Child Custody Lawyer in Dallas, TX | Conservatorship, Parenting Plans, Visitation, SAPCR, Custody Modifications & Mediation in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Three main roads leading to Downtown Dallas, where a large family population needs legal child custody support.

At Hargrave Family Law, we help Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex families handle child custody matters with dignity and a focus on long-term family stability. Since 2017, our team has guided clients through high-stakes family law issues using non-adversarial strategies that protect parent relationships, children, and what matters most.

In the Dallas area, child custody is legally referred to as “conservatorship,” which determines who makes important decisions for a child and where the child primarily lives.Texas courts may name parents joint managing conservators or, in some cases, give one parent greater decision-making authority.

Texas judges decide custody issues based on factors such as each parent’s ability to meet the child’s financial, physical, and emotional needs, provide stability, maintain a healthy parent-child relationship, address any safety concerns, communicate with the other parent, and support the child’s bond with both parents.

With over 230 years of combined experience and recognition from Best Lawyers in America®, Best Law Firms®, and Texas SuperLawyers®, Hargrave Family Law provides legal advocacy. We help our clients understand their options and craft practical custody plans that support their children, reflect their values, and provide a clear path forward.

Our Child Custody Services in Dallas

We offer a wide range of child custody services, including:

Child Custody Disputes
Joint Custody
Sole Custody
Physical Custody
Legal Custody
Parenting Plans
Visitation Rights
Child Custody Modifications
Temporary Custody Orders
Emergency Child Custody
Enforcement of Custody Orders
Parental Relocation Cases
Grandparent Visitation
Paternity and Custody
Custody Mediation
Supervised Visitation
Unmarried Parents’ Custody Cases
Modification of Parenting Time
Interstate Custody Dispute
International Custody Dispute

WE WILL SPEAK FOR YOUR RIGHTS

Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your options. You may find that you are entitled to payment if your claim was denied or underpaid.

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Why Work With Hargrave Family Law

Solution-focused child custody strategies
The firm uses child-centered, non-adversarial approaches to reduce conflict, protect a parent’s relationship with their child, and support healthier long-term co-parenting arrangements.
Built for high-stakes custody matters
Some custody cases involve safety concerns or intense co-parenting disagreements. These situations require a careful, thoughtful strategy that protects both the child’s well-being and the client’s parental rights.
Experienced family law leadership
The firm brings deep-rooted family law experience to these matters, helping you handle difficult choices with clarity, preparation, and a strong understanding of what is at stake.
Trusted and well regarded in the community
Our clients find reassurance in working with a firm that has earned recognition from Best Lawyers in America®, Texas Super Lawyers®, Best Law Firms® as well as our legal community. Our attorneys’ integrity is both admired by peers and respected by the judiciary.
Clarity and client empowerment
The firm’s collaborative approach will help you understand your custody options, empower you to make informed decisions, and equip you to pursue outcomes that reflect their child’s best interests as well as your own goals as a parent.
Support beyond the custody case
Hargrave Family Law never forgets the human side of custody disputes. We have a network of trusted professionals who can help with the practical realities of parenting conflict, connecting you with needed support during your case and beyond.

Understanding Conservatorship and Possession in Texas

In Texas, conservatorship determines who makes major decisions for a child, while possession and access determine the parenting schedule.

The most common arrangement is joint managing conservatorship, where both parents typically share important rights and duties related to education, medical care, therapy, and access to records. One parent is often given the right to determine the child’s primary residence, sometimes with geographic restrictions.

In some cases, a parent may be named sole managing conservator, especially when there are concerns involving family violence, abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or serious conflict that makes shared decision-making unsafe or impractical. The other parent may still have rights, but they may be more limited.

Possession and access determine how parenting time is shared, including school-year schedules, summer possession, holidays, travel, and other day-to-day arrangements. Texas courts decide these issues based on the child’s best interests, including each parent’s ability to provide stability, meet the child’s needs, and communicate effectively.

How Child Custody Cases Work in Dallas

In Texas, custody cases involving parents who were never married are handled through a SAPCR, or Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship. This case determines each parent’s rights and duties, where the child primarily lives, parenting time, and related issues such as child support.

Many custody cases begin with negotiation rather than litigation. Parents may be able to reach agreements on conservatorship, possession schedules, decision-making, and support before asking a judge to decide. Because Texas courts focus on the child’s best interests, practical, child-centered proposals are especially important.

