Alvin Child Custody Attorneys
Experienced Visitation Lawyers Supporting Families in Galveston & Brazoria Counties & Nearby Areas
If you are facing the complex challenges of a child custody or visitation case, you deserve an advocate who will support you at every step. The team at Robert D. Clements Jr. Law Group, LLLP offers that level of care. Since 1985, we have provided individuals and families with personalized guidance. Whether your case involves divorce, modifying an agreement, or other legal matters, you can trust our firm to work to protect your parental rights and your child’s best interests.
Our local knowledge of Brazoria County family courts gives us insight into the realities families face in Alvin, Pearland, and nearby communities. We stay informed about local court procedures and changes in Texas law, ensuring you always receive information relevant to your circumstances. This commitment allows us to shape strategies that serve the needs of Southeast Texas families, including those with complex schedules or the need for remote participation in legal proceedings.
Speak directly with one of our Alvin child custody attorneys in a free consultation. Call (281) 809-0029 or reach out to us online to set up yours.
Understanding Child Custody in Texas
Texas law recognizes several types of custody and visitation arrangements, including:
- Joint managing conservatorship - Both parents share rights and responsibilities for raising their child, including making medical, educational, and financial decisions.
- Sole managing conservatorship - One parent receives decision-making authority. Courts often grant this if the other parent cannot make decisions for the child. The child lives with the custodial parent, while the other may have visitation rights.
- Possessory conservatorship - A possessory conservator parent spends time with their child but does not make key decisions.
Child custody cases in Alvin often involve parents who live in nearby cities or work different shifts in Brazoria County. We recognize how practical issues—such as commuting between Alvin and Pearland or access to local schools—can affect custody agreements. Our approach addresses your legal rights and the unique local factors that shape your family’s routine.
How Custody & Visitation Are Determined
Mutual Agreement
Texas courts encourage parents to create their own custody and visitation agreements. When possible, this approach simplifies the process and saves time. Once parents reach an agreement, they submit it for court approval. If approved, the agreement becomes legally binding, and both must follow its terms.
Emergency & Temporary Custody Orders in Brazoria County
In urgent situations, courts can issue temporary or emergency custody orders to protect a child's safety. If a parent believes the child faces harm or unsafe living conditions, that parent can request a hearing before a Brazoria County family court judge. The judge reviews the evidence and decides if a temporary order is needed until a full hearing takes place. Courts grant these orders when circumstances genuinely require quick intervention. For families in Alvin, knowing the process for emergency relief helps ensure the child's well-being when time matters most. If you face a concern about your child’s safety, provide relevant information so the court can respond according to local guidelines.
Relocation & Move-Away Considerations for Alvin Families
Relocation brings specific challenges for parents sharing custody. If a parent plans to move away from Alvin or another community in Brazoria County with the child, Texas law usually requires agreement from the other parent or court approval. Courts examine the reasons for moving, the distance, and how the change could affect the child's daily life and connection with both parents. In places like Alvin, where family members may commute or have ties to neighboring cities, understanding the impact of relocation is vital. If you think a move may affect your custody order, consider preparing early and learning about the expectations in local courts. Being proactive can help prevent disputes and protect your child’s best interests.
What Sets Us Apart
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Double Board-Certified
Robert D. Clements, Jr. is part of the top 2% of attorneys double board-certified in Personal Injury and Civil Trial Law.
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Trial-Ready, Battle-Tested
Our experienced attorneys prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, ensuring we’re ready to fight—and win—when it matters most.
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Personal, Direct Access
At our firm, you're not just a number. You can often speak with an attorney on day one and always reach a real person when you call.
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Client-First Approach
You're not just a number; we truly care about every client, providing personalized support and honest advice at every step.
Advocates Who Truly Care
Read 5-Star Client Reviews
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“I can't imagine life without my attorney, Bob Clements! He represents you as if you're his only client. He is an awesome attorney, but even a better person.”Lorene H.
