Child Custody and Visitation
Custody and visitation decisions shape your child’s life—and your role in it. We help you protect both.
Protecting Your Relationship with Your Child
Child custody matters are some of the most personal and emotionally charged issues in any divorce or family law case. Whether you’re seeking primary custody, negotiating visitation schedules, or trying to navigate co-parenting challenges, you deserve a plan that puts your child’s best interests first.
With nearly four decades of experience, Chris Spofford helps parents create custody agreements that support healthy relationships, long-term stability, and practical day-to-day structure—while minimizing unnecessary conflict wherever possible.
Understanding the Real Impact of Custody Decisions
Custody is more than just a legal designation—it’s about how your child’s life will be structured moving forward. For parents, one of the most difficult parts of divorce is worrying how custody arrangements will affect their child’s emotional security, relationships, and daily routine.
At Spofford Law, we help parents focus on what truly matters: creating a custody plan that protects their child’s well-being, encourages consistency, and supports strong relationships with both parents. Every decision is made with the child’s long-term stability in mind.
These are just a few of the concerns we help clients navigate:
How can we make sure our child feels secure in two households?
What’s the best way to preserve a strong bond with both parents?
How can we structure parenting time to reduce disruption for our child?
What can we do to prevent our child from feeling caught in the middle?
What’s at Risk
Custody battles often focus on the parents—but it’s the children who feel the impact the most.
Build Parenting Plans That Support Your Child’s Daily Life
Spofford Law works with clients to create customized custody arrangements that prioritize consistency, structure, and emotional security—from school schedules and pickups to holidays and long-term transitions.
Avoid Unnecessary Conflict Through Smart Strategy
Not every custody case has to turn into a courtroom battle. Spofford Law promotes cooperative solutions when possible—but is fully prepared to litigate when needed to protect your parental rights and your child’s well-being.
FAQ about Child Custody in Texas
In Texas, “custody” refers to parental rights and decision-making (called conservatorship), while “visitation” refers to when each parent has physical possession of the child. Chris helps clarify what those terms mean in practice—and how they’ll affect your daily life.
The court’s top priority is the best interest of the child. This includes factors like each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, home stability, and ability to co-parent. Chris builds strong, fact-driven cases that align with these standards.
Yes. The Standard Possession Order is a starting point—but parents can agree on a schedule that works better for their child. Chris helps clients develop customized plans that support the child’s well-being and each parent’s ability to stay actively involved.
Chris helps enforce custody and visitation orders through legal channels when needed. He also helps modify existing orders when family circumstances change and updates are in the child’s best interest.
Not always. In Texas, “sole custody” is referred to as Sole Managing Conservatorship, and it’s only granted when it’s clearly in the child’s best interest. Most parents are appointed Joint Managing Conservators, but that doesn’t mean parenting rights are shared equally. Chris will help you understand whether seeking sole managing conservatorship—or specific exclusive rights—is the right strategy for your case.
The legal labels matter less than the specific rights you’re awarded. Even in joint custody situations, one parent may have exclusive rights over key decisions like the child’s residence, education, or healthcare. Chris focuses on securing the parenting rights that truly affect your child’s day-to-day life and future.
The custodial parent is usually the one who determines the child’s primary residence and may hold exclusive rights in areas like education or medical care. The noncustodial parent typically has “possession and access” rights (visitation), and depending on the order, may also share in key decision-making. Chris works to ensure these distinctions reflect what’s best for your child—and your role in their life.
No. Under Texas law, gender cannot be considered when determining custody. Both parents are evaluated equally under the law. According to the Texas Attorney General’s office, around 10% of noncustodial parents are mothers.
Courts consider what’s in the best interest of the child, guided by factors from the landmark case Holley v. Adams, including:
- Past parenting conduct
- The desires of the child
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
- Emotional and physical danger in either home
- The stability of the home environment
Chris uses these standards to build compelling, evidence-based custody presentations.
Yes. Custody and visitation orders can be changed if circumstances significantly shift. Common reasons include:
- Relocation of one parent
- A change in the child’s best interest
- One parent violating the custody agreement
- Child endangerment due to unsafe living conditions
Chris has extensive experience pursuing and defending against modifications—and understands how to present the strongest possible case.
Schedule A Confidential Consultation.
If you’re facing divorce, custody, or complex family issues, let’s talk. We’ll listen, offer honest feedback, and help you understand your next steps — with no pressure.
Schedule an AppointmentCall Today
713-526-2400
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