Lawyers Helping Families Sort Out Legal Matters
Scroll Down
photo of the legal team at Mackoy, Hernandez, Jones and Woods LLP

Protect Your Parental Rights

Children are the primary concern of many parents when facing divorce or the end of a relationship in which the parties have a child together. The emotional toll of litigation is often directly related to the anxiety over how it will affect the parent’s relationship with his or her child.

At Mackoy, Hernandez, Jones and Woods LLP, our lawyers understand parents’ desire to resolve issues regarding their children as efficiently as possible. We work to reach agreement through negotiation or other alternatives to litigation whenever possible. Doing so typically produces a solution more quickly and cost-effectively than litigating. It also gives both parents more control over the outcome rather than putting these critical decisions in the hands of a judge who does not know your child or you.

We Help Our Clients Set Realistic Goals

We always speak candidly with our clients in an attempt to help them set realistic objectives. Texas family law statutes attempt to encourage continuing contact between a child and both parents. Unless there is evidence that a parent is unfit or unable to provide a safe and stable environment for their child, the court likely will award ample parenting time to both parents. In fact, in an era in which both parents often have full-time careers, it is not uncommon for fathers to be named the primary caregiver or share parenting time equally.

We assist clients in a broad range of children’s issues, including:

  • Custody and parenting time — Child custody refers to the right to make decisions regarding a child’s education, health care and other matters. Parenting time determines where a child will spend his days and nights.
  • Child support — The amount of child support that is paid by a parent who is not a primary caregiver to the other parent is determined by a formula in the Texas child support guidelines. However, it is possible to deviate from this formula when circumstances warrant.
  • Modifying existing orders — It is possible to petition for a modification to an existing parenting plan or child support order if circumstances warrant.
  • Moving away — Relocating with or without a child can affect an existing parenting plan. We help our clients sort through relocation issues and protect their rights.
  • Protecting fathers’ rights — A mother is no longer viewed as the de facto primary caregiver by courts. We assertively protect fathers’ rights in all aspects of family law.
  • Issues involving a special needs child — The complex matter of custody and developing a parenting plan becomes even more complex when it involves a special needs child. We have a great deal of experience in this area and work to achieve what is best for the child.
  • Child protective services cases — Allegations of parental neglect or abuse may result in an investigation by Child Protective Services. We help parents protect their rights and retain custody of their child.

Reach Agreement On Key Parenting Issues

We invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced family law attorneys who can answer your questions and recommend an effective course of action. Call 469-269-0134 or use our online contact form to schedule a meeting.