In Texas, child custody—legally termed “conservatorship”—is decided based on the “best interest of the child” standard. Whether you are navigating a high-conflict custody battle or seeking to modify an existing possession order, you need a legal advocate who understands the nuances of the Texas Family Code and the specific tendencies of local family court judges.
1. KoonsFuller, P.C.
Managing Shareholder: Ike Vanden Eykel
Founded: 1978
Headquarters: Dallas, TX
Phone: 214-871-2727
Website: https://koonsfuller.com
Office Locations:
- Dallas: 1717 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1500, Dallas, TX 75202 | 214-871-2727
- Houston: 109 North Post Oak Lane, Suite 425, Houston, TX 77024 | 713-789-5112
- Plano: 5700 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 2200, Plano, TX 75093 | 972-769-2727
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Visitation, Possession & Access, Child Support, High-Asset Divorce, Paternity
Firm Size: 30+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: KoonsFuller is one of the most established family law firms in the Southwest, specializing in complex child custody and visitation disputes. The firm is unique for having an in-house licensed counselor to help families manage the emotional trauma often associated with litigation. They are experts in handling “50/50 custody” requests and high-conflict scenarios involving allegations of substance abuse or parental alienation. Many of their attorneys are Board Certified in Family Law, providing the high-level technical expertise required for international custody cases and modifications of existing court orders.
2. Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP (ONDA)
Managing Partner: Scott Anderson
Founded: 1989
Headquarters: Dallas, TX
Phone: 214-273-2400
Website: https://ondafamilylaw.com
Office Locations:
- Dallas: 5950 Sherry Ln., #800, Dallas, TX 75225 | 214-273-2400
- San Antonio: 425 Soledad, #550, San Antonio, TX 78205 | 210-225-5567
- Frisco: 2600 Network Blvd., #200, Frisco, TX 75034 | 972-963-5459
Practice Areas: Parental Custody Disputes, Termination of Parental Rights, Custody Modification, Relocation, Child Support
Firm Size: 20+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly
Languages: English
About the Firm: ONDA is distinguished by its singular focus on family law and a bench where every partner is Board Certified in the field. The firm has a particular commitment to resolving issues that impact the welfare of children, ranging from standard possession disputes to complex termination and relocation cases. Their appellate section is among the strongest in the state, allowing them to challenge custody rulings at the highest levels of the Texas judiciary. They are known for disciplined advocacy and a results-driven approach that prioritizes the long-term stability of the family unit.
3. Walters Gilbreath, PLLC
Founders: Brian Walters and Jake Gilbreath
Founded: 2013 (Founders have decades of combined experience)
Headquarters: Austin, TX
Phone: 512-320-9160
Website: https://www.waltersgilbreath.com
Office Locations:
- Austin: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 110, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-320-9160
- Dallas: 3811 Turtle Creek Blvd, Suite 1000, Dallas, TX 75219 | 469-250-0447
- Houston: 440 Louisiana Street, Suite 2450, Houston, TX 77002 | 713-275-7830
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Parental Alienation, Mental Health & Addiction in Custody, Jury Trials, High-Net-Worth Divorce
Firm Size: 15+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer (Transparency and cell phone access)
Languages: English
About the Firm: Walters Gilbreath has built a fierce reputation for its modern, tech-forward, and client-driven approach to child custody litigation. They are one of the few family law firms in Texas that frequently takes custody cases to jury trials, a strategic option allowed in the state for certain issues like primary residency. The firm is highly experienced in cases involving parental alienation and co-parents with mental health or addiction issues. Their “reputation for results” is backed by numerous high-profile client endorsements, including professional athletes and high-net-worth individuals who require discretion and aggressive advocacy.
4. The Law Office of Jason Wright
Founder: Jason Wright
Founded: 2012
Headquarters: Austin, TX
Phone: 512-884-1221
Website: https://jasonwrightlaw.com
Office Locations:
- Austin: 3600 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Suite A250, Austin, TX 78746 | 512-884-1221
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Shared Custody Agreements, Fathers’ Rights, Child Support Termination, Complex Divorce
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Honest advice and transparent cost assessments
Languages: English
About the Firm: Jason Wright and his team are known throughout Central Texas for their focus on “doing what is best for the children” in every case. The firm is particularly regarded for its success in fathers’ rights cases, helping good fathers secure primary custody or terminate unfair child support obligations. Clients frequently praise Jason Wright for his ability to remain emotionally calm during stressful litigation while providing direct, logical legal advice. As a boutique firm, they offer a highly personalized experience, ensuring that every case is prepared meticulously for mediation or court.
5. Ramos Law Group, PLLC
Founder: Mary E. Ramos
Founded: 2004
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 713-225-6200
Website: https://www.ramosfamilylaw.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 1214 Miramar St, Houston, TX 77006 | 713-225-6200
- Sugar Land: 2245 Texas Drive, Suite 300, Sugar Land, TX 77479 | 713-225-6200
- The Woodlands: 8505 Technology Forest Place, Suite 104, The Woodlands, TX 77381 | 713-225-6200
Practice Areas: Child Custody Challenges, Divorce, Adoption, Property Division, LGBTQ+ Family Law
Firm Size: 10+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Led by Mary E. Ramos, who is Board Certified in Family Law, this firm serves the Greater Houston area with a dedicated focus on safeguarding parental rights. They specialize in “custody challenges,” including cases that involve special needs children or parents relocating out of state. The firm is recognized for its strategic planning and robust courtroom representation, helping parents navigate the emotionally charged arena of custody disputes. They maintain multiple offices across the Houston metroplex to provide local expertise in various county courts, ensuring their clients have an advocate who understands the specific local rules of Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties.
Child custody in Texas is primarily governed by Title 5 of the Texas Family Code. The state recognizes two types of conservatorship: Managing Conservatorship (rights and duties) and Possessory Conservatorship (visitation and access). Texas law presumes that parents should be appointed as Joint Managing Conservators (JMC) unless it is shown that such an arrangement is not in the child’s best interest due to history of violence or neglect. Under Section 153.002, the “best interest of the child” is the primary consideration for any court order. Parents should be aware that once a child reaches the age of 12, the court may interview the child in chambers to discuss their preferences, although the child’s preference is not binding on the judge’s final decision.
The firms listed on this page represent a selection of child custody practices operating across Texas. Each firm’s details, including office locations, phone numbers, practice areas, and background information, are based on publicly available data verified at the time of publication. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Individuals seeking legal representation should conduct their own research, verify current attorney licensing through the State Bar of Texas, and schedule consultations to determine the right fit for their specific situation.
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