When an agreement is not possible, mediation can help resolve disputes with less conflict and more privacy. If mediation does not result in a settlement, the case may proceed through temporary orders, discovery, hearings, and potentially trial.

At Hargrave Family Law, our goal is to help families resolve custody matters without unnecessary court intervention. We use non-adversarial strategies to reduce conflict, protect the parent-child relationship, and support long-term family stability. If court becomes necessary, we stand beside you every step of the way, advocating for you and your children.

About Hargrave Family Law

Founded in 2017 by Jennifer Hargrave, Hargrave Family Law grew out of Jennifer’s belief that divorce and other family law matters could be handled in a more thoughtful, collaborative, constructive way.

From the beginning, our firm has been shaped by her vision of compassionate, values-driven legal representation that helps clients feel informed, supported, and empowered during the most difficult transitions of their lives.

Today, Hargrave Family Law serves clients who want more than aggression for aggression’s sake. Our clients want legal guidance that aligns with their priorities, protects what matters most, and empowers them to make decisions they can live with long after the case is over.

By giving our clients the compassionate guidance, tools, perspective, and support they need, Hargrave Family Law helps them move forward with dignity, equipping them to author the next chapter of their lives with hope.

Our Process For Dallas Clients

Reach out to our team.

You start with a conversation with a Client Care Coordinator, who gathers the basics and schedules you for the right next step.

Have a case evaluation.

You meet with our Client Intake Specialist for a complimentary case evaluation, a confidential conversation focused on your concerns, your goals, and the options available to you. No judgement, no obligations.

Review your options.

Depending on your situation, that may mean trying counseling, moving forward with representation by our firm, or scheduling a paid attorney consultation for additional exploration and legal advice.

Meet with an attorney if needed.

If additional information or legal guidance is appropriate, you can have a paid consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss legal questions you may have about Texas custody issues, the court process, and or a possible legal strategy that fits your family.

Retain the firm and begin your case.

Once you hire Hargrave Family Law, your legal team takes over right away and helps you create a resolution-focused strategy that protects your child and supports long-term stability.

Receive support during and after the case.

Our Client Care Coordinators continue checking in with you during your case and stay in touch after the case ends to help connect you with any needed support and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody

If my ex keeps violating the custody order by changing pickup times or refusing visits, do Texas courts actually care?

Yes. Texas courts expect both parents to follow the possession order as written, and repeated violations can become an enforcement case. Judges usually want specifics about how the order was violated, so keep a log with dates, times, and events, and preserve communications with the other parent.

Can a child in Texas choose which parent to live with once they turn 12?

Not exactly. In Texas, a child who is 12 or older may be able to talk to the judge in chambers about their preference, but the child does not get to make the final decision. The court still decides based on the child’s overall best interests, including stability, school, safety, and each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs.

What happens if one parent wants to move out of Dallas-Fort Worth with the child after custody is already set?

That usually depends on the wording of the current court order. Many Texas custody orders include a geographic restriction that keeps the child’s primary residence within a specific area, like Dallas County or nearby counties, unless the parties mutually agree or the court approves a move. A relocation request can trigger a modification case.

Do Texas judges automatically give mothers more custody time than fathers?

No. Texas law does not state any preference, or that mothers should get preference over fathers. Courts are supposed to focus on the child’s best interests, and either parent can potentially be named a conservator with significant parenting time. In practice, judges look at parenting history, communication, work schedules, and who can provide consistency.

If we were never married, does the father have custody rights automatically in Texas?

Not automatically. If parents were not married when the child was born, legal fatherhood usually needs to be established before the court can enter custody and support orders. That may happen through the birth certificate, an Acknowledgment of Paternity, or a court case.

Is it better to settle a custody case in mediation, or should I let the judge decide?

For most families, mediation gives you more control and flexibility to craft a parenting plan that fits your unique family. Texas courts commonly require mediation before a final trial, and many custody disputes settle there because parents can create unique schedules that are best for the family.

What Clients Say About Hargrave Family Law

“Works with other attorneys in a more collaborative way to reduce costs and complete the process smoothly” – Rebel R.

Clients appreciate the firm’s non-adversarial approach. That aligns with Hargrave Family Law’s focus on resolution, dignity, being good stewards of our client’s money, and protecting what matters most to our clients.

“Creative… innovative solutions… all parties emerged victorious” – Amy B.

