Child Custody Lawyer in Ellis County and Navarro County
Helping Clients Obtain the Best Possible Outcome in Navarro & Ellis County
"My experience with Michael Crawford and Cedric Johnson was very good I have recommended the office of Michael Crawford to several people. They represented me in a custody case with one of my grandchildren, and I recommend The Law office of Michael J. Crawford highly. Very professional staff!"
- Debra, Satisfied Client
When parents separate or divorce, child custody and visitation are no longer just private family matters. The state is interested in protecting children's rights when parents are separated or divorced. Child custody may be part of a divorce, or it may be a standalone legal action.
Texas law holds both parents responsible for their children whether they are married or divorced or were never married to each other. The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford can help you better understand how to obtain the best custody arrangement for your situation. Call today to get started with a consultation at our Waxahachie or Corsicana locations.
Dial 214-903-7722 now or contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford online to schedule a free consultation about protecting your custody rights.
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Our Satisfied Clients
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“Eager to help, knew the law, honest, and stands by his word.”
Michael Crawford is awesome. He is by far the best defense mechanism We've seen around this town n a very long time if evr.exactly what we needed.he was so eager to help, knew the law, honest, and stands by his word. He actually works for u, his client. Even if court-appointed he seems to give 110%. Just imagine what he would do if he was getting paid. He shows me money is not everything! He is really in it to HELP his clients. My opinion is Micheal Crawford is a one of a kind lawyer.- Becky -
“Michael is not just my attorney, he is also my friend now because he is just that nice of a person.”
Michael J. Crawford is a graduate of Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in Dallas. He chose to open his own law practice in his hometown of Kerens in lieu of practicing with a big firm in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. He works hard for clients. He is known as the "Blue Collar Lawyer" because he gives 110% effort for every client. I was very impressed with his professionalism, understanding, and expression of sincerity while he was handling my case. Michael is not just my attorney, he is also my friend now because he is just that nice of a person. Thanks, Michael for protecting my rights.- Jaclynn -
“Not only does he care about his client, but he will also care for your family and keep them aware.”
“- JohnIf you want a lawyer that will pour his extensive knowledge of the law and the people of Navarro County into your case, this is the lawyer for you.
He stood up to the small town Justice System, that continually beat him down, but not once gave up
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“As a satisfied client, I highly recommend Michael J. Crawford.”
- Former ClientMr. Crawford was able to represent my wishes and balance that with a sensible plan while taking the appropriate time to compassionately explain the process to me, answer all my questions and really listen to my concerns. Mr. Crawford was honest, knowledgeable, and aggressively fought for a successful outcome.
As a satisfied client, I highly recommend Michael J. Crawford.
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“If u need someone he would be the one to use!!!”
He does a really great job!!! very smart!! will help u in any wy!! love what he's doing!!!this is the kinda lawyer we been needing here in this area!!! the other lawyer all play along with the other lawyer but Micheal stand along an get the job done!! he has a great staff that has it so simple for him!! if u need someone he would be the one to use!!!- Timothy -
“It was obvious at every moment of the trial that he was there to defend his client”
Mr. Crawford was the attorney for my nephew - I sat in court the 5 days of court - and observed Mr. Crawford for the entire trial - it was obvious at every moment of the trial that he was there to defend his client -- and defend, he did. He was wonderful!- Millie -
“He is very knowledgeable and passionate about the law.”
Mr. Crawford was awesome at handling my complex custody issues. Through the process, trumped-up charges were brought against me. Mr. Crawford was available over the weekend and at night at the peak of my issues when I needed him the most. His advice was on point and everything worked out like he advised it would. He is very knowledgable and passionate about the law. He doesn't just make deals. He fights for justice and wins.- Lance -
“He knows the people, he knows the law and will not let you down.”
Michael Crawford and his associates went above and beyond to help us with a very complex case resulting in a much more favorable divorce settlement than we ever thought would happen. He took a personal interest, showed compassion and understanding and his patience was that of Job. He is passionate about his work as well as fair, tough and blunt. He is aggressive and one time said, "I love to fight" -- exactly what I am looking for in a lawyer. I would recommend his office to anyone looking for a tough, smart lawyer. He knows the people, he knows the law and will not let you down.- lschnellmann
The Meaning of Child Custody
A child custody order provides a legal framework to protect each parent as well as their child or children.
