Harris County Child Custody Lawyer

Protecting Your Parental Rights. Prioritizing Your Child’s Future.

Having to face a family law issue without legal assistance can be a confusing and stressful situation. You may be unprepared for your next move, and you may not even know where to start. Hiring a Harris County child custody lawyer from Murrah & Killough, PLLC, to help secure your custody arrangement and establish child support is a step in the right direction.

Above all, you want to secure your children’s future and remind them that this entire situation is in no way their fault. An experienced child custody lawyer can prioritize your case and take control of it, allowing you to focus on being there for your kids and working on co-parenting with your ex.

At Murrah & Killough, PLLC, we understand what’s at stake — your time with your child, your ability to make decisions about their upbringing, and their long-term well-being. Whether you are divorcing, separated, or facing a custody dispute, our Harris County child custody lawyers are here to guide you with strength, clarity, and care.

Call 281-501-1601 today for a confidential consultation.

Helping Parents Across Harris County Navigate Texas Custody Law

In Texas, child custody is legally referred to as “conservatorship.” There are two main components:

• Legal Conservatorship – The right to make important decisions for the child (education, medical care, religious upbringing, etc.)
• Physical Possession & Access – The schedule that determines where the child lives and when each parent spends time with them

At Murrah & Killough, we help clients:

• Establish initial custody and visitation arrangements
  Modify existing orders when circumstances change
• Enforce court-ordered possession and access
• Resolve disputes involving relocation, safety, or alienation
• Protect parenting rights in both divorce and non-marital cases

We represent both mothers and fathers, always working toward solutions that preserve strong parent-child bonds and promote the best interests of the child.

Types of Conservatorship in Texas

Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC)

In most cases, courts prefer to appoint both parents as joint managing conservators. This means they share in major decision-making, though it doesn’t always mean equal parenting time.

Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC)

One parent is granted the exclusive right to make decisions when there are concerns about the other parent’s ability to care for the child — such as abuse, neglect, or absence.

Standard Possession Order (SPO)

Texas courts often use a Standard Possession Order to define a parenting time schedule. However, this can be customized by agreement or modified based on the child’s needs and the parents’ circumstances.

Modification of Child Custody Orders

Life doesn’t stand still after a custody order is issued. If a parent moves, loses a job, remarries, or if the child’s needs significantly change, you may be able to seek a modification. We assist clients with:

• Requests to increase or reduce parenting time
  Changes to decision-making authority
• Relocation (move-away) requests or objections
• Modifications based on a parent’s behavior or safety concerns

We help parents file or respond to modification suits and work to secure fair, workable arrangements for everyone involved.

Enforcing Custody and Visitation Orders

When the other parent refuses to follow the custody schedule or withholds your parenting time, we can take legal action to enforce the court’s order. Violations may include:

• Denying scheduled visits
• Failing to return the child on time
• Interfering with communication
• Unlawfully relocating the child

We’ll help you file an enforcement action and hold the other party accountable — while always keeping the child’s best interests front and center.

What Sets Murrah & Killough Apart?

✅ Local Experience in Harris County Courts
We know how local judges approach custody cases and how to build persuasive, evidence-based arguments in court.

✅ Strong Advocacy for Parents
We fight to ensure your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and your child’s well-being is prioritized.

✅ Creative, Practical Solutions
We focus on real-world parenting schedules that work — for you and your child.

✅ Compassionate, Responsive Counsel
You’ll never feel alone. Our attorneys are here to answer your questions, ease your stress, and keep you informed every step of the way.

Legal and Emotional Challenges in Child Custody Cases

Enduring a lengthy custody battle can be one of the most difficult and emotionally painful events of your life. You want to approach it with intelligence and preparation. If your ex is spiteful, they may try to fight for full custody just so you won’t get it. They may try to control the narrative or throw out false accusations. 

You need to be prepared for certain legal and emotional challenges that you may not have even begun to consider. Having an experienced Harris County child custody lawyer in these moments is crucial.

Talk to a Harris County Child Custody Attorney Today

Fighting for custody of your children can be a difficult process. Throughout it all, have somebody you can trust and rely on by your side. The right lawyer for you can make all the difference in a custody case. The legal team at Murrah & Killough, PLLC can help you pursue a custody agreement that supports your child’s needs.

Give us a call at 281-501-1601 or contact us through our online portal to speak to a team member who can help you.

Custody & Parenting FAQ

Can my child choose which parent to live with?
In Texas, children 12 and older may have input, but the final decision always rests with the judge, based on the child’s best interests.

Can custody be decided without going to court?
Yes. Many parents reach agreements through negotiation or mediation, which the court can then approve and formalize.

Do I have to pay child support if I have joint custody?
Possibly. Child support is based on income and time spent with the child, but even joint managing conservators may be required to pay.