How Child Custody Works in Kendall County, Texas

Texas family courts don’t use the term “custody” the way most people do. Instead, the law breaks the concept into two distinct parts: conservatorship and possession and access.

Conservatorship refers to the legal rights and responsibilities each parent holds — things like the authority to make decisions about your child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing. Texas courts generally favor joint managing conservatorship, which means both parents share decision-making authority. In cases where one parent has a documented history of family violence, neglect, or other harmful behavior, a court may grant sole managing conservatorship to the other parent instead.

Possession and access is the physical schedule — when the child is with each parent. The Texas Standard Possession Order provides a common framework that many courts use as a starting point, but it isn’t mandatory. Judges can and do deviate from it based on the child’s age, the parents’ work schedules, geographic distance between households, and other relevant factors.

In all custody matters, the court’s guiding standard is the best interest of the child. That means demonstrating stability, a history of involvement in your child’s life, and a genuine ability to support your child’s relationship with the other parent all carry real weight. An experienced Boerne family law attorney can help you present your case in a way that speaks directly to what the court is looking for.

Custody Matters Matthew Gilbert Handles in the Boerne Area

Every custody case is different, and the Gilbert Law Office is equipped to handle a wide range of situations for Boerne and Kendall County families:

Initial Custody Orders — Whether your custody matter arises as part of a Boerne divorce or as a standalone suit affecting the parent-child relationship, getting the initial order right matters. A well-drafted order reduces ambiguity, minimizes future conflict, and gives both parents a clear framework to work within.

Custody Modifications — Texas law allows custody orders to be modified when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Relocation, changes in a parent’s living situation, a child’s evolving needs, or a shift in either parent’s work schedule can all potentially qualify. Matthew can help you evaluate your situation and determine whether a modification is viable.

Enforcement of Existing Orders — When the other parent repeatedly ignores the custody schedule, withholds the child without cause, or otherwise violates a court order, you have legal remedies available. The Gilbert Law Office can help you pursue enforcement through the Kendall County courts and hold the other party accountable.

Custody and Child Support — Custody and child support are closely intertwined under Texas law. Changes to your parenting schedule often affect support obligations, and it helps to work with an attorney who can address both at once rather than treating them as separate issues.

Military Custody Cases — Families connected to the military face a distinct set of challenges when it comes to custody — deployment schedules, potential relocation, and the requirements of federal law all factor in. As a veteran himself, Matthew Gilbert has a firsthand understanding of how military service intersects with family law, and he’s handled military divorce and custody matters for Boerne-area clients.

Client Testimonials

Families in Boerne and across Kendall County have trusted the Gilbert Law Office with their most important legal matters. Here’s what some of them have to say.