During child custody and support determinations, emotions run high and proceedings can get complex. Erin Groce has dedicated her career to helping Texas families through legal matters. If you need to determine child custody and support, your next step is calling our family law firm in Kerrville.
What is a Child Custody Evaluation?
Child custody evaluations are exhaustive investigations into matters concerning the children of divorcing (or already divorced) parents. In some divorce cases, a child custody evaluation may be ordered by the court. The process aims to provide professional opinions, recommendations, and/or answers to specific issues revolving around children’s best interests.
Both parents as well as the children are interviewed and investigations are conducted on both parents’ criminal, medical, and psychological backgrounds, as well as any interactions with Child Protective Services.
The children’s school, medical, mental health, and criminal records will also be studied. The evaluator will also make regular visits to the children’s home. Additionally, interviews are conducted with individuals interacting with the children outside of the home, usually in school or church.
Child custody evaluations in Texas can take as long as eighteen months to complete. A recommendation based on findings is provided to the court as to which parent should be the conservator, assuming responsibility for the children.
Consulting with an experienced child custody attorney before an evaluation is the smartest way to ensure your rights and your children’s best interests are protected.
How is Child Support Determined in Texas?
In Texas, the parent who has primary possession over and incurs most of the living expense of the children is entitled to receive child support. This parent is called the “obligee” and the parent who pays child support is called the “obligor.”
Child support is determined by applying child support guidelines, which set a minimum amount of child support. The court then considers a number of factors and may deviate from the guidelines’ minimum amount. In Texas, the court may deviate from guidelines based on a number of statutory factors. For example, the court can consider any/all of the following:
- Age of the child
- Amount of time spent with the child
- Child care expenses
- Financial ability of the obligor to contribute to supporting the child
- Financial resources of the obligee to support the child
- Health care expenses
- Needs of the child
- Special education costs
If you are facing child custody and support determination in Texas, contact Groce Family Law immediately. Attorney Groce will assist you with all forms, court appearances, evaluations and processes, communication with your ex’s attorney, mediation, and meeting any deadlines.
Contact This Firm—Texas Child Custody and Support Attorney in Kerrville
Groce Family Law offers client-driven divorce services that are aimed at understanding all the underlying issues involved in a case. Attorney Erin Groce provides the experienced legal guidance that clients need to resolve child custody issues, receive peace of mind, and move into the next chapter of their lives. Call us today at (830) 313-5983 for an initial consultation.
