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Texas Child Custody Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Child custody when we live 3 miles apart.

when petitioning for divorce i was unaware of sole custody orders versus joint custody. Can this be modified prior to finalizing the divorce?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 7, 2025

A party can freely amend a petition for divorce up to seven days before trial unless another pleading deadline has been set by the court in a written order. While joint managing conservatorship is presumed to be in the best interests of the child, the court has the authority to award sole managing... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Federal Crimes for Texas on
Q: I've been paying medical benefits for my daughter since he's been born can my wife take her away from me? 10years

I'm 5% Bantu and 1% indigenous Americas Maya Indian. My daughter is the same as me. My wife is trying to claim my inheritance. I'm Americas Chief and Bantu royalty which should be acknowledged as king of Africa. Daughter can't separate from chief.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 6, 2025

In a divorce proceeding, joint managing conservatorship is presumed to be in the best interest of the child; however, the Court can award sole managing conservatorship to either parent. The Court will base its decision on the "best interests of the child" legal standard. Ethnicity and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Divorce for Texas on
Q: Ex- Spouse is moving children out of the county which violates the divorce decree. What are my next steps?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 31, 2024

You can file a motion to enforce the geographical restriction in the divorce decree. If you wait too long to do this, the court might view you as having waived any complaint. While it is not certain that you will win--because every case turns on its own unique set of facts--your chances of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: In my divorce decree it states I have to pay for my child’s transportation back home. If her mom is driving how does th

This work. Do I just pay a portion of the gas?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 26, 2024

It depends on the specific language in your divorce decree. Usually, this language contemplates that you are paying commercial airfare or bus fare for your child's transportation home. Rarely does it contemplate paying gas for the other parent to drive the child home.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can I sue Dfps if my child broke his arm while under their care?

My kids have been in cps custody for a year. They let the kids ride horses including my autistic son. The saddle on the horse was loose which caused him to slip off and break his arm. They never asked my permission and didn't tell me for like 2 days.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 23, 2024

If your parental right to sue on behalf of your child has not been terminated, you can theoretically sue on behalf of your child.

But I would caution you that you may not have a valid cause of action even in the best of circumstances. You will need to gather together the medical expenses...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Texas on
Q: My ex- wife wants my son to live with her in North Carolina before turning 18 next December.

He has lived with me for the last few years with nothing from her. She doesn't want child support or anything from me. How do I ensure she doesn't change her mind? We can't really share custody or have normal visitation since we are in Texas.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 16, 2024

When you negotiate your new child custody order, include a specific provision that states that you have provided support for your son for X years (without ex-wife paying child support, if applicable) and, therefore, the parties agree that you will not be obligated to pay child support to your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: my spouse in which I’m divorcing has committed defamation and slander and perjury and under oath

I am in the end of my divorce and child custody case. my spouse has committed perjury by informing the judge of false accusations regarding myself trying to commit suicide. He committed perjury by advising the judge that he has ever taken care of the children. At any time he committed perjury by... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 4, 2024

Statements made in judicial proceedings including divorce actions are absolutely privileged and cannot provide the basis for claims of defamation or slander.

Perjury is a crime which can be reported to law enforcement. It will be up to police and to the district attorney whether the State...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Texas on
Q: i am in contact with the AOG already, should I consider hiring an attorney to assist me with the child support process?
Rafee'a S. Majeed
Rafee'a S. Majeed
answered on Dec 4, 2024

The OAG is a good route to go without hiring an attorney IF you and the other party are NOT in agreement over who will have custody of the child(ren), or how often a parent will have some visitation with the child(ren). The OAG will assist with any disagreements over the monthly child support... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: If I don't have the address to my children's dad's new address, do I have the right to refuse to hand my boys over?

My ex-husband and I share two children, we're recently divorced and he has them for Christmas this year, 2024. He is the non-custodial parent. He has recently told me that he has signed a lease to a "new" place of residency in Georgia where he will be living from now on and the boys... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 4, 2024

No, unless a court order clearly says otherwise, the NCP's refusal to provide his address does not justify denying the NCP possession of the children in accordance with the terms of your custody order. This falls into the category of "two wrongs don't make a right." I would... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: If I don't have the address to my children's dad's new address, do I have the right to refuse to hand my boys over?