This feedback shows a focus on practical problem-solving, not needless conflict. When a custody case needs a thoughtful, intentional path forward, the right legal team makes a real difference.

“Staff checks in regularly to update you on the process” – Rebel R.

Clear and consistent communication helps empower clients, reduce stress and uncertainty, and ease the transitions through the legal process. Clients value knowing what’s going on in their case so they are not left guessing.

Local Dallas Resources for Child Custody

Dallas County Family District Courts
Dallas County District Clerk
Dallas County Domestic Relations Office
Dallas County Alternative Dispute Resolution
Collin County District Courts
Collin County Domestic Relations Office
Tarrant County Family Law Center
Tarrant County Dispute Resolution Services
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
Dallas Bar Association
TexasLawHelp
Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County
Texas Family Code

Take the Next Step with Hargrave Family Law

If you are dealing with a child custody issue in Dallas, now is the time to get clear guidance. The choices you make early can affect your parenting schedules and decision-making rights, where your child lives and goes to school, and how much child support is paid.

Hargrave Family Law helps our clients protect their children and move through difficult family transitions with dignity. We focus on practical solutions, informed decision-making, and a path that supports your family’s long-term well-being.

To speak with our team, reach out to us to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with our team. We’re here to help.

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Call Our Office With Any Questions or To Schedule a Complimentary Case Evaluation

Call Hargrave Family Law

How We Support our clients

PERSONALIZED GUIDANCE
We provide clear, strategic legal guidance designed to protect your interests and help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE
We draw on extensive family law experience to protect your interests and strategically advocate for the future you’re envisioning.
ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN
We provide compassionate, strategic advocacy for parents. ensuring the child’s well-being is considered and remains at the heart of every decision.
ASSET PROTECTION
We provide thoughtful, strategic counsel to safeguard your assets and secure the financial foundation for your next chapter.
BUSINESS OWNERS
We offer strategic guidance tailored to business owners, protecting both personal and professional interests while preserving the value you’ve worked hard to build.
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
We craft creative, customized solutions that honor your family’s unique needs while protecting what matters most.

Choosing an experienced Attorney

Navigating divorce can be overwhelming, but with Hargrave Family Law, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced Dallas family law team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, offering the clarity, compassion, and advocacy you need to move forward with confidence. We focus exclusively on family law, helping clients begin anew with dignity and hope. We invite you to schedule a complimentary case evaluation, where our Client Intake Specialist will listen to your concerns, discuss your goals, and help you explore your options—empowering you to make informed decisions and start writing the next chapter of your life.

Meet them All

Smiling woman in glasses and black jacket indoors

Jennifer Hargrave

Owner & Managing Partner

Misty Cole

Senior Attorney

Professional woman with glasses in modern office

Michelle Heron

Senior Attorney

Smiling woman with short gray hair indoors

Donna Tomlinson

Senior Attorney

Katherine Zimmermann

Senior Attorney

Smiling professional woman in office building lobby

Hannah Rector

Senior Attorney

Smiling professional woman in office setting

LaQuisha Batson

Associate Attorney

Carie Silvestri

Of Counsel

Navigate Your Dallas Divorce with Experienced Legal Guidance

At Hargrave Family Law, our mission is to help good people end broken marriages with dignity and peace. Our Dallas family law team provides the compassionate guidance and practical resources you need to move forward with confidence. We help clients resolve their divorces through collaborative methods, private settlements, mediation, and, when necessary, litigation. Whenever possible, we encourage non-adversarial approaches that minimize conflict, preserve co-parenting relationships, and honor your family’s core values.

With extensive experience in mediation, we have guided hundreds of clients toward fair, lasting resolutions that allow them to move on with their lives. If mediation is unsuccessful, our attorneys are fully prepared to advocate for your interests in court on matters such as child custody, child support, and equitable property division.

While we prioritize cooperation and resolution, we understand that some cases demand strong, strategic legal advocacy. Our Dallas divorce lawyers combine thoughtful strategy with deep courtroom experience to protect what matters most to you. Whether negotiating a complex settlement or presenting your case before a judge, we offer clear, confident representation that reflects your goals and values—helping you divorce with dignity and move toward the next chapter of your life with hope.

additional resources

Don’t Face This Alone

Part of our mission is to offer the resources you need to move forward and reclaim peace. We invite you to explore the wealth of resources and information available from our dedicated Dallas family law team. We’ve listed just a few below.

