Child custody is one of the most emotional and difficult issues to resolve in divorce or separation proceedings. Whether you’re a parent looking to get custody of your children or a grandparent seeking visitation rights, it’s vital to hire the best Houston Child Custody Attorneys to guide you through the legal process. An experienced lawyer can help you establish a parenting plan that suits your needs, while also taking into account the child’s best interests.
While more than ninety percent of child custody cases are resolved outside of court through mediation or informal settlement processes, the small fraction of disputes that do go to trial may involve complex issues like domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental illness. An experienced child custody lawyer can guide you through this challenging territory and fight for your parental rights.
The Law Offices of Stacy Ly serves individuals and families throughout the Houston area, handling matters related to divorce, child custody, paternity, and guardianship. The firm can also assist with divorce modification and enforcement of existing court orders. Its lead counsel, Stacy Ly, has more than a decade of experience.
A full-service family law practice, The Carlin Law Firm represents clients in contested and uncontested divorces, adoptions, child support, and domestic violence proceedings. The firm can also address other family-related concerns, such as property division and alimony. Managing partner Susan Myres has over thirty years of litigation experience.
In a sole custody situation, a parent gains exclusive housing and decision-making authority for the child, while the other party has visitation rights. The courts prefer joint custody arrangements, as it’s considered in the best interest of the child to have a relationship with both parents. However, a judge can award sole custody to either parent if they find that the other is unfit.
In a shared custody arrangement, both parties have equal time with the child and share responsibility for decisions regarding their upbringing. The court will usually award a monthly stipend, known as “child support,” to the parent with primary physical custody. The amount of support is determined by a mathematical formula, which takes into account the obligor’s monthly net resources. This includes income from employment, investments, and retirement. Those receiving child support must provide proof of residency to be eligible. A child’s living expenses may be factored into the calculation as well. A family lawyer can review the facts of your case to help determine a suitable child support amount.