Specialized Family Legal Services

balance

Child Custody

Protecting the best interests of your child in contested SAPCR disputes with precision and preparation

  • check_circleConservatorship
  • check_circlePossession & Access
family_restroom

Child Support

Ensuring support orders reflect your child's actual needs — whether establishing, enforcing, or challenging guidelines.

  • check_circleStatutory Guidelines
  • check_circleAbove-Guideline Support
edit_calendar

Modifications

Updating court orders when life circumstances change materially — relocation, income shifts, or instability in the home.

  • check_circleRelocation Issues
  • check_circleIncome Changes
shield

Enforcement

Compelling compliance when the other party ignores a court-ordered obligation.

  • check_circleContempt Proceedings
  • check_circleBack-Due Support Recovery

Texas Family Law Basics

timer

The SAPCR

The primary legal vehicle for all child custody and support matters outside of divorce in Texas.

child_care

Custody Standard

Courts apply only one standard: the "Best Interest of the Child."

home_work

Support Calculation

Based on a percentage of the non-custodial parent's net resources under Statutory Guidelines.

update

Modification Rule

Requires proof of a "Material and Substantial Change in Circumstances" to revisit an existing order.

What Courts Consider in Custody Cases

  • starParental Involvement & History
  • starStability of Each Home Environment
  • star Child's School Routines & Community Ties
  • star Emotional & Physical Needs of the Child
  • starSafety Concerns & History of Conflict
  • starChild's Own Preferences (where age-appropriate)

Recent Case Results

A clear, child-focused path from first consultation through resolution.

CHILD CUSTODY — Travis County

Emergency Orders Secured to Protect Children from Abuse

Christian Smith and Nikki Chapa obtained emergency relief orders in Travis County, immediately modifying custody to protect children who were victims of abuse — before a full trial could be scheduled.

PROTECTIVE ORDER — Travis County

Comprehensive Protective Order Obtained for Mother and Child

Brandon Bledsoe successfully secured a comprehensive protective order in the 250th District Court on behalf of a mother and her child, providing immediate legal protection against an ongoing threat.

FALSE ALLEGATIONS DEFENSE — Travis County

Protective Order Defeated — Father's Parental Rights Preserved

Smith & Bledsoe secured a decisive courtroom victory in Travis County District Court, successfully defeating a protective order application built on false domestic violence allegations, preserving the father's full parental rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

A SAPCR is any legal case that asks a judge to make an order regarding a child. If you are seeking custody or support outside of a divorce, a SAPCR is the primary vehicle to secure your rights as a parent.

Texas uses Statutory Guidelines based on a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s net resources. Factors like special needs or high-income situations can justify above-guideline support. We ensure the math reflects your child’s actual circumstances.

You can file a Motion for Enforcement. If a parent fails to pay support or denies court-ordered visitation, they can be held in contempt — resulting in fines, attorney fee awards, or jail time. We specialize in enforcement actions that make orders more than just paper.

No. The Texas Family Code is explicitly gender-neutral. The court’s only mandate is the Best Interest of the Child. Whether you are a father seeking primary custody or a mother protecting a support order, we build your case around involvement, stability, and your child’s needs — not outdated assumptions.

Your Family Deserves an Attorney Who Fights Like It's Personal

Family law cases are not won by showing up — they are won by preparation, aggressive strategy, and deep knowledge of the Travis County court system. Smith & Bledsoe brings all three.

Schedule Your Free Case Review