or developmental support. A judge might approve a revised plan that shifts more weekend and summer time to the non-relocating parent, but those outcomes depend heavily on how well the facts are presented and whether the proposed arrangement meets the child's needs.

CW Martin often represents parents in relocation disputes, including those involving moves out of state. We evaluate how the move affects the child's schedule, extended family contact, and access to services, and we present those facts clearly to the court.

Financing and Partial Services Available

We Are Sensitive To Your Situation

Emotions and finances are nearly always stretched thin during custody disputes. Whether you're going through a divorce or trying to reestablish your parental rights, legal fees can become a real concern. Our financing options and fair hourly billing are intended to help clients get the support they need without straining your already-precarious situation. We're upfront about costs and provide clear expectations. When possible, we find ways to help you move forward without taking on unnecessary expenses.

Willingness to Handle Parts of Your Case

Some clients come to us for help drafting a parenting plan, reviewing an agreement, or attending a specific hearing. We offer limited-scope services as necessary. That could mean preparing for mediation, filing a modification, or enforcing an order.

Serving Families Across the DFW Area

CW Martin Law is based in Fort Worth and works with parents throughout the DFW area. We represent clients in Tarrant, Dallas, Denton, Johnson, Parker, and Wise counties. Families from Keller, Mansfield, Arlington, Bedford, Hurst, Euless, Southlake, and North Richland Hills trust us to handle custody matters, and we understand the local court systems and strategize according to the expectations of each judge and jurisdiction.

To speak with an experienced child custody lawyer in Fort Worth, call (817) 813-7777 to schedule your free 15-minute consultation. Whether you need guidance during divorce or help with custody enforcement or modification, we're here to help.

Texas Child Custody FAQs

What does "best interest of the child" mean in Texas?

Texas courts use the "best interest of the child" standard to guide all custody decisions. This includes evaluating each parent's involvement, the child's emotional and physical needs, stability of each home, and the ability to co-parent. Judges may also consider history of abuse, neglect, or substance use.

Can a child choose which parent to live with?

Not directly. A child age 12 or older can express a preference, but the judge is not required to follow it. The court considers the child's input as part of the overall analysis but makes the decision based on what is best for the child's welfare.

How do I change an existing custody order?

To modify a custody order in Texas, you must show a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order. This might include a relocation, job change, remarriage, or safety concerns. The court will review your motion and decide whether a new arrangement is appropriate.

What happens if my ex won't follow the custody order?

If the other parent refuses to comply with the order, you can file an enforcement action. Courts can impose remedies such as make-up time, fines, or even contempt findings. CW Martin helps clients collect evidence and present their case effectively in enforcement hearings.

Are temporary custody orders possible?

Yes. During a divorce or custody case, the court may issue temporary orders to maintain stability for the child. These cover who the child lives with, visitation, decision-making, and temporary support. Temporary orders remain in effect until final orders are issued.

Can we create our own parenting plan?

Yes, and many parents do. Courts often approve agreed parenting plans as long as they meet the child's needs and follow legal standards. We help parents draft plans that are clear, enforceable, and likely to be accepted by the court.