Top-Notch Child Custody Attorney in Allen, TX
Welcome to The Draper Law Firm, Plano’s trusted team of child custody attorneys dedicated to protecting your parental rights and your children’s wellbeing. We understand that navigating custody disputes in Plano brings unique emotional and legal challenges for families throughout Collin County. Our attorneys combine deep knowledge of Texas family law with genuine compassion for what you’re experiencing during this difficult transition. When your relationship with your children is at stake, you deserve representation that fights for what matters most.
Don’t face this journey alone. Schedule an intake call today at 469-715-6801 to discuss your Plano child custody case with our experienced legal team.
What is Child Custody and Why You Need a Specialized Attorney
In Texas, child custody (legally termed “conservatorship”) determines who makes important decisions about your child’s life, education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Texas courts generally recognize two primary custody arrangements:
- Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC): Both parents share decision-making rights and responsibilities
- Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC): One parent has exclusive rights to make major decisions
Plano family courts, like others in Texas, begin with a presumption that joint custody serves children’s best interests. However, this presumption can be overcome in cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, or other factors affecting child welfare.
The stakes in child custody cases couldn’t be higher—they determine your role in your child’s life and development. While Texas law allows self-representation, navigating Collin County’s family court system without legal expertise puts your parental rights at significant risk. Plano courts have specific local rules and procedures that even experienced attorneys from other counties may find challenging.
Award-Winning Legal Representation with Proven Success
The Draper Law Firm brings exceptional legal expertise to Plano families, as demonstrated by our founder Holly Draper’s landmark victory before the Texas Supreme Court in one of the state’s most significant parental rights cases. This level of appellate success is exceedingly rare among family law attorneys and showcases our firm’s deep understanding of complex custody matters.
Our attorneys have built an impressive track record of success in Collin County courts, with intimate knowledge of local judges’ preferences and court procedures specific to Plano cases. We leverage this localized expertise to develop strategic approaches tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, significantly increasing your chances of a favorable outcome in your custody case.
Our Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach
Our firm’s guiding principles—”Integrity. Excellence. Compassion.”—shine through in every Plano custody case we handle. We recognize that legal expertise alone isn’t enough when families are experiencing one of life’s most challenging transitions. That’s why we combine aggressive advocacy with genuine empathy.
We empower our Plano clients through thorough education about their rights and options at every stage of the proceedings. Our attorneys believe in strategic advocacy—knowing when aggressive courtroom representation is necessary and when collaborative approaches better serve your family’s long-term interests.
Many Plano families face unique custody challenges related to busy professional schedules, complex financial situations, and specific school district concerns. Our attorneys understand these local dynamics and factor them into customized legal strategies designed for your family’s specific needs.
Comprehensive Child Custody Services
The Draper Law Firm offers Plano residents a complete range of child custody services, including:
- Initial custody determinations during divorce or for unmarried parents
- Modifications to existing custody orders when circumstances change
- Enforcement actions when court orders are violated
- Relocation cases when a parent needs to move with the child
- Grandparent and non-parent rights cases
- International custody disputes involving UCCJEA and Hague Convention issues
For complex cases, we collaborate with trusted Plano-area professionals including child psychologists, educational consultants, and financial experts to strengthen your position. Our firm excels in high-conflict custody cases, bringing a strategic, evidence-based approach that protects children while advocating for your parental rights.
Why Plano Residents Trust The Draper Law Firm
Our client testimonials speak volumes about our commitment to Plano families. As one Plano client shared, “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 of the road ahead.”
Our convenient location at 6401 W. Eldorado Pkwy offers easy access for Plano residents, and our all-female attorney team brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to the emotional complexities of family law. With years of service to the Plano community, we’ve built a reputation for excellence in child custody representation.
Texas Child Custody Laws: What Plano Parents Need to Know
Texas custody determinations are governed primarily by Chapter 153 of the Texas Family Code, which establishes the “best interest of the child” as the paramount consideration. This standard gives judges significant discretion in crafting custody arrangements.
Standard possession orders in Texas typically provide the non-primary parent with first, third, and fifth weekends of each month, Thursday evenings, alternating holidays, and extended summer time. However, Plano courts increasingly recognize the benefits of more equal possession schedules when parents live close to each other and can cooperate effectively.
Recent legislative changes have expanded the rights of fathers in Texas custody cases, a development that impacts many Plano families seeking more balanced parenting arrangements.
FAQs About Child Custody in Plano, TX
What factors do Plano courts consider when determining child custody?
Plano 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 Plano 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 Plano?
Yes, existing child custody orders in Plano 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 Allen clients navigate the modification process in Collin County courts, whether you’re seeking or opposing a custody modification.
Child Custody Resources in Plano, TX
Plano families navigating custody issues can access valuable local resources:
- Collin County District Courts: Located at 2100 Bloomdale Road in McKinney, these courts handle all family law matters for Plano residents
- Collin County Co-Parenting Course: Required for divorcing parents with minor children
- Family Compass North Texas: Offers parenting education and support services
- Texas Health Behavioral Health Center: Provides counseling for children experiencing family transitions
- The Draper Law Firm’s Free Child Custody Guide: Available through our website for comprehensive information on navigating Texas custody proceedings
The Child Custody Process in Plano, TX
A typical Plano custody case follows these key steps:
- Filing: The process begins with filing a petition in Collin County District Court
- Temporary Orders: An initial hearing establishes interim custody arrangements while the case proceeds
- Discovery: Both parties exchange relevant information through formal legal processes
- Mediation: Collin County requires mediation before trial in most custody cases
- Social Study/Evaluation: In contested cases, the court may order professional evaluation of the family
- Trial: If agreements cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge
- Post-Judgment: After final orders, either party may seek enforcement or modification if circumstances warrant
Throughout this process, having knowledgeable representation familiar with Plano courts significantly impacts the outcome of your case.
Protect Your Relationship With Your Children
The parent-child relationship is sacred, and at The Draper Law Firm, we dedicate ourselves to protecting this precious bond for Plano families. Our attorneys combine exceptional legal expertise with genuine compassion to guide you through what may be the most challenging period of your life.
We understand no two families are alike, which is why we develop customized legal strategies tailored to your unique situation and goals. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or aggressive courtroom advocacy, we fight to secure custody arrangements that serve your children’s best interests while protecting your parental rights.
Take the first step toward resolving your Plano child custody matter with confidence. Call us today at 469-715-6801 to schedule your initial consultation, or download our free child custody guide to begin educating yourself about the process ahead.
Your children deserve nothing less than experienced, dedicated representation during this critical time. The Draper Law Firm stands ready to help your family transition to its next chapter with dignity and hope.
