CHILDREN, CHILD SUPPORT, VISITATION

1) Isn't it true that the woman always gets the children?

Answer:

No! The court will do what is in the BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD.

Unless the spouses agree to custody, the court will look at the age of

the child, which spouse with whom child is most bonded, and a myriad of

other factors.

2) At what age will the court allow the child to pick which parent to live with?

Answer:

At about the age of 12, the court, upon request, will ask the child which

parent the child would rather live with. The court will NOT be bound by

the request but take the request into consideration and make the final

decision based on the BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD.

3) Who pays child support and how much is it?

Answer:

Usually the custodial parent, the parent with whom the child normally

resides, will be awarded child support. This money is to be used

exclusively for the benefit of the child. The Texas Legislature has

determined the amount of child support based upon the obligator's,

the parent who pays child support, take home pay. The amount varies

depending on many factors, including the number of children, and the

number of other children the obligator may have not currently before

the court. Child support ranges from 13% - 40% of take home pay.

4) If I'm the non-custodial parent (parent with visitation rights) how often can I see my child?

Answer:

Barring an agreement to the contrary between spouses, the non-custodial

parent will be given visitation rights on Thursdays and every other

weekend, depending on the age of the child. Holidays and birthdays are

alternated between parents. Summer visitation allows for extended

visits.

5) What if I don't want my spouse to be alone with the child?

Answer:

With good cause, the court will order supervised visitation only.