Austin, TX family law attorney Jessica Houghtby shares how she helps resolve child custody cases. She reports that in a child custody case, there are a few legal components to consider, but when a client initially approaches her, it usually concerns a possession schedule or decision-making rights. Clients are often distraught, as these cases typically arise either during a divorce or as standalone custody matters. In many situations, the parents were once together and accustomed to spending unlimited time with their children. Now, separation inevitably means less time with the children, who cannot be in both homes at once.

When clients come to her about a child custody case, their primary concern is usually where the children will primarily live and what the possession schedule will look like. In Texas, a child custody case is formally called a “suit affecting the parent-child relationship.” The custody portion that clients are typically referring to involves conservatorship, which includes decision-making rights and determining the children’s primary residence. The second aspect is the possession schedule. Together, these two elements encompass the most emotional aspects of a custody case.

Child support is another component that can create tension, as it involves payments for the children and can be a sensitive subject for many clients. When meeting with clients, she reviews the facts of the case and provides an assessment of what she believes a court will decide based on the best interests of the children. Ultimately, her clients are seeking guidance to ensure that the outcomes serve those best interests.