Keller Child Custody Lawyer | Schedule a Consultation

If you’re facing a child custody dispute in Keller, Texas, the decisions made now will shape your relationship with your children for years to come. Whether you’re going through a divorce, seeking to modify an existing custody order, or fighting to protect your parental rights, you need an attorney who understands both the legal process and the emotional weight of what’s at stake.

Varghese Summersett represents parents throughout Keller, Southlake, and the surrounding Tarrant County area in all types of child custody matters. Our family law team fights to protect your rights while keeping your children’s best interests at the center of every decision.

Why Keller Parents Trust Varghese Summersett

Child custody cases require more than legal knowledge. They require attorneys who can navigate complex family dynamics, build compelling arguments, and present your case effectively in Tarrant County family courts. Our family law team brings decades of combined experience to every custody matter we handle.

Our attorneys have handled hundreds of custody disputes ranging from straightforward agreements to high-conflict litigation involving allegations of abuse, parental alienation, and relocation issues. We understand how Tarrant County judges approach custody decisions and what factors carry the most weight in their rulings. With offices in Fort Worth, just minutes from Keller, we’re positioned to provide responsive, local representation when you need it most.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but our track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving the best possible results for the families we represent.

How Texas Determines Child Custody

Texas uses the term “conservatorship” rather than custody, but the practical effect is the same: determining which parent makes major decisions for the child and where the child will live. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 153, courts must make custody decisions based on the “best interest of the child.”

Texas law presumes that appointing both parents as joint managing conservators is in the child’s best interest. This means both parents share rights and duties, though one parent is typically designated as having the exclusive right to determine the child’s primary residence. The other parent receives a possession schedule, commonly called visitation.

In some cases, one parent may be named sole managing conservator, while the other becomes a possessory conservator with more limited rights. This arrangement is more common when there’s a history of family violence, substance abuse, or other factors that make joint decision-making impractical or unsafe.

What Keller Family Courts Consider

When determining custody arrangements, Tarrant County family court judges evaluate numerous factors to determine what serves the child’s best interests. These factors include:

• The child’s physical and emotional needs, both now and in the future
• Any physical or emotional danger to the child
• The parenting abilities of each party
• Programs available to assist the individuals in promoting the child’s best interest
• Plans for the child by each parent
• The stability of the proposed home environment
• Each parent’s willingness to encourage a positive relationship with the other parent
• The child’s preference (if 12 or older)

Judges in Tarrant County family courts take a practical approach to these factors. They want to see which parent has historically been the primary caregiver, which parent provides the more stable environment, and which parent is more likely to foster the child’s relationship with the other parent.

Types of Child Custody Cases We Handle in Keller

Our Keller child custody lawyers handle the full range of custody matters, including:

Custody in Divorce Cases

When parents divorce, determining custody is often the most contested issue. We help Keller parents going through divorce develop custody arrangements that protect their parental rights while providing stability for their children. Whether your divorce is amicable or contentious, we work to achieve outcomes that serve your family’s long-term interests.

Custody Modifications

Circumstances change. If there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances since your current order was entered, you may be able to modify your custody arrangement. Common reasons for modification include relocation, changes in a parent’s work schedule, concerns about the child’s safety, or the child’s own preferences as they get older.

Paternity and Custody

Unmarried fathers must establish paternity before they can seek custody or visitation rights. We help fathers navigate this process and fight for their rightful place in their children’s lives. Texas law does not favor mothers over fathers, and our attorneys work aggressively to protect fathers’ rights in custody disputes.

Enforcement Actions

When the other parent violates a custody order by denying visitation, failing to return the child on time, or interfering with your parental rights, you have legal remedies. We file enforcement actions to hold the other parent accountable and protect your relationship with your child.

Grandparent Rights

In limited circumstances, grandparents may seek custody or visitation rights. Texas law sets a high bar for grandparent access, but when the child’s welfare is at stake, our attorneys can help you understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action.

Understanding Custody Schedules in Texas

Texas has a Standard Possession Order (SPO) that serves as the default visitation schedule when parents cannot agree. Under the SPO, the non-primary parent typically receives:

• First, third, and fifth weekends of each month
• Thursday evenings during the school year
• Alternating holidays
• Extended summer possession (typically 30 days)

However, parents can agree to different arrangements, and courts can order expanded or modified schedules when appropriate. Many Keller families prefer 50/50 custody arrangements, which Texas courts increasingly support when both parents live in the same area and can cooperate effectively.

Our attorneys help you understand which schedule best fits your family’s needs and advocate for arrangements that maximize your time with your children while providing the stability they need.

