Child Custody Attorneys in San Antonio, Texas

At Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we know that child custody disputes are among the most emotionally charged and critically important legal matters a parent can face. The well-being, future, and daily life of your children hang in the balance, and decisions made in these cases can have lifelong impacts. Whether you’re seeking primary conservatorship, joint managing conservatorship, visitation rights, or modifications to existing orders, our experienced family law team in San Antonio provides compassionate yet aggressive representation to protect your parental rights and prioritize your child’s best interests. With our main office in the heart of San Antonio and appointment-only locations in Austin and Corpus Christi, we proudly serve families across Texas.

In Texas, child custody—officially referred to as conservatorship, possession, and access—is governed by the Texas Family Code, which places the child’s best interests at the forefront of every determination. Courts consider factors such as the child’s emotional and physical needs, parental abilities, stability of the home environment, any history of family violence, and the child’s own preferences if they are old enough. At Barton & Associates, our attorneys bring deep knowledge of these laws to craft strategic approaches tailored to your family’s unique situation. We handle everything from initial Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) filings to complex modifications and enforcements.

Our firm excels in a full range of child custody matters. For many families, achieving shared or joint custody (Joint Managing Conservatorship) is ideal, allowing both parents to share rights and duties while establishing a possession schedule that maximizes time with the child. We advocate for equitable arrangements, including expanded standard possession orders or customized 50/50 schedules when appropriate, always aiming to foster healthy co-parenting relationships.

Fathers often face unique challenges in custody cases, and our team is dedicated to upholding father’s rights. We aggressively combat outdated biases, ensuring that devoted fathers receive fair consideration for primary conservatorship, decision-making authority, and meaningful possession time. Similarly, we represent mothers seeking to secure their roles as primary caregivers or to protect their children from unsafe environments.

In urgent situations involving immediate danger to a child—such as allegations of abuse, neglect, or substance issues—we pursue emergency custody orders to obtain temporary protective measures swiftly. Our attorneys act decisively to safeguard children while building a strong case for long-term resolutions.

We also champion grandparents’ rights, assisting loving grandparents in seeking possession or access when parents are unable or unwilling to care for the child, or in cases where grandparent involvement significantly benefits the child’s welfare. Texas law provides specific pathways for grandparents, and our experience navigating these provisions helps preserve vital family bonds.

For many clients, the Standard Possession Order (SPO) serves as a starting point, outlining weekend, holiday, and summer visitation schedules. We work to customize these orders to fit your family’s needs, whether expanding possession for out-of-town parents or restricting access when necessary to protect the child.

High-conflict custody battles require seasoned litigators, and our team is prepared to take your case to trial if negotiations fail. We collaborate with child psychologists, social workers, and custody evaluators to present compelling evidence supporting your position. At the same time, we prioritize alternative dispute resolution like mediation when it can lead to faster, less adversarial outcomes that reduce stress on children.

Modifications to existing custody orders become necessary as circumstances change—relocations, job changes, or shifts in a parent’s ability to provide care. We guide clients through the modification process, proving material and substantial changes to secure updated arrangements that reflect current realities.

Enforcement actions are another key area of our practice, helping parents hold ex-spouses accountable for violations of court orders, such as denied visitation or interference with parental rights. We pursue contempt motions and other remedies to restore compliance and protect your relationship with your child.

Paternity establishments often intersect with custody cases, and we assist unmarried fathers in confirming legal parentage to gain rights to custody and visitation. For all clients, we address related issues like child support calculations, ensuring orders are fair and enforceable.

What truly distinguishes Barton & Associates is our client-centered philosophy and unparalleled accessibility. Our lawyers and every member of our support staff are always “on call”—available evenings, weekends, and even holidays to respond promptly to texts, emails, and phone calls. For non-clients, we offer telephone interviews and fast assistance from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. This commitment means you’re never left waiting during critical moments in your case.

Under the leadership of founding attorney Gary J. Barton, whose strategic acumen spans family law and criminal defense, our Family Law Division combines empathy with fierce advocacy. We understand that custody disputes aren’t just legal battles—they’re about preserving your family’s foundation and ensuring your child’s happiness and security. Our goal is to achieve outcomes that allow you and your children to thrive, whether through collaborative agreements or courtroom victories.

Your child’s future deserves the strongest possible protection. If you’re facing a child custody issue, don’t navigate it alone. Contact Barton & Associates today for a free confidential consultation. Our team is ready to listen, strategize, and fight relentlessly for you and your family.

Main Category: Family Law
Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law
115 Camaron St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Office: 210-500-0000