Protecting Your Relationships With Your Children After Divorce
It's not unusual for parents to hold opposing views of how parenting time should be divided after divorce. As your lawyer, attorney Davis' goal is to help you find a negotiated resolution that meets the best interests of your children and preserves your rights as a parent. He believes that two parents can reach a better decision than one judge can.
In Texas, courts presume that both parents should have joint custody (called joint managing conservatorship) of children, except in cases of neglect or abuse. This means that you and your ex-spouse will raise your children together and will need to agree on important decisions such as education and religion. However, one parent will usually establish the primary physical residence of the child, while the other parent has visitation according to a parenting plan.
The Standard Parenting Plan
In Texas, the standard visitation arrangement includes overnight visits on the first, third and fifth weekends of every month, plus extended visits during school breaks and summer vacation. Holidays are usually split. However, parents can craft their own arrangements.
If you and your spouse cannot agree on who should have primary residential custody of your child (called the primary managing conservatorship), attorney Davis can advise you of the factors the court will consider in making that decision. In Texas, the child's best interests are paramount in any custody decision.
While child custody agreements can be modified after divorce, it may not be easy or fun to do so. In divorce as in marriage, it is better to do it right the first time.
How Child Support is Determined in Texas
In Texas, the parent who is not the primary managing conservator is required to pay child support. Child support starts out at 20 percent of net income for one child and increases 5 percent for each additional child you support, up to 40 percent of net income.
The primary issue that is disputed in child support is net income, and that is usually determined using discovery.
Learn more about post-divorce modifications to child custody and support.
For more information about child custody and support or to schedule an attorney consultation: Call 866-503-1214 or fill out the contact form on this site. The Law Office of Thad Davis, PLLC is located in Lake Jackson in Brazoria County, Texas.
