Custodial Parent
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Because young children are not capable of being independent, Texas parents are legally required to provide for them until they reach 18 years of age. After a divorce, one parent usually becomes the custodial parent, taking on the primary responsibility for any minor children involved. This parent is granted the legal authority to make key decisions for the child, including where they will primarily reside.
The Sugar Land courts consider a range of factors when assigning custodial responsibility. These include the stability of each parent’s living situation and caregiving abilities. That said, Texas courts generally encourage some level of shared decision-making and cooperation between parents on behalf of the child. Both must follow the visitation schedule and manage child-related expenses together. The custodial parent must also inform the noncustodial parent about significant developments in the child’s life.
A Sugar Land custodial parent attorney can help you safeguard your rights, clarify expectations, and secure your role in your children’s lives.
The noncustodial parent is entitled to visitation rights and expected to provide child support. These payments are specifically allocated for the child’s needs and can be deducted from the noncustodial parent’s wages if necessary. It’s important to note that visitation rights are separate from child support. The custodial parent cannot withhold visitation if the other parent happens to miss a payment.
The Texas legal system tries to do what’s best for each child by facilitating a balance of parental involvement from both spouses. Reach out for assistance with modifying custody or collecting unpaid child support. Our Sugar Land divorce attorneys are just a call away.
Divorces are stressful in every regard, and determining who will have primary custody can be one of the most challenging aspects. Thankfully, our child custody attorneys can help guide you through these tough decisions in Sugar Land, Katy, Tomball, and Houston. Call or request a free consultation today! If your family is facing life changes due to separation or divorce, the team at Eaton Family Law Firm is ready to lend a hand.
