Child Custody & Visitation

There is nothing in this world more precious to you than your children. At Wayne Bachus & Associates, we know that the thought of losing time with them or having a judge dictate how you raise them is one of the most frightening prospects a parent can face. Whether you are going through a divorce, separating from a partner you were never married to, or seeking to modify an existing court order, child custody disputes strike at the very heart of the family. We approach these delicate cases with a singular focus: protecting the well-being of your children while aggressively advocating for your rights as a parent. We understand that you are not just fighting for “visitation;” you are fighting for the memories, the bedtime stories, and the guidance you provide in your child’s life.

In Texas, the courts use terms like “conservatorship” rather than custody, and the legal standards always revolve around the “best interest of the child.” While that sounds simple, proving what is best for a child in a courtroom setting can be incredibly complex. We help you navigate the distinction between managing conservatorship—which involves the right to make major decisions about medical care, education, and religious upbringing—and possessory conservatorship, which dictates the physical schedule of where the child sleeps. Our goal is to craft a parenting plan that reflects the reality of your life and your child’s needs, rather than just accepting a standard, cookie-cutter schedule that might not work for your family.

We frequently work with unmarried parents who need to establish legal rights. It is a common misconception that fathers automatically have rights to their children upon birth; in many cases, paternity must be legally established before you can enforce a visitation schedule or have a say in how your child is raised. We guide fathers through the process of establishing paternity and securing their place in their child’s life. Conversely, we also represent mothers who need to establish firm boundaries and secure financial support to ensure their children are raised in a stable environment. We believe that a child thrives when they have safe, loving access to both parents, and we strive to make that a legal reality.

Life is not static, and the court order that worked for your family three years ago may not work today. This is why a significant portion of our practice is dedicated to modifications. Perhaps you have received a job offer in another city and need to discuss relocation, or maybe your teenager’s schedule has changed, rendering the old visitation plan impossible. We help clients petition the court to modify orders to reflect current circumstances. We also step in when safety becomes an issue. If you believe your child is in danger due to the other parent’s substance abuse, neglect, or new partner, we act swiftly to seek emergency orders or supervised visitation to ensure your child’s physical and emotional safety.

We also understand that a court order is only as good as the compliance of the parents involved. It is incredibly frustrating when a co-parent refuses to return a child on time, withholds visitation, or fails to consult you on major medical or educational decisions. We assist with enforcement actions to hold the other party accountable. We are firm believers that court orders are not suggestions, and we are prepared to go back to court to ensure that your parental rights are respected.

Custody battles can easily become toxic, but they do not have to be. Whenever possible, we encourage mediation and cooperative negotiation. We have seen time and again that parents are happier with outcomes they crafted themselves rather than outcomes forced upon them by a judge. We help you negotiate from a position of strength, keeping the temperature down so that you and your co-parent can maintain a functional relationship for the sake of your children. However, if the other party is unreasonable or poses a threat to your child, we are relentless litigators who will present a compelling case to the judge.

Your relationship with your child is the most important legacy you will leave. At Wayne Bachus & Associates, we treat your custody case with the personal attention and sensitivity it deserves. We listen to your concerns, we validate your fears, and we build a legal strategy designed to keep you and your children connected. You are the expert on your child; we are the experts on the law. Together, we can build a future where your children feel safe, loved, and supported.