A child custody lawyer can help you with a wide variety of issues related to your children. They can also assist you with a modification of your existing custody order if necessary.
When determining a custody arrangement, the court takes into account the child’s best interest and any history of abuse or neglect.
Child Custody and Visitation
When you hire a Child Custody Lawyer in Houston, Texas, you can be assured that your case will be handled by an experienced professional. Our team works hard to deliver results that help you achieve the best possible outcome for your unique situation.
The primary consideration in a custody proceeding is what is in the child’s best interest. This means that judges consider a number of factors, including each parent’s lifestyle and stability, as well as the child’s relationship with the other parent.
For example, if one parent has a history of drug use or abuse, the court will likely look at this when deciding custody and visitation arrangements.
Once the judge has a decision in hand, the non-custodial parent can then work with their co-parent to develop a visitation schedule that is equitable and beneficial for both parties. This might include visits with the child every other weekend, alternating school holidays and vacation periods and a mid-week dinner visit.
Child Support
When parents divorce or separate, child support is often a difficult issue. It can also be complicated by family issues like illness or substance abuse.
Child custody lawyers in Houston can help you navigate this issue, so your children’s needs are always top of mind. They can also help with any legal proceedings or recommendations you might need, including modifications to a current order.
Typically, the non-custodial parent is required to pay child support that meets the guidelines established by the Texas legislature and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This is based on the combined net income of both parents and the child’s needs. However, there are many situations in which a deviation from the guidelines is appropriate.
If you are considering a modification, contact a Houston child custody attorney immediately. These cases require a lot of planning, and a good lawyer can help you get started as soon as possible.
Modification of Custody Orders
If you have a court order that isn’t working for you or the other parent, you can petition to have it modified. You’ll need to show that a change in circumstances has occurred, and that it is in the best interests of your child for you to have the custody or visitation orders changed.
A common reason for changing a child custody or visitation order is that you and the other parent no longer agree on the terms. You may also need to modify a custody or visitation order due to the other parent violating it, such as not returning your child on time every week or not telling you when they go out of town for a medical appointment.
You can petition for a modification of a custody order by filing a motion to amend. A judge will review all of the evidence and make a determination about what is in the best interest of your child.
Unmarried Custody
Unmarried couples often have a child together, but when they separate they may be faced with issues regarding custody and child support. If your unmarried family is experiencing these issues, you should seek legal guidance from a Child Custody Lawyer in Houston to ensure that your children’s wellbeing is secure and your rights as an unmarried parent are respected.
When determining custody for unmarried parents, Texas courts look to what is in the best interest of the child. This means that the judge will consider both parents’ past abuse or drug history, financial resources, the ability to provide for a child, etc.
It is also important for both parties to follow a written plan for child custody that addresses both physical and legal arrangements, including parenting time schedules, rules, procedures, medical treatment, religion, etc. A good lawyer will be able to draft such an agreement that protects the interests of all parties involved.
