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Robin McCarty worked diligently with me to overcome a serious accusation. We collaborated together to unequivocally dismiss the charges with impunity. As is common when dealing with municipalities, this process took time and patience. Robin’s team was communicative, responsive and thoughtful while handling this intense situation. I highly recommend giving McCarty-Larson the opportunity to work through your case.
- Pablo Valdes
They help me through my divorce last year. It’s not easy mentally and physically but they had Great customer service any and every questions I had they answered my questions walk me through the whole process thank you and your team for all y’all did for me . What are you waiting for just call and see for yourself
- Aaron Herrera
From the first phone call late on a Friday afternoon to the successful out come of our legal issue, our family has had nothing but praises for the entire staff at McCarty-Larson. Always available, honest and upfront about the whole process. Mr. McCarty is an experienced and knowledgeable attorney with whom we always felt secure. And he genuinely cared about our family member. Robin and Natalie are a great team. Hayley was always very helpful too. Thank you to the entire staff and firm.
- Neil Phillips
Best in Ellis County! Daniel Morton, Amanda Nail, and the team at McCarty-Larson are incredibly responsive, ensuring quick and efficient handling of my case. Their staff was not only professional but also empathetic, guiding me through a challenging time. Despite the difficulties throughout my case, they prioritized my time, my needs, and got me a fair agreement that made everyone happy. Highly recommend for anyone navigating family legal matters.
- Jillian Bailey
When you choose McCarty-Larson, you're choosing a legal team that will stand by you every step of the way.
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Thinking about moving with your child, or worried the other parent is planning a move that changes everything you worked hard to set up? These cases feel personal, and they are.
At McCarty-Larson, PLLC, we help Texas families handle child relocation issues with clear advice and steady advocacy. With more than 50 years of combined experience in family law, our team works to protect your rights and keep your child’s well-being front and center.
Relocation questions can pop up during a divorce, long after a decree, or for unmarried parents under a SAPCR. No matter where your case starts, we focus on smart planning, practical solutions, and strong courtroom work when needed. You do not have to handle this alone.
Texas Laws on Child Relocation
Texas law favors frequent and continuing contact with both parents when that serves a child’s best interests. That goal does not end after a divorce or separation. If a move would disrupt an existing schedule, a judge will look closely at the reasons and the impact on the child.
A parent who wants to move a child a long distance, especially out of state, usually needs the other parent’s agreement or a court order. If there is a geographic restriction in your order, the parent with the child’s primary residence often cannot move outside the listed area without court approval.
Relocating a child without permission can trigger serious issues. A court can modify conservatorship or visitation, hold a parent in contempt, or order the child returned. Talking with an attorney before any move is a smart first step.
With those basics in mind, it helps to understand what judges look for during a relocation dispute.
Factors Considered in Texas Child Relocation Cases
Courts decide relocation disputes based on the child’s best interests. There is no single rule that fits every family, so judges weigh several facts and the practical day-to-day impact.
- The child’s relationship with each parent, including past involvement and stability.
- The reasons for the proposed move such as work, safety, or family support.
- The effect on the child’s schooling, healthcare, activities, and emotional health.
- The distance of the move and a realistic plan to keep frequent contact with the other parent.
- The child’s preferences are shared when old enough to share a meaningful view.
A parent who proposes a thoughtful schedule, uses video calls, and shares travel details often looks more supportive of the child’s bond with both sides of the family.
How McCarty-Larson, PLLC, Assists Clients with Child Relocation
Our family law team guides parents on either side of a relocation case. We help with planning, negotiation, and full litigation when an agreement is out of reach.
Assistance with Seeking Relocation
If you want to move with your child, we will explain your options and help you start with consent if possible. When agreement is not in reach, we file the right pleadings and present your case to the court.
- Attempt to secure written consent from the other parent with clear terms for time, holidays, and travel.
- Prepare evidence, such as school comparisons, job offers, housing details, childcare plans, and a workable long-distance schedule.
We focus on concrete facts that show the move benefits your child and that the other parent will still have real, regular time.
Representation for Objecting to a Proposed Child Relocation
If the other parent plans a move that harms your time or your child’s stability, you can ask the court to stop it. Acting quickly helps protect your rights.
- File a response or your own request to block the move and keep the current geographic limits in place.
- Present testimony and records showing the child’s ties to school, doctors, friends, and extended family.
- Offer an improved schedule or local resources that support your child if the move is denied.
We highlight the practical costs of distance, travel fatigue for the child, and any pattern of missed visits or poor communication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption in Texas
In Texas, the legal requirements to adopt a child include being at least 21 years old, being a resident of Texas, and undergoing a home study evaluation. Potential adoptive parents must also demonstrate that they are financially stable, mentally and emotionally prepared for parenthood, and capable of providing a stable environment for the child. Additionally, criminal background checks and child abuse clearances are mandatory for all adults in the household.
