Child Custody Disputes
Notable results in contested custody
Today's courts do not automatically favor the mother or the parent who makes more money in determining child custody. The yardstick is which parent is better able to "be there" to provide daily care, attention and stability. When it boils down to why the other parent isn't fit for custody, things can get nasty.
Keith Becker has earned a reputation as one of the most effective child custody attorneys in Dallas, Collin, Denton and all surrounding counties. He is known among his peers as a formidable trial lawyer who takes tough cases and turns them around. He is known to clients as a compassionate advocate who gives them a voice and a fair chance in court.
Whether you are seeking primary custody, sole custody or maximum visitation, Becker Family Law, will fiercely fight for you and the best interests of your child.
Proven representation in complex child custody disputes
Keith D. Becker is a board-certified specialist in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and brings a wealth of knowledge from three decades of experience in contested custody. He welcomes challenging cases in which the odds seem stacked against his client, such as:
Parents with "black marks" such as drug or alcohol addiction, family violence or mental illness
Fathers fighting for primary custody
Spouses of professionals and high earners
Parents with odd schedules or frequent travel
Petitions for sole custody
Keith D. Becker will identify your weaknesses and outline steps to convince the judge that your child comes first: moving closer to the school, cutting back on work, ditching the abusive boyfriend or entering treatment. He will also help you articulate a clear plan regarding day care arrangements, transportation to school and other facets of child-rearing and co-parenting.
If you are arguing that the other parent is not fit for sharing custody, we will help you document specific incidents and how they endanger your child or violate your rights: drinking and driving, physical abuse, drug use or parental alienation.
Interstate and international disputes
Keith Becker has also handled interstate and international child custody disputes. He has helped clients recover children who were taken out of Texas by the other parent without the court's permission. He is well versed and understands the Hague Convention, the UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act) and other laws pertaining to these scenarios.
We also handle stepparent adoption and third party custody.
The Best Interests of the Child
Children are hurt and confused by a custody tug-of-war. That doesn't mean you shouldn't fight for custody, but there is a right way and a wrong way.
The court will not tolerate false allegations or bad-mouthing of the other parent. Keith D. Becker helps you keep the focus on what is healthy for your child and conducive to peaceful co-parenting.
We aim for a workable out-of-court arrangement, but we will have you well prepared if you do go to trial.
Texas Child Custody Modification
Life situations change more rapidly than ever. In a fragile economy, jobs are lost and incomes significantly reduced. New work opportunities may provide increased household income while also requiring relocation to a different city or even a different state.
Texas courts are reluctant to make a change of custody without sufficient cause. However, the courts will allow you to seek a modification to an original custody decree if there is a significant and unforeseen change in circumstances.
Whether you are petitioning the court for a custody modification or attempting to block a former spouse's request for a custody modification, it is important to have an experienced family law attorney who can provide dependable legal representation. At Becker Family Law, conveniently located in Prosper, Texas, we represent clients in post-divorce modification matters, which primarily focus on child support, child custody and visitation, and spousal support.
Potential grounds for a change of custody may include physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, drug dependency by a parent, alcohol dependency that causes a parent to be unfit, and other parenting issues that may result in physical or emotional damage to a child. The court will consider the welfare of the child and the proposed grounds for a change of custody.
If circumstances have changed, rendering a previous visitation agreement unmanageable or no longer in the best interests of the child, you may need to file a motion for modification of visitation.
In instances where both parents agree to a modification to an existing custody or visitation agreement, it is critical to work with an experienced family law lawyer and obtain court approval in order to avoid future complications or disputes.