Child Custody, Support And Visitation In Round Rock, Texas

Are you entering a battle for child custody? Do you need child support from your former spouse? Winnie A. Bates, Attorney at Law, is a child custody law firm in Round Rock, Texas. Our law office has the experience you need for cases involving child custody issues. Child custody covers the rights and obligations between two parents. This can include physical custody, legal custody and decision-making rights. We handle child-related situations in the most professional and compassionate manner.

How Do Texas Courts Make Decisions About Child Custody?

When Texas courts decide child custody, they make that decision based on what is in the child’s best interest. Factors that influence the court’s decision include:

• The child’s age
• The child’s physical and emotional needs
• The wishes of the parents
• The wishes of the child, if the court determines that they are mature enough to weigh in on this decision
• The role that each parent had in raising the child during the marriage
• Each parent’s ability to care for the child and meet their needs
• Any issues that could impact the child’s safety

Parents should also know that Texas laws are gender neutral. This means that the court will not consider the gender of the parents and instead focus on their ability to help their child thrive.

By considering a wide variety of factors, the court will attempt to reach an arrangement that supports the child’s long-term well-being while encouraging both parents to take an active part in their lives.

How Do Texas Courts Make Decisions About Child Support?

Providing for a child’s needs can often be costly, and child support can help ensure that a child has what they need after their parents’ divorce. In determining child support, Texas courts may consider a variety of details about the child and parents, including:

• Each parent’s income and financial resources
• The number of children that the paying parent must support
• The needs of the child
• Child care costs
• The cost of medical care for the child, including the cost of health insurance
• The cost of a child’s education, including tuition
• Any child support or spousal support payments the paying parent must make

The courts aim for a fair determination that ensures the child’s standard of living is fairly consistent between the two homes.

When Can Child Custody And Support Be Modified?

In Texas, child custody and support orders are not set in stone. If circumstances change significantly, such as a parent’s relocation, a change in the child’s needs or a substantial shift in a parent’s income, you can seek a modification of the existing order. It’s essential to consult with an attorney to understand the legal requirements and process for modification.

Understanding Visitation Rights In Texas

Visitation, also known as access or parenting time, refers to the time a parent who does not have primary custody spends with their child. Texas courts typically favor frequent and continuing contact with both parents, unless there are concerns about the child’s safety or well-being. A visitation schedule can be tailored to the specific needs of the family, and it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities regarding visitation.

What Is Parenting Time?

Parenting time, or visitation, is the schedule that determines when each parent spends time with their child after a separation or divorce. It is a critical aspect of co-parenting and helps parents maintain a meaningful relationship with their children. Parenting time can be established through mutual agreements or court orders, depending on the level of cooperation between the parents.

If both parents can communicate effectively and agree on a schedule that works for everyone, they can create an informal parenting plan without court intervention. This agreement should outline when the child will be with each parent, including weekdays, weekends, holidays and special occasions. While an informal arrangement can work well for cooperative parents, it is wise to put the plan in writing to help prevent future misunderstandings.

If parents cannot agree on a parenting schedule, the court will intervene and establish a formal, legally binding parenting plan. Judges make these decisions based on the child’s best interests, considering factors such as each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, the child’s needs and the relationship between the child and each parent.

Courts follow a Standard Possession Order (SPO) when determining parenting time. An SPO provides a structured schedule that designates specific times for each parent to have the child. While the details vary, a common arrangement under an SPO gives the noncustodial parent time with the child on the first, third and fifth weekends of each month, along with one evening during the week. Holidays and summer vacation periods are also divided between the parents.

An SPO provides consistency for the child while allowing both parents to have meaningful time together. However, parents can modify the schedule by agreement or seek court modifications if circumstances change. Whether through an informal arrangement or a court order, parenting time should prioritize the child’s well-being and foster a healthy co-parenting relationship.

We’ll Focus On The Way Your Image Is Portrayed In Court

Because of the variety of factors that the court will consider when determining child custody and child support, protecting your connection to your child can be complex. We will help you paint the best image of yourself and dispel any labels that may be pushed on you. Our attorneys can help you determine:

• The amount owed for child support
• An established parenting plan
• Revisions to a parenting plan

We will coach you through the entire process, mindful that the court evaluates your behavior inside and outside of court.

Discuss Your Legal Needs And Learn About Your Options With Our Child Custody And Support Attorney

Winnie A. Bates, Attorney at Law, is ready to provide advice and guidance on your child custody or child support matter. Call 512-877-6255 or submit an online contact form to schedule a consultation.