Lakeway High Conflict Child Custody Lawyer

Lakeway High Conflict Child Custody Attorney

One of the most difficult things a parent can face is entering into a high-conflict custody battle over their children. In a divorce, legal separation, or an issue regarding paternity, you and your co-parent will need to reach a decision regarding the custody of your children. When these legal scenarios become highly conflicted, it can create a negative atmosphere for your children and work against their best interests. A Lakeway high conflict child custody lawyer can help.

At Vaught Law Firm, P.C., our team of experienced family lawyers have been assisting families through many legal situations, including divorce, separations, and high-conflict custody battles. We understand the emotional trauma that is created during the overall divorce or separation process, and we are dedicated to helping you preserve your parental rights and ensure your children are safe and protected. We can work to demonstrate that your custody rights are in the best interests of your children.

Defining a High-Conflict Custody Battle in Lakeway

For some families, parents can reach an agreement on their custody arrangement on their own, whether through mediation or negotiation. However, in other cases, the parents are unable to communicate or reach an agreement, which can lead to a complete standstill for the case or a highly contentious situation. One example of a high-conflict custody battle could include a situation in which one parent is seeking sole custody even when it is unnecessary.

In Texas, nearly half of all divorce cases involve children under the age of 18. In many of these cases, parents can reach an amicable agreement when it comes to the custody of their child. However, others will enter high-conflict custody battles. There are many reasons why conflict could become apparent in a custody case, including the following:

• Alienation: In some high-conflict custody cases, one parent may work to get their children on their side and feel like they need to be against the other parent. The alienating parent might tell the child lies about their other parent, blame the other parent for the divorce, or otherwise speak badly about their co-parent to or in front of the children. Alienation is shown to be extremely harmful to the children and can complicate matters.
• Allegations of abuse: In 2022, the state of Texas received 245,430 referrals for child abuse or neglect. These are serious situations, and children should be protected at all costs. However, in high-conflict custody battles, a parent may accuse the other parent of physical abuse, molestation, or neglect in order to try to win sole custody of the children. If you are suffering false allegations of abuse, your attorney can work to protect you.
• Accusations of poor behavior: An individual involved in a highly contentious custody battle might accuse you of cheating, using drugs, or drinking too much, all of which can shine a poor light on you in the eyes of the courts and your children. At Vaught Law Firm, P.C., you can trust your Lakeway High Conflict Child Custody Lawyer to help uncover and present evidence that showcases your ability as a parent and your ability to support and care for your child.
• The presence of mental illness or personality disorders: In some cases of child custody, if there are mental health issues or personality disorders, such as narcissistic personality disorder, this can add to the conflict that may arise and cause complications and trauma for either party or for the children.

Mistakes to Avoid Making in a High-Conflict Custody Battle

During a high-conflict custody battle, there are several mistakes you will want to avoid making, as committing any of these actions will only prove to further complicate the legal dispute. The most common mistakes that should be avoided in a high-conflict custody battle include:

• Speaking negatively about the other parent: Speaking ill of your co-parent can severely damage your child’s well-being. It can lead to them suffering emotional distress and alter their perceptions of their other parent, leading to situations of parental alienation.
• Communicating poorly: Refusing to communicate or communicating in a less-than-effective way can harm your case for custody and disrupt or damage certain areas of your child’s life, including their medical care, social development, and education.
• Posting on social media: In a custody case, it can be extremely damaging to post about the case on your social media platforms, even if you are in the right. The content you post on social media can be used against you in a courtroom, so it is vital that you do not share details about your custody battle online.

FAQs About Lakeway, TX High Conflict Child Custody Laws

Q: How Long Can a High-Conflict Child Custody Case Take?

A: It can be difficult to offer an exact time frame as to how long a high-conflict child custody case might take in Texas, as the length of your case will depend on several factors involved. These factors can include the level of conflict that is involved, whether there have been any accusations of abuse, violence, or substance abuse, and the availability of any necessary evidence.

Q: How to Respond to a High-Conflict Co-Parent?

A: If you are facing a highly contentious co-parent during a child custody battle in Lakeway, Texas, there are a few things you can try to do in response that can help these situations. It is vital that you do not argue in front of your children and that you set realistic expectations when it comes to custody of your children. It can also be prudent to meet your co-parent on neutral ground when discussing aspects of your children’s custody.

Q: How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Charge?

A: Because every attorney is different and will structure their fees in a different manner according to specific case details, it can prove difficult to offer an exact number for what a child custody lawyer might charge for their services. However, these costs can be based on several variables, including the overall complexity and duration of your case and the skill level of your attorney.

Q: Who Is More Likely to Win a Custody Battle?

A: In the past, courts tended to favor mothers over fathers when it came to awarding custody. In today’s modern era, this case outcome occurs less frequently. However, a study from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2022 uncovered that 80% of all single-parent households in the country were maintained by the mother.

Protect Your Parental Rights With Vaught Law Firm, P.C.

If you are facing a high-conflict child custody battle in Lakeway, Texas, your very rights as a parent could be at stake. At Vaught Law Firm, P.C., we know the correct strategies that can help you reach your custody goals and avoid any unnecessary trauma or animosity. Contact our offices today to learn more and to schedule your initial consultation.