Child Custody

Compassionate Guidance & Aggressive Representation for DFW Families

Quick Overview: Child Custody

Few parts of a divorce carry more emotion—or higher stakes—than child custody. Whether you’re navigating possession schedules, relocation issues, parental rights, or complex co-parenting situations, you need a team that understands both the legal framework and the human side of raising children after divorce.

At The Ashmore Law Firm, we help parents across Dallas–Fort Worth create custody arrangements that are stable, fair, and built around what matters most—your children’s wellbeing and your ongoing relationship with them.

Key Facts About Child Custody in Texas

Texas uses “conservatorship,” not “custody.”
This includes decision-making rights, parenting time, and key responsibilities.

Most parents are named joint managing conservators.
This reflects Texas’ view that children benefit from both parents’ involvement, unless safety or other serious issues exist.

Possession follows the Standard Possession Order (SPO).
The SPO guides visitation, holidays, and school-year schedules—but courts can modify it to fit your family’s needs.

Judges look at the child’s best interests—not personal preferences.
Stability, parental involvement, health, safety, and consistency all matter.

Relocation can be restricted.
Moves out of Dallas, Fort Worth, or even to another county may require court approval.

Special circumstances require tailored plans.
These include special-needs children, medical considerations, high-conflict co-parenting, and safety concerns.

DFW judges expect organized evidence.
School involvement, communication history, medical information, and daily routines can be critical.

Child Custody FAQs

Custody cases raise countless questions for parents—especially when emotions run high or when your child’s routine, stability, and safety are on the line. These FAQs offer clear, practical answers based on decades of experience representing parents across the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

How does a judge decide who gets custody?

Texas judges look at “the best interests of the child,” which includes stability, parental involvement, safety, communication, and each parent’s ability to meet daily needs. It’s not about who’s the “better” parent—it’s about what gives the child the healthiest long-term environment.

Can parents create their own parenting plan?

Yes. Judges encourage parents to agree on schedules, holidays, decision-making rights, and logistics that fit their child’s real life. Many of our DFW clients resolve custody through mediation rather than trial.

What if my spouse wants to move with the children?

Relocation is one of the most contested custody issues in Dallas–Fort Worth. Courts may restrict moves outside the county or region. If relocation is requested—or opposed—we build a clear argument to protect your child’s stability.

What if my co-parent refuses to follow the custody order?

You can request enforcement. Courts can impose fines, order makeup parenting time, or modify the order entirely if violations continue. We help gather the evidence needed to show a pattern of noncompliance.

Child Custody Representation for DFW Families

Child custody is not just a legal process—it’s a restructuring of your entire family dynamic. You’re making decisions that will impact your children for years to come. That’s why having an attorney who knows how Dallas–Fort Worth courts approach conservatorship, parental rights, and possession schedules is so important.

At The Ashmore Law Firm, we represent parents throughout Dallas County, Tarrant County, Collin County, Denton County, Rockwall County, and the surrounding DFW communities. Whether your case is peaceful or high-conflict, we help you create a plan that protects your children and gives you stability moving forward.

Understanding Conservatorship & Decision-Making

Texas prioritizes joint involvement, but not every family situation fits neatly into a standard structure. We help you navigate:

medical decision-making
educational authority
counseling and mental-health treatment
extracurricular decisions
day-to-day parenting responsibilities

In high-conflict or unsafe situations, we pursue sole managing conservatorship when it’s warranted.

Possession Schedules That Work

We help parents negotiate practical schedules that support school, activities, work travel, and consistent routines. The Standard Possession Order is a starting point—not the only option.

Special Considerations for High-Income Families

Executives, business owners, and high-income parents often deal with:

frequent travel
unpredictable work schedules
nannies, household staff, or third-party caretakers
private school decisions
multiple household transitions

We build custody plans that reflect the real rhythms of your life, not a generic template.

Protecting Children in High-Conflict Cases

When communication breaks down, or when safety, substance abuse, or emotional instability are concerns, we act quickly to protect your children and establish a safe structure.

Relocation & Geographic Restrictions

Dallas–Fort Worth courts often limit where a parent can live. We handle relocation requests and disputes with careful planning and clear evidence.

Areas Served

Dallas County (Casa Linda, Dallas – Lower Greenville, Greenway Parks, Bluffview, Lakewood, Preston Hollow, Park Cities, Highland Park, White Rock Lake, Turtle Creek, East Dallas, Irving, Richardson, Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Garland, Farmers Branch, Carrollton)

Tarrant County (Forest Hill, Colleyville, Westover Hills, Westlake, Keller, Southlake, Arlington, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Euless, Bedford, Hurst, North Richland Hills, Haltom City, Mansfield, Saginaw, Watauga, Crowley, Benbrook, Richland Hills, Lake Worth, Azle)

How Ashmore Law Can Help With Child Custody

A Clear Strategy From the Beginning

We start by understanding your goals, your parenting history, your child’s needs, and any concerns you have about the other parent. This sets the foundation for a solid, thoughtful custody plan.

Gathering the Right Evidence

Courts rely on facts—not accusations. We help you gather school records, communication logs, medical details, time-tracking information, and any evidence of involvement, safety issues, or instability.

Negotiation That Puts Children First

Most DFW custody cases resolve through mediation. We work to create parenting plans that protect your kids and reduce stress, while ensuring your rights are protected fully.

Firm Courtroom Advocacy When Needed

When the other parent refuses reasonable terms—or when safety or relocation is at stake—we are fully prepared to litigate and present a strong, organized case in front of a judge.

Meet Our Team

Gary Ashmore

A trusted name in family law, Gary brings over two decades of experience in divorce litigation and negotiation. Known for his strategic thinking and calm demeanor, he is a steady guide through even the most challenging disputes.

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Lori Ashmore Peters

With a deep background in estate planning, probate and business planning, Mrs. Peters brings a high level of financial insight to matters involving significant assets, business ownership and long term wealth preservation.

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Hamid Naraghi

Hamid focuses on protecting client rights with thorough legal analysis and practical advice. He is a strong advocate in court and a thoughtful problem-solver when resolution is possible outside the courtroom.

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Samantha Matthews

Samantha brings both knowledge and empathy to every case. She works hard to understand each client’s unique needs and build a legal strategy that fits their personal goals.

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