Strong Legal Allies for Divorced Fathers Fighting for Custody
When your role as a father is challenged, you need more than just legal advice—you need a team that’s ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you in the fight for your rights.
At Johnson McNulty, we don’t shy away from tough custody battles. We step into them with purpose.
We understand that divorced father custody rights are too often overlooked or misunderstood. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to stand with fathers like you—men who are not just showing up, but stepping up.
We bring strength, clarity, and strategy to every case, helping you navigate the custody process with confidence. You don’t have to face this alone—we’re here to help you reclaim your place in your child’s life.
Legal Counsel for Fathers’ Rights in Texas
As top-rated child custody lawyers in Texas, we’ve seen firsthand how family courts can be intimidating—especially for fathers. But the law is clear: you have rights.
And with the right legal counsel in your corner, you can assert those rights with confidence.
Whether you’re navigating a contested custody battle, modifying an existing order, or establishing paternity, we bring clarity, strategy, and unwavering support every step of the way.
Explore our child custody services
Types of Child Custody in Texas: What Fathers Need to Know
In Texas, there are two primary forms of child custody: legal custody (known as conservatorship) and physical custody (possession and access).
Fathers are equally eligible for both under the law. The outdated assumption that mothers automatically receive primary custody is no longer the standard. Courts now prioritize the best interest of the child—and that often includes an active, committed father.
Key Custody Types Fathers in Texas Should Understand:
- Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC): Both parents share decision-making rights. This is the most common arrangement and supports strong co-parenting.
- Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC): One parent has exclusive rights over major decisions. Fathers may petition for sole custody in cases involving neglect, abuse, or instability.
- Standard Possession Orders (SPO): These govern parenting time. Fathers have the right to request expanded or customized schedules, especially when proximity and involvement support the child’s well-being.
You deserve a parenting plan that reflects your commitment—not just your title. Johnson McNulty can help you pursue a fair custody arrangement that puts your child’s best interests first.
Learn about family law in Texas
The Importance of Establishing Paternity
For unmarried fathers, establishing paternity is the first and most critical step in gaining legal custody rights in Texas. Without it, the law does not recognize you as your child’s legal parent—even if you’re listed on the birth certificate.
Why It Matters:
- You gain the legal right to request custody, visitation, and decision-making authority.
- Your child benefits from emotional security, inheritance rights, medical history access, and potential benefits like insurance or social security.
- It sets a foundation for a strong, protected relationship—one nobody can take from you.
At Johnson McNulty, we help you navigate the paternity process swiftly and assertively, so you can take your rightful place in your child’s life with legal protection behind you.
Petitioning for Child Custody in Texas
Filing for custody can feel overwhelming, but with a strong legal team by your side, the path becomes clear. Here’s how we help fathers take decisive, lawful action:
- Establish Paternity (if unmarried)
File an Acknowledgment of Paternity or request DNA testing through the court. - File a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR)
This petition initiates the legal custody process in family court. - Request Temporary Orders
Secure immediate access or rights while the case is pending. - Engage in Mediation or Court Hearings
Negotiate or litigate a parenting plan that supports your role and your child’s needs. - Finalize the Custody Order
Ensure your rights are formally recognized and enforceable.
We help you prepare every document with precision, meet every deadline with confidence, and face every courtroom with the strength and support you need to succeed. Our team is dedicated to supporting you through every step of the process, ensuring you are fully prepared and empowered.
Modifying an Existing Child Custody Order
Life changes, and when it does, your custody order should reflect that. Whether you’ve moved closer to your child, your work schedule has shifted, or the current arrangement no longer supports your child’s best interest, you have the right to request a modification.
At Johnson McNulty, we help fathers take legal action when:
- A parent is not following the current order
- Your child’s needs have changed significantly
- Your involvement has increased and more time is warranted
- There are concerns about the other parent’s fitness or stability
- You’ve remarried or had a substantial lifestyle improvement
Modifications aren’t automatic—they require strong evidence, smart legal arguments, and clear intent. We’ll help you present your case with confidence, ensuring your voice is heard and your child’s best interest remains at the heart of the court’s decision.
How We Can Help
At Johnson McNulty, we bring clarity and confidence to fathers navigating custody battles. Here’s what we do for you:
- Help you establish or contest paternity
- File and manage custody petitions and modifications
- Build strong legal arguments for joint or sole conservatorship
- Advocate for fair visitation schedules and enforcement
- Guide you through mediation or trial proceedings
- Ensure your rights and responsibilities are clearly outlined
- Provide ongoing legal support post-judgment or for enforcement
We fight for your place in your child’s life—because fatherhood is worth defending.
Get professional child custody services
Why Choose Johnson McNulty for Your Child Custody Battle?
When your relationship with your child is on the line, you need a legal partner who’s ready to fight alongside you.
At Johnson McNulty, we understand the weight of fatherhood and the battles that come with defending it in court. We’re not just here to advise—we’re here to act, to protect, and to win when it matters most.
Here’s why fathers across Texas trust us to lead the charge in their custody cases:
Relentless in the Pursuit of Justice
We don’t back down when the road gets hard. Whether you’re facing resistance from the other parent or systemic bias in the courtroom, we bring focused strategy and fearless advocacy to every case. Your rights deserve to be heard—and we make sure they are.
Texas Family Law Is Our Arena
We don’t dabble in family law—we live in it. Our deep understanding of Texas custody laws, court systems, and local judges allows us to build smart, personalized strategies that work in your jurisdiction. We’re always ten steps ahead because this is the field we know best.
You’re Not Just a Case—You’re a Father
We treat your case with urgency because we know you’re not fighting for paperwork—you’re fighting for your child. We take the time to know your story, your goals, and your strengths as a parent. Then we turn that story into a strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What custody rights does a father have?
In Texas, courts no longer presume that mothers are the default custodial parent. Instead, decisions are made based on the best interest of the child—an area where a father’s love, consistency, and involvement can and should shine.
As a father, you may have rights to:
- Joint managing conservatorship (shared decision-making)
- Physical custody and visitation
- Equal access to school and medical records
- A meaningful parenting schedule
Do unmarried fathers have custody rights?
Yes, but with an important caveat. In Texas, unmarried fathers do not automatically have custody rights—even if their name is on the birth certificate.
You must first establish legal paternity through the court. Once paternity is established, you can pursue visitation, joint custody, or other legal rights as a father.
What rights does a father have with joint custody?
In a joint custody arrangement, fathers have the legal right to:
- Participate in decisions about education, medical care, and religion
- Access school records and attend parent-teacher conferences
- Share parenting time through a standard possession order or custom plan
At Johnson McNulty, we help you not only understand these rights—but enforce them. Whether you need to negotiate a fair schedule or protect your time from interference, we’re ready to fight on your behalf.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Whether you’re just beginning the custody process or seeking to modify an existing order, we’re ready to step in, stand beside you, and fight for the outcome you and your child deserve.
At Johnson McNulty, we don’t deal in vague promises. We deliver bold, strategic action backed by deep legal experience and unwavering commitment. If you’re ready to reclaim your rights, protect your time, and secure your place in your child’s life, the first step starts now.
