Child Custody, Child Support, and Visitation

Houston Divorce Attorneys: Child Custody and Support

Child custody is probably the most important issue we deal with at Conner & Lindamood. For our clients going through a divorce, it can sometimes be hard to clearly prioritize the needs of the children in the midst of the pain and anger they are feeling.

Our respected child custody lawyers take very seriously their duty to protect the rights and interests of children caught in the middle of a divorce. Our experience gives us the ability to handle the most complicated cases, such as those involving:

• International custody and visitation issues
• Children with special health care or educational needs
• Allegations of family violence or drug and alcohol abuse
• Divisive religious issues

Contact our offices in Houston today for straightforward answers to your important concerns. You will feel better when you are armed with the facts.

The Basics of Child Custody, Child Support and Visitation in Texas

In matters of child custody, the Family Code of Texas provides for a basic framework, defining the rights and duties of a parent as well as times of possession, known as a standard possession order. This defines the legal rights and responsibilities of each parent, such as where the child lives (right of domicile) and goes to school (education rights) and who is responsible for making medical decisions.

A standard possession order generally divides the child's time roughly in half between both parents and establishes guidelines for parental access or visitation. Texas courts prefer to establish joint custody arrangements with one parent awarded primary physical custody and the other parent often ordered to pay child support.

The amount of child support is also usually determined by a formula. Under Texas law, the percentage of the noncustodial parent's net resources that are awarded as child support generally follows these guidelines: 20 percent of net resources for one child, 25 percent for two children, 30 percent for three, 35 percent for four, 40 percent for five and no less than 40 percent for six or more children, not to exceed certain maximum limits.

When you contact us for your initial consultation, we can quickly give you a reliable idea of how much you are likely to receive or be ordered to pay in child support. We can also discuss the options available for enforcement of the court order in cases of unpaid child support and for the modification of support orders when circumstances change.

We are proud to also serve Galveston County, Fort Bend County and Brazoria County. Outside the Houston metro area, call us toll free at (866) 504-0857.