As a mother, your bond with your child shapes every part of your life. But when custody issues, visitation disputes, or questions about parental rights arise, that relationship can feel legally fragile. Whether you are married, divorced, or never wed, your rights as a mother matter – and they deserve protection.
At Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, we help mothers in Austin with custody, child support, and co-parenting issues. We understand that these situations can be challenging, both emotionally and legally. Our team has helped many women protect their rights, make decisions that are best for their children, and feel more confident about their future.
If you are facing a custody battle, contact our Austin office today to speak with a dedicated mothers’ rights attorney.
Your Rights as a Mother in Texas
Texas law sees both parents as equals, but that does not always mean mothers are treated fairly. In many families, the mother is typically the primary caregiver, responsible for handling daily tasks such as care, meal preparation, schoolwork, appointments, and household routines. Still, courts do not automatically grant her sole or even legal custody based on that alone. Custody decisions depend on many legal factors, not just that is been doing most of the parenting.
That’s where we come in. We help moms stand up for their rights – whether that’s in court or through negotiation. That can mean setting parenting time, making sure you can guide decisions about your child’s health and schooling, or securing a safer, more stable routine. Whether you are newly separating, updating a past order, or dealing with an urgent matter, we are here to help you take the next step with clarity and support.
Legal and Physical Custody in Texas
In Texas, what most people refer to as child custody is legally known as “conservatorship.” It includes two parts: legal custody, which involves making decisions on behalf of your child, and physical custody, which determines when and how each parent spends time with the child. Custody can be shared (joint) or given to one parent (sole). However, even in joint setups, one parent is usually designated as the primary conservator.
If you want to stay the central figure in your child’s life, it is crucial to have a court order that supports that role.
We help moms pursue sole custody when the other parent is absent, abusive, or unfit. In joint custody cases, we work to secure meaningful input, primary custody, and the right to decide where your child lives. When safety is a concern, we push for supervised visits or detailed schedules that protect your child.
No matter the situation, we make sure your voice is heard and your role as a mother is respected.
Representing Mothers in Custody Disputes
Custody issues can arise at any time when co-parents are not on the same page. These situations are often stressful and emotional, especially if there has been poor communication, past trauma, or ongoing conflict. If the other parent is being aggressive, cutting into your time with your child, or using guilt and pressure to control the situation, having the right support matters.
At Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, we stand with mothers in hard custody battles, offering strong, steady guidance every step of the way. We handle emergency custody requests, contested modifications, claims of parental alienation, interference with visitation, and false accusations meant to sway the court.
We bring real courtroom experience and a deep understanding of how these situations affect you and your child. You do not have to deal with this alone – we are here to help you protect your rights and your peace of mind.
Custody and Paternity for Single Mothers
In Texas, an unmarried mother automatically has full legal and physical custody of her child at birth. However, that can change once paternity is legally established. When a father is confirmed through DNA testing or other legal means, he can ask the court for visitation or custody rights. If there is no court order in place, the mother’s role and authority can be challenged. That’s why it is essential to take legal action early.
We help single and unmarried mothers take control from the start. That includes filing for primary custody, developing a clear parenting plan, and establishing paternity only when it truly benefits the mother and child. These early steps can significantly impact long-term stability and decision-making rights.
For some moms, confirming paternity can help secure financial support. For others, it is about creating boundaries and minimizing harmful involvement. Either way, we approach each case with thoughtful planning and genuine care. Our goal is to protect your place in your child’s life and help you feel secure in that role. When you are raising a child alone, having a formal court order is the best way to protect your rights and your child’s future.
High-Conflict Parenting and Protecting Mothers from Abuse
Some mothers face challenging situations when trying to co-parent with someone manipulative, unsafe, or simply unwilling to cooperate. Maybe the other parent is ignoring court orders, refusing to return your child after visits, or using last-minute schedule changes and threats to create stress and confusion. These high-conflict situations can wear you down and have a profound emotional impact on your child.
We support mothers dealing with serious issues such as repeated visitation violations, emotional manipulation, sudden relocations, and attempts to block communication. In some cases, there may be abuse involved – whether physical, verbal, emotional, or financial.
If you are facing threats or violence, we will move quickly to protect you and your child. Legal options may include emergency custody, restraining orders, or supervised visits for the abusive parent.
Texas courts take parental interference and abuse very seriously – and so do we. Our legal team works to build a plan that puts your safety and your child’s needs first while protecting your role as a mother and helping you move forward with peace of mind.
Modifying Custody Orders for Mothers
Life changes, and sometimes your custody agreement needs to change, too. In Texas, you can ask the court to modify custody if there has been a significant shift in circumstances or if the current arrangement no longer works for your child. We help mothers request changes such as increasing or decreasing visitation, switching the primary custodial parent, adjusting who makes key decisions, or updating schedules after a move, new job, or remarriage.
Whether you’re seeking more time or a change in legal authority, we build strong requests backed by evidence and testimony, always keeping your child’s needs first.
Child Support and Financial Security for Mothers
Raising a child requires time, effort, and financial resources. If your child lives with you most of the time, you can ask for child support to help with everyday costs. This might include items such as food, clothing, and school supplies. Whether you’re asking for child support for the first time or trying to change an old agreement, we’re here to help.
We work to make sure the support covers what your child truly needs, such as medical care, childcare, and after-school activities. If the other parent doesn’t pay, we can help you take legal steps to fix the problem. Missed payments shouldn’t make life more complicated for you or your child, and we’ll help protect your household.
Your Role as a Legal Guardian
In some cases, mothers may need to act as legal guardians for stepchildren, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren when the biological parents are unable to provide safe care. If you are already providing care and structure, a guardianship order can give you the legal authority to make decisions for the child’s well-being.
We assist with:
- Emergency guardianship filings
- Long-term legal guardian arrangements
- Guardianship in cases involving parental incapacity or addiction
- Transitions from foster care to family placement
Texas courts take guardianship seriously, and so do we. Our goal is always to create safe, loving homes where children can thrive.
Why Mothers Across Austin Choose Smith & Bledsoe Family Law
Custody battles and parenting disagreements are not always fair, but we strive to be. At Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, we are recognized around Austin for stepping in firmly when needed and remaining steady in challenging situations. We take time to hear you out, respect what matters to you, and build a legal plan that puts your child first and reflects your values as a mom.
Our firm is known for:
- Consistent communication and transparency
- Honest advice rooted in real courtroom experience
- Deep understanding of Texas family law and family court proceedings
- Compassionate support during some of life’s most personal moments
- Commitment to recovering full, fair compensation for our clients
Speak with an Austin Mothers’ Rights Attorney Today
Whether you are beginning a custody case or responding to one, your rights as a mother deserve strong legal backing. Do not let the other parent – or the court – define your role without your voice at the table. At Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, we are ready to help you protect your relationship with your child and move forward with clarity. Contact our team today to schedule a confidential consultation with a trusted Austin mothers’ rights attorney.