My ex-husband and I share two children, we're recently divorced and he has them for Christmas this year, 2024. He is the non-custodial parent. He has recently told me that he has signed a lease to a "new" place of residency in Georgia where he will be living from now on and the boys... View More

Rafee'a S. Majeed
Rafee'a S. Majeed
answered on Dec 4, 2024

Unless your divorce decree states that you do not have to release the children without the Father's address, you are required to follow the divorce decree and surrender to the children to Father at the time and place in your decree. Failure to do so could result him taking you to court for... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: My daughter's father won't let me have her and every attempt he avoids the custody agreement. Motion filed against him

FIled motion for a hearing and his hired attorney trying to get transferred and delay everything from not agreeing on dates available in my county

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Nov 18, 2024

Talk to your attorney about whether you filed in the correct county. Normally, if the child resided in the county where you filed for the preceding 90-days, you filed in the correct county. Otherwise, a transfer to that county would seem to be the correct procedure. If a transfer is appropriate,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: How can I get visitation and my rights to my children back after a Protection order was filed against me more than 2 yrs

Protection order was filed in 2020, I was incarcerated at the time of the hearing, the allegations were not accurate nor was I ever convicted of anything in that nature. And I have not been able to see or speak or know anything about my children since 2021.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Nov 7, 2024

You can file a motion to modify in suit affecting the parent-child relationship. If the protective order is still in force and effect (they typically only last two years), you would also want to modify the protective order if it limits your access to your children.

You will want to present...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: I asked to appeal the trial courts order and my lawyer said no what do I do?

He missed the deadline to file the appeal and will not contact me giving me any further information or case records I do not have a final order and the case has already went to appeals on the mothers request what do I tell the appeal court my attorney list the wrong contact information and I have... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Oct 31, 2024

Not all lawyers handle appeals. You need to contact an attorney who practices in the area of civil appellate law and bring them a copy of the trial court order you want to appeal. There is a time limit from when the order was signed for you to appeal, so acting promptly is strongly recommended.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Cps wants to Terminate my right but I refuse to give them up. What is the next step!They have my kids n are place Family

What will happen with my kids if I refuse to give up my rights. CPS wants to Terminate my rights and I'm not going to give them up. What will the out cone.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Oct 2, 2024

The outcome depends on what evidence CPS and you introduce at trial. If you cannot afford an attorney in this type of proceeding, the court will appoint one. That being said, you should retain an experienced family law attorney who has handled CPS termination cases before, if you are able to do... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Can a court order prevent me from bringing someone with me, who I am dating, to my children's activities?

Never has there been any sort of incident where someone accompanying me has caused a scene or issue. The only issue would be my ex wife being pissed off, and her attorney having too cozy of a relationship with the judge. This "issue" was never previously discussed in any litigation. This... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 30, 2024

Yes, a court order can theoretically do that. Since you mention a "decision letter," that suggests you had a contested custody battle with your ex-wife. It would be surprising in post-divorce custody litigation for such an order to be made without a very good reason established by the... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: How do I get my one year old back after 3 months away from me?

I was financially struggling and temporarily placed him with his father for his best interest and we agreed that once I was secure I would bring him home

John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr. pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 22, 2024

If you had your agreement with your son's father, and it was in-writing, you have a good chance of getting your baby back. If the agreement was not put in a written agreement, then you may be able to use emails, texts, or other communications to build your case for re-unification with your... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: How do I get my one year old back after 3 months away from me?

I was financially struggling and temporarily placed him with his father for his best interest and we agreed that once I was secure I would bring him home

John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr. pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 22, 2024

If you had your agreement with your son's father, and it was in-writing, you have a good chance of getting your baby back. If the agreement was not put in a written agreement, then you may be able to use emails, texts, or other communications to build your case for re-unification with your... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Custody of child is 50/50, can I have him put on 72 hour hold during my time without biodad being able to pull him out?

I have half custody of my child, everything is split in half including medical decisions. Can I have my child placed in an institution for a 72 hour hold during my time with him without bio-dad having any legal rights to pull him out since it would be during my week with him?My child is Autistic,... View More

Gratia "Grace" P. Schoemakers
PREMIUM
Gratia "Grace" P. Schoemakers pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 18, 2024

Your custody / visitation order should tell you who has the rights to make these types of medical decisions, and whether or not the other parents must agree to it.

If you are not sure if your order has this information in it, contact your family law attorney for guidance. If need be, file a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Spouse has a restraining order for beating his wife and he is undocumented, can the wife leave the state with her 3 kids

She has no family or friends to help in Texas

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 12, 2024

Unless a court order has been entered preventing her from leaving the state with the kids, she is free to do so. If her spouse has court-ordered possession times, she needs to make sure that the kids are available for those times and are available at the location specified in the order for the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can 2 minors my mother has temp custody of come live with me and my wife while we are petitioning for adoption/guardian

My aunt was given power of attorney of two minors who are her nieces that were removed from their home by CPS. My aunt then gave my mother temporary custody. CPS is saying the case is closed, parental rights are severed, and my aunt no longer has POA since signing over temp custody. The question is... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Whoever has been appointed managing conservator of the children can consent, orally or in writing, for the children to live with you.

That consent will not, however, accomplish certain goals like enabling you to enroll the children in a public school, consent to medical treatment, consent...
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