View all resources

Child Custody Conflicts: 5 Kid-Focused Challenges
When a marriage ends, it's often not the house or the finances that spark the fiercest battles—it's the children.
Read More
4 Common Questions About Child Custody You Need to Know
Determining how decisions will be made for the children, how parenting time will be allocated between the parents, and how…
Read More
10 Essential Questions about Child Support
Questions about child support? Child support is a hot topic. Whether you are paying child support, or you are receiving…
Read More

FAQ

Have questions? we have answers

Will my spouse find out if I contact a divorce attorney?
The fact that you have reached out to contact a divorce attorney is privileged information and should remain protected. If you are concerned that your communications are being monitored, you need to bring that to your attorney’s attention right away, so we can help you protect your communication for that initial contact. I would recommend that you go ahead and use a phone that your spouse doesn’t have access to. If you have a phone at work or a friend’s phone, that can be helpful. Also, you may want to set up another email account that you can use for communication with your attorney. We want to make sure that all of your communication throughout the divorce process remains privileged and protected.
What is common law marriage (in Texas)?
It is quite possible to be married, even if you never had a formal marriage ceremony, you didn’t go to the courthouse, and you didn’t sign a marriage certificate! Marriage can come about by what’s called a “common law marriage.” So, if you live together, and you intended to be married, and you held yourselves out to other people as married, then you may in fact be married. That means if the marriage has come to an end, the relationship has come to an end, and you may also need a divorce in order to bring an end to that relationship. If you have any questions about whether you are married under the laws of Texas, we’d love to talk with you and help you figure out whether your next step is to file for divorce.
Do I need a premarital agreement?
If you are preparing for marriage, you may want to consider a premarital agreement as part of your marriage planning. Many people have the mistaken notion that a premarital agreement is simply planning the divorce before the marriage. And I’m going to tell you in my experience that simply isn’t the case, whether you’re in Texas or you’re in any other state, that state is going to impose rights and responsibilities with regard to your marital property. Wouldn’t you rather sit down with your intended spouse and talk about what those rights and responsibilities are, where the two of you are actually making the decisions about how you’re going to hold that property. If you own a business, if you have children from a prior marriage, if you have significant assets that you’re bringing into the marriage, or your partner has significant assets that a premarital agreement may be right for you at Hargrave Family Law, we like to work with our clients to make sure that the premarital agreement is a constructive part of marriage planning in Texas.
What grounds do I need to file for divorce (in Texas)?
In the state of Texas, couples no longer have to go through the painful process of proving grounds in order to get a divorce. In fact, Texas is a no-fault state, which means you simply have to show that the marriage has become insupportable, or in other words, the marriage is broken. Does that mean there aren’t reasons for the divorce? Of course not. There are always reasons for divorce. We no longer have to prove those reasons. At Hargrave Family Law, we know if you’ve been living in a broken marriage, it’s been a painful journey, and we want to help you bring us into that journey so you can start the next chapter of your life.
What is collaborative divorce?
A collaborative divorce allows couples who are beginning the divorce process to make the commitment to each other that they’re going to work together to resolve the issues that need to be settled. Instead of going to court and litigating the issues in front of the judge, they’re going to work with a team of dedicated professionals, including their lawyers, a mental health professional, and a financial professional who are all committed to helping them reach a final resolution. We find that our clients who engage in the collaborative divorce process enjoy the perfect privacy it provides for their families, and they enjoy the control. So there isn’t somebody else who’s making these decisions for them. And they also enjoy a stronger co-parenting relationship after the divorce is finalized.
Can I modify my custody agreement?
In the state of Texas, it is possible to modify the provisions of the original order. In order to do so, we need to show the court that there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances. This applies whenever we’re changing child support.
- If somebody’s got a new job, and they’re making a significant amount of money, then it may be time to modify.
- If a parent has moved out of state, it may be time to modify the possession schedule,
- or if the parents are no longer able to reach agreements for any number of reasons regarding important aspects of the child’s care, then again, that may be time to modify.
In order to determine whether you’re eligible for a modification, you’ll need to meet with an attorney and see if your circumstances meet the threshold requirements in order to request the court for change, or the parties may simply agree to the changes in which case most of the time, the court will adopt those changes.
Should I empty our bank account before filing for divorce?
Emptying a bank account before filing for divorce will have serious consequences and will most certainly increase the tension and conflict in your divorce process. Before taking such a step, we strongly urge you to talk with your lawyer and make sure you’ve considered all your options. What we don’t want to do is take a step early on in the process that can make negotiating a desirable settlement, more difficult, if not impossible, later on.