The duration of the adoption process in Texas can vary depending on several factors, including the type of adoption and the specific circumstances of the case. On average, the process can take between six months to a year or more. Factors influencing this timeline include the completion of the home study, the legal proceedings, and the availability of adoptive children. Working with our experienced Texas adoption attorneys can help streamline the process and address any potential delays.
Private adoption and foster care adoption are two distinct pathways to adopting a child in Texas. Private adoption involves adopting a child directly from a birth parent or through an adoption agency, often with the assistance of an adoption attorney. This type of adoption generally involves a more controlled environment and may be faster compared to foster care adoption.
Foster care adoption, on the other hand, involves adopting a child who is currently in the foster care system. This process often includes additional steps, such as working with the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and potentially dealing with the child’s biological family’s legal issues. Foster care adoption may also involve a longer waiting period and more extensive legal proceedings.
Yes, birth parents in Texas have the right to contest an adoption. However, their ability to contest may depend on several factors, including whether they have consented to the adoption and their compliance with legal requirements. In some cases, a birth parent may have a limited timeframe to contest the adoption, so it is crucial to address any concerns promptly. Adoption attorneys in Texas can provide guidance on how to handle potential disputes and ensure that all legal procedures are properly followed.
The cost of adoption in Texas varies widely depending on the type of adoption and specific circumstances. Private adoptions can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, covering expenses such as legal fees, agency fees, and other associated costs. Foster care adoptions typically have lower costs, often covered by state subsidies, but may involve other expenses related to the adoption process. Consulting with our Texas adoption attorneys can help provide a clearer understanding of potential costs and financial planning.
Adoptive parents in Texas have the same legal rights and responsibilities as biological parents once the adoption is finalized. This includes the right to make decisions regarding the child’s education, health care, and general welfare. Adoptive parents also gain legal custody of the child and assume all responsibilities associated with parenthood. It is essential to work with experienced adoption attorneys to ensure that all legal aspects of the adoption are properly addressed, and that adoptive parents’ rights are fully protected.
Texas adoption attorneys play a crucial role in guiding prospective adoptive parents through the adoption process. They provide legal advice, assist with the preparation and filing of necessary documents, and ensure compliance with state and federal adoption laws. Attorneys also help navigate potential legal challenges and represent clients in court proceedings. Their experience helps streamline the adoption process, making it more manageable and ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
Guidance on Custody Orders and Geographic Restrictions
Your order controls who can decide the child’s residence and where that residence can be set. We review your decree or SAPCR, explain what it allows, and pursue court relief if restrictions were ignored.
|
Scenario |
Common Requirement |
Notes |
| Move within the same county | Notice to the other parent | Often allowed if no geographic restriction is violated. |
| Move to an adjacent county | Check order language | Some orders still permit this; others do not. |
| Out-of-state relocation | Consent or court order | Expect a full best-interests review by the judge. |
| Move outside a geographic restriction | Modification required | Moving without approval risks contempt or reversal. |
If the other parent violates a restriction, we can file enforcement requests and ask the judge to address missed time or travel problems.
Why Choose McCarty-Larson, PLLC?
We handle Texas child relocation issues daily, from short moves to cross-country disputes. Our attorneys bring real courtroom experience, steady communication, and a practical mindset to each case.
- Deep knowledge of Texas conservatorship and relocation rules.
- A plan built around your goals, supported by solid evidence and clear scheduling proposals.
- Compassionate guidance, strong advocacy, and quick responses when deadlines hit fast.
At McCarty-Larson, we treat you like a teammate. Your story matters, and your voice gets heard.
Common Questions About Child Relocation
Parents often share similar concerns. Here are straightforward answers to a few frequent questions.
What if there is a restraining order against the other parent?
A restraining order can affect relocation, but it does not automatically stop a move unless the order says so. The court looks at the reasons for the order and whether the proposed move creates safety risks for the child.
We can review your protective paperwork, explain your options, and present safety-focused conditions if a move proceeds.
What if the other parent is interfering with visitation rights after moving?
If a parent blocks visits or ignores the schedule, there are legal tools to protect your time. Judges take violations seriously, especially when distance makes make-ups harder.
- File a motion to enforce the order and request make-up time or other remedies.
- Ask for sanctions or a modification when interference continues.
Keep records of missed time, travel costs, messages, and any last-minute cancellations.
Can travel expenses related to visitation following a relocation be reimbursed?
Courts can assign travel costs to one or both parents. Judges often look at incomes, the distance, and who initiated the move.
We help propose fair cost-sharing, such as dividing airfare, splitting gas and lodging, or rotating who travels when that works better for the child.
Contact McCarty-Larson, PLLC, to Discuss Your Case
If a relocation is on the table, timing matters. Call 972-775-2100 to talk about your options with our team, or reach us through our website. We welcome your questions, and we are ready to help you protect your child’s stability and your relationship, whether you need to request a move or stop one before it happens.
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