Family Law Firm in Amarillo
Get Help With Custody and Child Support Issues
Some of the bigger family law disputes involve children. Who has custody of the children, how much visitation each parents has, and how much child support must be paid. These are just a few of the many issues to be resolved.
When there is a dispute involving children, you need a strong advocate and an experienced, caring attorney. Let the Law Office of Randall L. Sherrod give you advice on family law in Amarillo.
Amarillo Family Law
Child custody
Child custody determinations in Texas are based on the best interest of the child. Texas courts presume that joint legal custody is best unless one of the parents can prove otherwise. The courts consider these factors when determining which parent should have primary physical custody:
- The history of contact between the parents and the child
- The child’s health, safety, and welfare
- The parents’ mental and physical health and how close they live to each other
- The child’s preference, if he or she is age 12 or older
- Evidence of child abuse
Parents are encouraged to resolve custody arrangements themselves, rather than bringing the matter to court. Once a custody order has been signed and filed, the parents are bound by it.
If a parent is denied court-ordered access to the child, he or she may be bring the issue before the court. The court may modify the visitation order or require make-up visitation for the time missed.
Child support
Child support in Texas is based on the paying parent’s net income and other resources. Payment is determined as follows:
- 20% of the parent’s net resources for one child
- 25% of the parent’s net resources for two children
- 30% of the parent’s net resources for three children
- 35% of the parent’s net resources for four children
- 40% of the parent’s net resources for five children
An order for child support can be modified if there are changed circumstances, such as a large increase or decrease in the parent’s income or the child reaching the age of majority.
Contact the Law Office of Randall L. Sherrod for help with your child custody and child support issues.
Call 1 806 376-4447 for help with family law in Amarillo.