Established Child Custody Attorneys in Frisco, TX
Welcome to The Draper Law Firm, Frisco’s trusted team of child custody attorneys dedicated to protecting your parental rights and your children’s best interests. We understand that custody disputes are among the most emotionally challenging legal issues Frisco families face. Our experienced attorneys combine legal expertise with compassionate guidance to help you navigate this difficult terrain with confidence.
With deep knowledge of Collin County family courts and a proven track record of success, we’re committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your unique situation. Don’t face this journey alone – schedule an intake call today at 469-715-6801 to discuss your child custody case.
What is Child Custody and Why You Need a Specialized Attorney
In Texas, child custody (legally termed “conservatorship”) determines who has the legal right to make important decisions about a child’s life, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. The Texas Family Code recognizes two primary types of conservatorship:
- Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC): Both parents share decision-making rights and responsibilities
- Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC): One parent has exclusive decision-making authority
The stakes in custody cases couldn’t be higher – they affect your relationship with your children, their daily routines, and their long-term development. Frisco courts, operating within Collin County’s jurisdiction, typically favor joint custody arrangements unless evidence suggests this would not serve a child’s best interests.
Attempting to navigate this complex legal terrain without expert representation puts your parental rights at serious risk. The Draper Law Firm’s attorneys understand the nuances of Frisco’s family court system and have the expertise to advocate effectively for you and your children.
Award-Winning Legal Representation with Proven Success
When choosing a child custody attorney in Frisco, experience and results matter. The Draper Law Firm’s founder, Holly Draper, has achieved remarkable success, including prevailing in the Texas Supreme Court in one of the most significant parental rights cases in Texas history. This level of appellate expertise is exceedingly rare among family law practitioners.
Our attorneys have built a strong reputation within Collin County courts, where most Frisco custody cases are heard. This local experience means we understand the preferences and procedures of judges who may be deciding your case. Our deep knowledge of Frisco’s legal landscape translates directly into strategic advantages for our clients, helping them navigate custody proceedings with confidence and achieve favorable outcomes for their families.
Our Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach
At The Draper Law Firm, our guiding principles of “Integrity. Excellence. Compassion.” shape every client interaction. We recognize that Frisco families facing custody disputes need more than just legal representation – they need advocates who understand the emotional weight of these proceedings.
We believe informed clients make better decisions. That’s why we take the time to educate you about your rights and options, empowering you to participate meaningfully in shaping your family’s future. Our attorneys know when aggressive advocacy serves your interests and when collaborative approaches might better preserve family relationships and minimize trauma for your children.
As Frisco continues its rapid growth, many families face unique custody challenges related to relocation, career opportunities, and changing family structures. Our attorneys stay attuned to these local dynamics, offering tailored counsel that addresses the specific needs of Frisco’s diverse families.
Comprehensive Child Custody Services
The Draper Law Firm offers Frisco families a complete range of child custody legal services:
- Initial custody determinations during divorce or for unmarried parents
- Custody modifications when circumstances change
- Enforcement actions when court orders aren’t being followed
- Relocation cases for parents needing to move with children
- Grandparent rights and third-party custody matters
- High-conflict custody disputes requiring specialized strategies
- International custody issues involving cross-border complications
For complex cases, we collaborate with child psychologists, educational specialists, and other professionals to strengthen your position. Our experience with high-conflict custody cases is particularly valuable for Frisco clients facing contentious disputes, as we employ sophisticated strategies to protect children while asserting our clients’ parental rights.
Why Frisco Residents Trust The Draper Law Firm
Our client testimonials speak volumes about our commitment to Frisco families. As one client notes, “Holly and her team fought for me successfully all the way to the Texas Supreme Court… she was a voice of reason, clarity, and set proper expectations.”
Conveniently located near Frisco at 6401 W. Eldorado Pkwy in McKinney, our all-female attorney team brings both legal expertise and genuine empathy to every case. For years, we’ve been helping Frisco parents navigate the challenges of custody litigation with confidence and achieving results that protect their most precious relationships.
Understanding Texas Child Custody Laws
Texas custody laws focus primarily on the “best interest of the child” standard, considering factors such as:
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home
- The child’s physical and emotional needs
- Each parent’s historical role in caregiving
- The child’s established routines and community ties
- Any history of family violence or substance abuse
Texas provides standard possession orders that establish visitation schedules, though Frisco courts may approve customized arrangements when parents agree. Recent legislative updates have reinforced the presumption that children benefit from substantial time with both parents, a principle that guides many Frisco custody determinations.
FAQs About Child Custody in Frisco, TX
What factors do Frisco courts consider when determining child custody?
Frisco courts, like all Texas courts, prioritize the “best interest of the child” standard when making custody determinations. Factors include each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, the child’s emotional and physical needs, each parent’s parenting abilities, available support systems, the child’s preference (if age-appropriate), and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. The Draper Law Firm helps clients present compelling evidence on these factors to strengthen their custody case in Collin County courts.
How is child custody different from visitation rights in Texas?
In Texas, child custody (legally termed “conservatorship”) determines who makes important decisions about the child’s life, while visitation (legally called “possession and access”) establishes the schedule for when each parent spends time with the child. Conservatorship can be joint (shared decision-making) or sole (one parent has exclusive decision-making authority). The Draper Law Firm helps Frisco clients understand these distinctions and advocates for arrangements that protect their parental rights while serving their children’s best interests.
Can I modify an existing child custody order in Frisco?
Yes, existing child custody orders in Frisco can be modified if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances and the modification would be in the child’s best interest. Examples of qualifying changes include relocation, remarriage, changes in a parent’s work schedule, or concerns about a child’s safety. The Draper Law Firm has extensive experience helping Frisco clients navigate the modification process in Collin County courts, whether you’re seeking or opposing a custody modification.
Child Custody Resources in Frisco, TX
Frisco families navigating custody matters can benefit from these local resources:
- Collin County District Courts – Family law cases are heard in the district courts located at 2100 Bloomdale Road in McKinney
- Children in the Middle – A court-approved co-parenting class often required in Frisco custody cases
- Family Compass North Texas – Offers parenting education and support programs
- CASA of Collin County – Provides court advocates for children in difficult custody situations
The Draper Law Firm also offers a free book on child custody in Texas, available through our website, which provides valuable insights into navigating the legal process.
The Child Custody Process in Frisco, TX
A typical custody case in Frisco follows these general steps:
- Filing and temporary orders – The process begins with filing a petition, followed by a hearing for temporary arrangements while the case proceeds
- Discovery – Both parties exchange information and evidence relevant to custody determination
- Mediation – Collin County typically requires parents to attempt resolving custody issues through mediation
- Evaluation – In some cases, the court may order a social study or custody evaluation
- Trial – If mediation doesn’t resolve all issues, the case proceeds to trial where a judge makes final determinations
- Enforcement or modification – After final orders, parties may need to enforce compliance or seek modifications as circumstances change
Protecting Your Family’s Future with Expert Legal Guidance
At The Draper Law Firm, we understand that child custody cases represent far more than legal proceedings – they shape your family’s future. Our experienced Frisco child custody attorneys are dedicated to protecting your parental rights while ensuring your children’s wellbeing remains the priority.
Serving Frisco and surrounding Collin County communities from our convenient McKinney location, we provide the skilled representation and compassionate guidance families need during these challenging transitions. Take the first step toward resolving your custody concerns by calling 469-715-6801 to schedule an intake call with one of our experienced attorneys.
For additional information, download our free child custody guide through our website. Remember, the decisions you make now will impact your family for years to come – ensure you have knowledgeable advocates by your side throughout this journey.
