Child Custody and Support: Protecting the Well-Being of Your Children
At the Law Office of Alma R. Benavides, we believe that informed clients make the best decisions regarding child custody and child support. We educate our clients on how courts may evaluate expert recommendations, identify children's preferences, and make decisions related to possession and support based on Texas law. We protect parental rights in child custody and child support disputes.
We understand the well-being and best interest of your children is very important to you. Because of this, we provide our clients with legal advice on the important facets of custody and child support determinations. Whether you are seeking primary custody, visitation rights or a modification to a court order for child support, we will vigorously represent you.
What is a Joint Managing Conservator?
There is a presumption that it is in the best interest of the children that both parents be named "Joint Managing Conservators" which is commonly understood as having joint custody. In general, both parents share most of the rights and duties associated with parenting. An example of some of those rights and duties are: the right to make medical decisions, educational decisions, consent to marriage and to enlistment in the armed forces and the duty of care, control, protection and reasonable discipline of the child.
It is not always necessary for a parent to go to court to determine what is in their child's best interest. Often times, both parents have been actively involved in their child's daily life that it is difficult for the parents and more so for the child to have minimal contact when compared to the daily contact which occurred prior to filing for divorce. In some instances, the parents can prepare an agreed parenting plan which designates the rights and duties of each parent regarding the child's physical care, support and education as well as a possession and access schedule that works best for the child's needs as well as the parent's schedule while providing quality possession time for the children and parents.
The Texas Family Code establishes guidelines for a standard possession order for the non-custodial parent. Many times, however, certain circumstances warrant a deviation from the standard possession order such as a different possession and access schedule for a child under the age of three. Likewise, when children reach their teenage years, often-times parents realize that the standard possession schedule has become unworkable and difficult to manage when the children are involved in extracurricular activities; as a result, tailoring a possession schedule that is workable for the parents and the children can be very beneficial to everyone.
Experienced Child Custody and Support Lawyer
Child Support
Parents are required to provide financial support for all minor children until the age of eighteen or graduation from high school, whichever occurs later. In certain circumstances, child support can extend beyond this time period.
Texas law provides for a non-custodial parent to pay child support according to certain guidelines which have been established in the best interest of the child. The courts take into consideration how many children are before the court and if there are any other children the non-custodial parent is obligated to support before determining the amount of child support that should be ordered.
Because each family situation is different, it is important to meet with an attorney who can provide you with the legal advice you need in order to make an informed decision to protect your rights and those of your children.
Contact Us
Alma R. Benavides combines her dedication and extensive experience in family law when handling your case. She provides honest and in-depth legal advice in a cost-effective manner. We aim to protect your parental rights and reach positive solutions for your family.
Contact our law offices in Plano, Texas at 972-578-2600 (locally) or 866-959-3826 (toll free) today or e-mail for an initial consultation.
