Family law (also called matrimonial law or the law of domestic relations) is an area of the law that deals with family matters and domestic relations including child custody, support, and visitation. While it is possible to represent yourself in a family law case, we highly recommend hiring an experienced attorney to handle your case and help protect your relationship with your children.
Child Custody Attorney – Texas and Oklahoma
Child custody is a legal term pertaining to guardianship between a child and a parent or caretaker. Child custody agreements are often created during divorce proceedings, but you can also request a custody, visitation, child support, and medical support order if:
- You and the other parent are not married or choose to live separately while remaining married
- You and the other parent have signed an “Acknowledgment of Paternity,” and
- There are no existing court orders regarding your child
Child Custody Agreements – Law Office of John Nix
Child custody consists of both legal and physical custody. If the parents agree, the court can award joint custody, physical and/or legal.
Legal Custody – The right to make decisions about the child
Physical Custody – The right and duty to house, provide and care for the child
Legal Custody in Texas and Oklahoma
Joint legal custody is becoming increasingly common. Legal custody designates which parent/guardian is permitted to make decisions on behalf of the child. For example:
- Will one or both parents be legally permitted to apply for the child’s passport?
- Which parent will claim the child on their tax return?
Physical Custody in Texas and Oklahoma
Physical custody determines who has the exclusive right to designate the primary residence and whether geographic restrictions are in place. For example, the court may determine that both parents must reside within the county or in neighboring counties. Physical custody also outlines each parent/guardian’s visitation schedule in the best interest of the child/children. In most cases, the non-custodial parent is given standard visitation rights.
Child Support – Law Office of John Nix
Child support (or child maintenance) is an ongoing, periodic payment made by a parent for the financial benefit of a child. A child support order often requires the non-custodial parent to submit regular payments to the custodial parent until the child turns 18.
Marriage and Divorce – Family Law Attorney John Nix
Family Law attorneys can also assist with…
- Marriage – Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements, Separation, and Divorce
- Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships
- Child Custody, Support, and Visitation
- Legal Adoption
- Domestic Violence (See Criminal Defense)
Call Us Today
When you choose the John Nix Law Office, you’re choosing an experienced team of legal professionals who will work endlessly to protect you and your child’s legal rights. Call us today for an initial consultation.
