Child Custody Attorney in Conroe, Houston & Montgomery County, TX
Conservatorship, possession schedules, custody modifications, and CPS defense for parents throughout Conroe, Houston, Montgomery County, Harris County, and the surrounding areas. Free consultations available.
Child Custody Representation in Conroe, Houston, Montgomery County & Harris County
Few legal matters are as emotionally charged for a parent as a child custody dispute. Its outcome shapes how much time you spend with your children, who decides questions about their education and healthcare, and how your family moves forward after a separation or divorce. Our firm handles custody matters throughout Montgomery County, Harris County, and the surrounding areas — whether your case is filed in Conroe or in Houston.
In Texas, the term used is conservatorship rather than custody. Knowing the different types of conservatorship, how possession schedules operate, and what courts weigh when reviewing parenting arrangements is essential to building an effective legal strategy in Montgomery County family courts.
Since 2016, we have represented parents in child custody matters before Montgomery County and Harris County family courts — including contested custody litigation, SAPCR proceedings, modifications, and enforcement actions.
When Both Parents Agree — Uncontested Custody Modifications
Not every custody matter has to be fought out in court. When both parents have already settled on changes to an existing custody order — adjusting the possession schedule, altering a geographic restriction, or other modifications — the process can often move more quickly and at a much lower cost than a litigated modification.
An informal agreement between parents — even one put in writing — is not legally enforceable by itself. Only an order signed by the court can be enforced through contempt proceedings. If you and the other parent have reached an agreement, having it properly entered as a court order is a critical final step.
Qualifying agreed custody modifications can be handled through our uncontested divorce service — attorney-guided, flat-fee, and built for parents who have agreed on every term. A licensed attorney handles the drafting, filing, and court approval from start to finish.
Types of Conservatorship in Texas
Texas law distinguishes between legal rights — who makes decisions about the child — and physical possession — where the child lives and when.
Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC)
This is the most common arrangement in Texas. Both parents share rights and duties, such as decisions about education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. JMC does not guarantee equal time — one parent is usually designated to establish the child's primary residence, subject to a geographic restriction.
Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC)
One parent receives exclusive authority to make decisions for the child. Courts grant SMC when joint conservatorship would significantly harm the child's physical health or emotional development — usually in cases involving family violence, substance abuse, neglect, or a parent who is unable to cooperate.
Possessory Conservatorship
The non-primary parent is generally named possessory conservator, receiving court-ordered possession and access. That schedule is typically the Texas Standard Possession Order or a modified arrangement the parties agree to and the court approves.
The Best Interest of the Child Standard
Every custody decision in Texas is guided by the best interest of the child standard. Courts look at how involved each parent is in the child's daily life, how stable each home environment is, the child's relationships with siblings and extended family, each parent's physical and mental health, any history of family violence or substance abuse, and — for children 12 and older — the child's own stated preference.
Knowing how these factors actually play out in practice — not merely on paper — is where experience in Montgomery County and Harris County family courts makes a difference. We have handled these evaluations extensively and understand what courts and evaluators look for when deciding custody.
⚠️ CPS Involvement?
If CPS has opened a case involving your children, contact an attorney immediately. The way you respond during the early stages of a CPS investigation can significantly shape the outcome. We can help you understand the process and protect your parental rights.
Contact us immediately →Our Office
141 N. San Jacinto Street
Conroe, TX 77301
Mon–Thu: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Sat–Sun: By Appointment
Key Child Custody Concepts in Texas
The default schedule for the non-primary parent. It provides alternating weekends, Thursday evening visits during the school year, alternating holidays, and extended summer possession. Courts may adjust the SPO based on the child's needs and the parents' circumstances.
The parent designated to set the child's primary residence decides where the child lives, subject to any geographic restriction. Courts often limit primary residence to a specific county or its adjacent counties.
Moving a child beyond a court-ordered geographic area without the other parent's consent or a court order breaches the custody order. Relocation disputes rank among the most complex custody matters — stepping in with legal help early is essential.
A child 12 or older may tell the court which parent they prefer for primary residence. The court weighs that preference but is not bound by it — the best interest standard controls the final decision.
An existing order can be modified once there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances. Common grounds include relocation, changes in the child's needs, or a significant change in either parent's situation. When both parents agree, a flat-fee uncontested modification may be available.
The Custody Process in Texas — Conroe & Houston
File or Respond
Custody proceedings can begin as part of a divorce, a SAPCR, or a modification of an existing order. We start with a thorough review of your situation and goals before anything is filed.
Temporary Orders
In most contested cases, temporary orders are put in place early to govern custody while the matter is pending. Because these interim arrangements often shape the final outcome, getting them right from the outset matters.
Mediation
Both Montgomery County and Harris County courts require mediation before most contested custody trials, and many cases settle at this point. We treat mediation as seriously as preparing for trial — the settlement terms become enforceable court orders.
Final Order
Whether it comes from agreement or trial, the final order sets out conservatorship rights, the possession schedule, geographic restrictions, and child support. We work to make sure the order is specific, enforceable, and built to last.
Child Custody Attorney Near You
We represent parents in Conroe, Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Cypress, Humble, Katy, and communities across Montgomery County, Harris County, Fort Bend County, Brazoria County, and Waller County.
Child Custody FAQ — Texas
Meet Our Team at the Law Office of Keith Phillips
Keith became a licensed mediator in 2020, and that perspective shapes how he approaches every case — focused on practical, efficient resolution while fully prepared to litigate when necessary. He is a father of five.
Behind the scenes, Kaitlyn is the one making sure nothing falls through the cracks — preparing documents, coordinating discovery, and tracking every deadline — so clients can focus on their families while she handles the details. What clients remember most is simply how heard she made them feel.
Serving Greater Houston & Surrounding Counties
This firm represents clients throughout Montgomery, Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Waller Counties — with our office based in Conroe, steps from the Montgomery County Family Law Courts.
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Attorney advertising. Law Office of Keith Phillips is a Texas law firm. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Keith Phillips (TX Bar 2016) is the attorney responsible for this content.