People who co-parent with one another to take care of their children as directed in a divorce decree usually find themselves paying child support and following a parenting plan. Often times, the parent responsible for paying child support has other added financial responsibilities, including paying half of child care expenses, educational fees and medical expenses. In 2015, the Texas legislature passed a bill involving these medical financial expenses. However, it is only now that these regulations are taking effect.
Studies support shared parenting
According to KXAN News, in 2017, Texas lawmakers considered Bill HB453, one that "would have allowed the court to grant equal parenting unless it was against the best interest of the child." The bill did not survive the legislative process, which understandably disappointed its proponents.
Can you get child support for your adult disabled child?
If you and your spouse contemplate a Texas divorce and are the parents of a disabled child over the age of 18, can you seek child support for that child even if (s)he no longer lives with you? This was the issue the Supreme Court of Texas addressed in the 2018 case of In the Interest of C.J.N.-S. and J.C.N.-S.
What factors may be considered when determining custody?
One of the most difficult issues to resolve when going through a divorce is that of child custody. When your marriage does not work out and you make the hard decision to end the relationship, children are often caught in the crossfire. If you decide to undergo a traditional court divorce, the judge presiding over the case will often consider several factors before determining the type of custody arrangement will work best for the situation.
The importance of fathers and joint-custody arrangements
There is no question that both fathers and mothers are extremely important in a child’s life. While mothers often act as the caretakers and nurturers, fathers give children a sense of safety and encourage children to explore their environment. Fathers may act as a protector, disciplinarian and confidants as well.
Can children benefit from joint-custody arrangements?
If you, like many parents across Texas, are currently learning to adjust to a joint-custody arrangement, you may be dealing with your own emotions about how your family transitions might impact your shared child. While you may find yourself struggling every time your son or daughter leaves your home to spend time in your former partner’s, it may comfort you to know that children whose parents have shared custody tend to fare better than those who live exclusively with one parent or the other.
Tips for creating a successful parenting plan
If you live in Texas, are a parent and are going through a separation or divorce, one of your first orders of business should be to work with your former partner to establish a parenting plan that creates a sense of stability for your child. At Laura Dale & Associates, P.C., we have a firm understanding of the types of matters that are important to hash out in a parenting plan, and we have helped many clients facing similar circumstances find resolutions that meet their needs.
Why it might not be a good idea to move out during the divorce?
One issue that often arises when Houston area couples are getting ready to divorce involves their living arrangements. Many people find it challenging to be around their partners, let alone live with them. If you are not sure if you and your spouse can and should continue living together before the courts finalize your divorce, you might want to hold off on moving out right away.
How drug abuse impacts custody, visitation and parental rights
If you live in Texas and recently divorced a drug-abusing former spouse, you may have valid concerns about whether your former partner will continue to maintain a presence in your son or daughter’s life. At Laura Dale & Associates, P.C., we have a firm understanding of how parental substance abuse can impact custody, visitation and parental rights, and we have helped many clients who feared for their child’s safety find solutions and peace of mind.
What should you do if you are not married to your child's dad?
If you are a Texas mother who is not married to your child's dad, there are some important steps for you to take to guarantee he has the legal rights of a father. You likely want to secure his right to spend time with your son or daughter. Giving him the opportunity to be there for the child can increase the emotional stability of the little one as he or she grows.