These orders may specify joint custody or sole custody and can clarify:
- Physical custody, regarding where the child will live
- Legal custody, involving important decisions about the child's education, medical care, and general welfare
If you are the noncustodial parent and want the maximum time to visit with your child, let Attorney Michael J. Crawford stand up for your rights in court. Whether the visitation is weekends, midweek, school vacation periods or holidays, or a combination of these on a regular or alternating schedule, he can work to ensure maximum visitation time for you.
Who Gets Primary Custody in Texas?
In Texas, the court will usually have both parents have equal custody of the child. The parent who spends the most time with a child is referred to as having "primary custody." In Texas, child custody is described in terms of "conservatorships." A conservatorship involves the ability to make legal decisions for the child including decisions regarding education, health care, and religious training. A parent can be appointed as the child's sole managing conservator which means that the chosen parent is the only one with decision-making ability. When the decision-making is shared, a joint conservatorship is formed. The child's preferences are also taken into consideration when deciding who gets primary custody.
How to Get Primary Custody in Texas
In Texas, primary custody, also known as sole managing conservatorship, can be awarded to one parent if it is deemed to be in the child's best interest. To obtain primary custody in Texas, you will need to follow these steps:
- Hire an attorney: You should hire an experienced family law attorney to help you navigate the legal system and represent you in court.
- File a petition: You must file a petition for custody with the court. The petition should outline why you believe it is in the child's best interest for you to have primary custody.
- Attend a custody hearing: The court will schedule a hearing to determine custody arrangements. At the hearing, you and your attorney will present evidence and arguments as to why you should be awarded primary custody.
- Demonstrate the child's best interest: In Texas, the court considers a variety of factors when determining custody, including the child's emotional and physical needs, the parent's abilities to provide for those needs, and the child's wishes (if the child is old enough to express a preference).
- Be willing to cooperate: If the court does award you primary custody, you must be willing to cooperate with the other parent when it comes to visitation and other custody-related matters. A willingness to work together can go a long way toward ensuring the child's well-being.
It is important to note that custody cases can be complex and emotionally charged, and the outcome will depend on the case's specific circumstances. Working with an experienced child custody attorney in Navarro & Ellis County who can help guide you and represent your interests in court is always best
Why Choose The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford?
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All Initial Consultations Are FREE of Charge
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Se Habla Español
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Board Certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by Texas Board of Legal Specialization
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We Take Your Calls and Texts 24/7 - Here When You Need Us
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Client & Peer Reviewed 5 Stars for Quality Representation
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Over 200 Criminal Cases Taken to Jury Trials
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Extensive Courtroom Experience and Longstanding Reputation with Local Judges
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20% Discount to Veterans and Current Military or Civil Service
Texas Custody Laws for Unmarried Parents
If an unmarried couple has a child in Texas, according to Texas custody laws, the mother automatically has physical and legal custody of the child. It doesn't matter if the father signed the birth certificate. Fathers who wish to establish legal or physical custody will have to do so in court.
Special Considerations in Custody Cases
When you work with The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford in your family law case, Mr. Crawford will make sure you understand your rights, responsibilities, and options.
Some unique situations may be:
- Perhaps you are a grandparent who has taken a parental role in your grandchildren's lives and seek custody and/or guardianship. We can discuss grandparents' rights and solutions that can work for your family.
- Perhaps you and your child's other parent are unmarried, and you need help confirming paternity and all its legal implications.
Whatever the particulars, Mr. Crawford can advise you on how to resolve your child custody case as favorably as possible for you and the child or children involved.
Priorities of Family Law Courts
The court considers many factors in deciding a child custody case, including:
- Parent-child relationship and contact history
- Safety and welfare of the child
- Parental health and finances
- Parental residences
In order to have the best parenting time outcome for you and your child, it is important to have an attorney experienced in Texas custody laws to present your case in court. Call our team today to schedule a consultation about what to do next.
Begin planning your case today. Dial 214-903-7722 now for your free initial consultation. We have two convenient locations in Waxahachie and Corsicana.