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“Mr. Clements is a caring, punctual, intelligent and realistic professional. He dealt with my situation promptly and protected me from making mistakes. He made it go away before it even began.”Denise L.
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“Bob is absolutely incredible as a human being and his job. 44 years and still at it, the dude loves helping people out. Divorce sucks. Let Bob help.”Chaz J.
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“I am very pleased with his counsel and the way he has handled my cases. I was able to settle both cases in my favor and even got to hear a judge apologize to me, and that's never happened to me before.”John G.
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“I have known Bob Clements for 15 years and he is truly a BRILLIANT man. His knowledge of the law and its practical application in today’s world is an immediate asset to his clients as well as his associates.”Michael P.
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“I have no experience needing a lawyer, so he made me very calm, walking me through the process. He gave me all my options for my situation, dropped the lawyer act, and spoke to me like a person.”Angela D.
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“As a psychotherapist, I have had to go to court for various clients over the years. I have always compared their lawyers to Mr. Clements. Mr Clements wins every time, is the most honest lawyer, and a good man.”Patricia H.
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“Both attorneys were more than helpful. They took the time to speak with me and direct me in the right direction. They seemed to genuinely care about me and my situation.”Jules A.
Mediation
If parents cannot resolve their differences, the court may require mediation. A neutral third-party mediator will guide discussions and help parents find common ground that works for everyone involved.
Families in Alvin, Angleton, and surrounding areas often benefit from mediation because it can minimize conflict and resolve issues faster than litigation. Brazoria County courts frequently refer custody disputes to mediation to help parents avoid the stress and cost of trial. This process puts the focus on your child’s well-being and daily routine so you can move forward with stability.
Court Intervention
If parents cannot reach an agreement, Texas courts will determine custody. The court's main concern is the best interest of the child.
Court decisions consider factors such as:
- The child’s physical and emotional needs
- Parental fitness, including the ability to provide a stable environment
- Parental involvement in childcare
- The child’s wishes (if age-appropriate)
- Any history of domestic violence
- The distance between parents
Our firm provides strong support in contested custody matters. You can count on us to make your voice heard and keep your child’s best interests front and center.
Family courts in Brazoria County, which serve Alvin and the surrounding area, have unique rules and timelines that can affect your case. By preparing every matter as if it might go before a judge, we help local families approach court intervention with clear expectations and a plan that meets local standards.
FAQs
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
Legal custody means having the right to make decisions about the child's education, healthcare, and upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child lives on a day-to-day basis. In Texas, courts use "managing conservatorship" for decision-making rights and "possession" for physical time with a child.
How long does a typical child custody case take in Brazoria County?
Timelines vary depending on the court’s schedule, whether your case is disputed, and how soon both parents come to terms. Straightforward cases may finish in a few months, while contested matters can last longer. Brazoria County courts work to keep cases moving, but details and complexity shape timing for each family.
Can grandparents or other relatives seek custody or visitation?
Grandparents and relatives may request custody or visitation in limited situations, such as when a parent is unfit or unavailable. Courts always consider the child’s best interests and family relationships before deciding.
Turn to Us for Support in Child Custody & Visitation Cases
At Robert D. Clements Jr. Law Group, LLLP, we deliver the guidance and advocacy you deserve in your child custody or visitation case. Whether you seek a new arrangement or need to adjust an existing order, our team will work to help you achieve fair results. Learn about our services and how we can support you with a free consultation. Virtual meetings are available for your convenience. We also assist Spanish speakers. Hablamos español.
As a long-time member of the Alvin community, we understand the unique needs of families in Brazoria and Galveston Counties. With double board-certified leadership and a trial-ready approach, you benefit from decades of experience with each case. When your child’s future matters most, our dedicated team stands ready to help—no matter the complexities.
Call (281) 809-0029 or contact us online today to partner with our team of Alvin child custody and visitation lawyers.