Divorce is not an easy process, but it’s even harder when children are involved. Not only are you feeling a complex set of emotions about the relationship with your spouse, but you also want to do what’s best for your kids.
One of the biggest issues that come up during a divorce is who will have custody of the children once the divorce is finalized. This question affects a lot of Texas families. It can also shape the experience that children have with their parents during a period of significant change.
For families in Fort Bend County, Texas, you may need specific support navigating custody issues during a divorce. Our Katy custody help attorneys are ready to support your situation and alleviate some of the stress weighing on you.
Find out more about how the custody process works and what you will need to do in order to reach your custody goals.
Who Gets Custody of the Children During a Texas Divorce?
Many divorce proceedings will allow parents to decide on a custody arrangement. This way, you and your spouse have the opportunity to come to an agreement that works for both parties. You can work toward assigned roles of custodial parent and non-custodial parent, then communicate this information to the presiding judge.
However, agreements on custodial roles are not always clear-cut. Many times, parents will disagree on the details of the child custody arrangement. In this situation, you can try to come up with an agreement through the mediation process.
Oftentimes, mediation is not enough. When parents are unable to agree on a custody plan, the courts will have to make a decision on how custody will be divided. Texas courts strive for a joint custody arrangement, which is a situation where the child spends time with both parents, but only if this is in the best interests of the child.
While shared custody is the preferred scenario, it’s not always possible. One parent may be deemed a risk to the child (for example, they’re abusive or neglectful). Then, the court will likely make a decision on behalf of the child to grant sole custody to one parent.
The Issue of Child Support in Texas Divorce
Child custody is not the only challenge in a divorce proceeding. Child support is another issue that is often contested in Texas divorce cases.
In many cases, child support is determined through the state’s child custody guidelines. Both parties may agree on amounts that are higher than what’s specified in the guidelines, but they may also agree on amounts that are less than the guidelines.
Child support in Texas is often determined by looking at the net resources of the non-custodial parent and the number of children they have with the other parent. While the child support guidelines are designed to help prevent disputes, there can still be battles over what counts towards the non-custodial parent’s income when used to calculate child support.
If both parents disagree on the amount, the court may need to make a final determination. The judge may consider some assets to be income that will be used to help determine the assigned child support amount once the divorce is finalized.
– Additional resource: we encourage non-custodial parents to review the information in this handbook from the state of Texas.
Protecting Children During a Divorce in Texas
Every divorce is unique in Texas. Some child-related challenges lean heavily toward child custody, while others require more time on child support. Regardless, children are heavily impacted by any dispute.
Divorce can have a considerable impact on your children’s lives because one parent is no longer living in the home, but you can protect your children from the adverse effects of a Texas divorce in a number of ways.
If both parents are willing to make their children’s well-being a top priority, many problems can be minimized or even avoided, such as the feelings of trauma and guilt that children may feel that can affect the child.
Unfortunately, the emotional nature of a Texas divorce often spills into the relationship they have with their children, which can have a negative and unhealthy effect on their lives. But there are ways that you can help your children make the transition go more smoothly. For example, you can minimize the stress and trauma they can feel by not being hostile toward your spouse during the divorce proceedings.
Pursuing amicable discussions can help with critical child custody matters, such as creating a parenting plan, establishing a visitation schedule, and implementing child support. Choosing to focus on the task at hand will help you arrive at the best possible outcome – both for yourself and your children as they transition into a new life.
Find Support From Our Katy Custody Help Attorneys
We recognize that going through divorce is difficult, especially if this is new territory for you and your family. Divorce brings about numerous emotions, plus legal challenges that require an expert touch.
If you’re looking for one of the best Katy custody help attorneys to support your case, be sure to contact our helpful Texas family law attorneys at Parker & Aguilar.
Our law firm supports families in Fort Bend County with child-related family law issues that arise during a divorce. We are ready to hear about your situation and guide you toward the right answers in your child custody case.
Reach our local office at 281-944-5485 to speak with an attorney ready to help you manage a custody matter during the divorce process. Find the legal representation you need during a child custody dispute.