You should also read this post on addressing your finances in a divorce.
I’m concerned my spouse will be abusive to our kids, what can I do?
If there has been any history of abuse in your home, whether that abuse has been directed against you or your children or any other family member for that matter, you need to take steps to put a safety plan in place as you prepare to leave your marriage.

We know that the decision to divorce is a very difficult one, especially if you’ve been in an abusive relationship. We also know that there is a heightened risk associated with the decision to divorce. We’re going to help protect you and make sure that there are safety measures in place so that you don’t have to risk hurting yourself or your children in the divorce process.
I was just served divorce papers. What should I do?
Being served with divorce papers can be a scary and intimidating time for many people. Not surprisingly when it comes to questions about divorce, we get this one a lot! The first thing you need to do is simply take a breath. You’re going to be okay. Divorce is a legal proceeding. And being served with papers is simply the formal way that your spouse lets you know that he or she has initiated that process.

Second, you’re going to find in the petition that there may be standing orders or a temporary restraining order. These are important to pay attention to because they may limit what you’re able to do – with your finances, for example.

There are other guidelines that are set forth in those orders that are very important, and you need to pay attention to them. Also, there’s a timeline that comes with the service of process, and that means that you need to get an answer on file. And there also may be a hearing date that’s scheduled. The very best thing you can do right now is to pick up the phone and contact a lawyer, so you can learn more about what this means for you.
I’ve decided to file for divorce, what can I do to prepare?
If you are in a broken marriage, and you’ve decided to file for divorce, the very best thing you can do to help prepare for that divorce is to gather information. First, you’re going to want to gather information about your household finances and understand where your accounts are.

If you have a financial advisor, take time to meet with him or her. Get copies of tax returns, and now is also a great time to get a copy of your credit report. In addition to financials, you want to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself emotionally. And by that, I mean take time to do the things that you love to do, spend time with people who love and support you. And finally, when it comes to preparing for divorce, one of the most important steps you can take is to meet with a divorce lawyer who can help you plan for the divorce and make sure you understand and know all your options.
How can I tell my spouse I want a divorce?
Having decided you want a divorce, your first big challenge is how to break the news to your spouse. Check the post, Honey, I want a Divorce for tips on making the divorce conversation easier.
How long does it take to get divorced (in Texas)?
In Texas, just because you file for divorce doesn’t mean you have to get a divorce. Sometimes couples are able to reconcile in the divorce process. If that’s something that you think might be an option, we want to know that early on, so we can help you select a process that provides the space for that to happen. And we can also put you in touch with resources that we think may be helpful.

You can also read te post How long does it take to get divorced in Texas?
Can I spy on my spouse during the divorce?
Before you take any steps, to spy on your spouse, whether you are installing a GPS tracker, you’ve got keylogger software, or you have any listening devices in your home, you need to make sure you speak with a lawyer. So many of these techniques for getting information about your spouse without their permission are illegal and can actually cause harm to your legal case. We want to make sure you get all the information that you need in the legal avenues that are available so that you can have the very best outcome possible.
How can I make divorce easier on my kids?
If you are beginning the divorce process, the very best thing you can do for your children is to let them know that they are loved by you and by the other parent. Here are some tips we found to help make divorce easier on your children.
- Keep your routines as stable and steady as possible
- Remind them that they are loved by both parents and be supportive of the children’s relationship with the other parent.
- Make sure you’re not disparaging or discouraging the other parent,
- Make sure your child has time to do the things they love to do and to spend time with their friends and their family members.
- And finally, if you find that your kiddos are experiencing disruption in their sleep or eating patterns or that they’re experiencing sadness, this is a great time to get a child therapist involved to help support your child.
You should also read Breaking the News: & Tips for Telling Your Kids About Divorce and find out more information on parenting through divorce on our blog.
Can I date during my divorce?
When facing divorce, it’s understandable that you may want to move on to your next stage in life as quickly as possible. Maybe you’ve found a companion you’d like to spend time with while your divorce is concluded. Divorce attorney Jennifer Hargrave discusses the legality of dating after filing for divorce and how to tell if you are in a common-law marriage in the state of Texas.