SOLE CUSTODY
Sole Custody Lawyer

Sole managing conservatorship, or sole legal custody, is less common
in the 21st century than in past years. Courts presume that joint
managing conservatorship, or joint custody, is better for the children.
However, there are circumstances in which sole custody is the best
option. At my Houston law office, I explain custody options to
divorcing parents, advising them about the best choice for their
circumstances. For more information, contact me at Frank E. Mann,
Attorney and Counselor at Law. Call (713) 524-6868.

What does sole managing conservatorship mean?

Sole managing conservatorship means that one parent makes all the
major decisions regarding health, religion, and education of the child.
Such decisions typically involve:

• Where the child lives
• Mental, dental, surgical, and psychiatric treatment
• Legal representation of the child
• Permission to marry
• Consent to military enlistment
• Choosing schools and colleges
• Requiring the child to turn over his or her employment earnings

The other parent, known in other states as the non-custodial parent
and in Texas as the sole possessory conservator, can make decisions
for the child only when he or she is in possession of the child
according to the parenting plan.

When does the court award sole conservatorship?

The court may award sole managing conservatorship to one parent
when there is clear evidence of family violence on the part of the
other parent. In cases such as these, the parenting plan may be
limited to supervised contact. Other circumstances that may lead to
sole custody include the death or disappearance of one parent, or the
court’s determination that the parties are incapable of making
decisions together regarding the child’s welfare. If the child is over
age 12, he or she may petition the court expressing a wish to live
with one parent over the other. The court takes the child’s wishes
into account when determining what type of custody arrangements are in the child’s best interests.

To learn more about sole managing conservatorship, contact my
Houston law office. I have been devising practical solutions to
custody problems since 1984. Let me put that experience to work for
you.

A Houston family law attorney serving south east Texas  communities such as Sugar Land, Katy, Conroe, Richmond,
Rosenberg, Bellaire,  Angleton, Texas City, Pearland, Pasadena, Deer Park, League City, The  Woodlands, Kingwood,
Channelview, La Porte, Alvin, Missouri City, Friendswood,  Lake Jackson, Baytown, and Clear Lake

Harris County - Fort Bend   County - Montgomery   County - Brazoria   County

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