The Child Custody Process in Tarrant County

Understanding what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you prepare for your custody case. Here’s an overview of how custody cases typically proceed in Tarrant County:

Filing the Petition

Custody cases begin with filing a petition in the appropriate court. If custody is part of a divorce, it’s included in the divorce petition. For modifications or standalone custody matters, a separate petition is filed. The petition outlines what custody arrangement you’re seeking and why.

Temporary Orders

Because custody cases can take months to resolve, courts often enter temporary orders that establish custody and visitation arrangements while the case is pending. These temporary orders are extremely significant because they often influence the final outcome. Our attorneys fight aggressively at the temporary orders stage to position you for success.

Discovery and Investigation

Both sides exchange information through the discovery process. This may include written questions, document requests, and depositions. In some cases, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem or amicus attorney to investigate and make recommendations about the child’s best interests.

Mediation

Tarrant County courts require mediation before trial in most custody cases. Mediation gives parents the opportunity to reach an agreement with the help of a neutral third party. Many cases settle at mediation, giving parents more control over the outcome than they would have at trial.

Trial

If mediation fails, the case proceeds to trial before a Tarrant County family court judge. At trial, both sides present evidence and testimony, and the judge makes the final custody determination. Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who know how to present compelling cases in Tarrant County courtrooms.

Protecting Your Rights: What to Do Now

If you’re facing a custody dispute, the steps you take now can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s what we recommend:

Document everything. Keep records of your involvement in your child’s life, including school events, medical appointments, extracurricular activities, and day-to-day caregiving. These records can be valuable evidence of your role as a parent.

Communicate carefully. Everything you say to the other parent (or their attorney) can potentially be used against you. Keep communications focused on the children and avoid inflammatory language. Text messages and emails create a permanent record.

Follow existing orders. If there’s already a custody order in place, follow it exactly. Violating a court order can seriously damage your credibility and your case.

Don’t discuss the case with your children. Involving children in custody disputes puts them in an impossible position and can backfire in court. Keep adult conversations between adults.

Contact an attorney early. The sooner you have legal guidance, the better positioned you’ll be to protect your rights. Many parents wait too long, putting themselves at a disadvantage.

Local Resources for Keller Families

Custody cases in Keller are heard in Tarrant County family courts, located at the Tarrant County Family Law Center in downtown Fort Worth. Here are some local resources that may be helpful:

• Tarrant County Domestic Relations Office – Handles child support and some custody matters
• Tarrant County Family Courts – Where custody cases are heard
• City of Keller – Local government resources

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

When you hire Varghese Summersett for your child custody case, you get a team of dedicated attorneys who will fight for your parental rights while keeping your children’s wellbeing at the forefront. We take the time to understand your family’s unique circumstances, explain your options clearly, and develop a strategy tailored to your goals.

We believe in honest communication. We’ll tell you what to expect, what challenges you may face, and what we think is the best path forward. Our goal is to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while achieving the outcome you need.

From our office in Fort Worth, we serve clients throughout Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, Westlake, and the surrounding Tarrant County communities. We’re here when you need us.

Have more questions? Watch our video series where our attorneys answer common questions: Ask Our Lawyer: Divorce and Family Law

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can a child decide which parent to live with in Texas?

In Texas, children 12 and older can express a preference to the court about which parent they want to live with. However, the child’s preference is just one factor the court considers. The judge is not required to follow the child’s wishes if doing so would not be in the child’s best interest.

How long does a custody case take in Tarrant County?

The timeline varies significantly depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial. Uncontested cases can be resolved in a few months. Contested cases that proceed to trial typically take six months to a year or longer. Complex cases involving custody evaluations or significant discovery can take even longer.

Can I get full custody if the other parent has a criminal record?

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify someone from custody rights. Courts consider the nature of the offense, how recent it was, and whether it affects the parent’s ability to care for the child. Offenses involving family violence, child abuse, or drug-related crimes carry more weight. Our attorneys can help you understand how the other parent’s history may affect your case.

What if the other parent wants to relocate with our child?

If your custody order includes a geographic restriction (limiting where the child can live), the other parent must get court approval or your agreement before moving outside that area with the child. We handle relocation disputes and can help you either oppose or pursue a relocation modification.

How much does a child custody lawyer cost?

Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of your case. We provide transparent fee structures and discuss costs during your initial consultation. For many families, the investment in experienced legal representation pays dividends in the form of better outcomes and avoided mistakes.

Protect What Matters Most

Your relationship with your children is worth fighting for. If you’re facing a custody dispute in Keller, Southlake, or anywhere in Tarrant County, our experienced family law attorneys are ready to help you understand your rights and develop a strategy to protect your family. Call Varghese Summersett today at (817) 203-2220 to schedule a consultation with a Keller child custody lawyer.