Complex Scenarios in Child Custody and Child Support Cases
Hello! I’m Spencer Nilsson, a passionate family law attorney in Fort Worth, TX, dedicated to helping you navigate legal complexities. I believe in empowering you with information and transparency throughout your case, so you can make informed decisions.
In this article....In 2013, I founded Nilsson Legal Group, focusing solely on family law. Since then, our team has helped hundreds of Tarrant County clients achieve their goals within the family court system. We understand the emotional and legal challenges families face, and we’re committed to providing compassionate and skilled representation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Complex Scenarios in Child Custody and Child Support Cases
I’m particularly passionate about helping parents navigate the complexities of child custody and child support. Today, we’ll get into this crucial topic, exploring what goes into determining custody and child support arrangements, factors the court will consider, and other lesser-known requirements and regulations.
Mental Health Reminder
When making custody decisions, courts prioritize the child’s best interests. This includes considering the mental health of both parents and the children.
If a parent struggles with mental health issues, the court may order professional evaluations to assess their ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment.
Remember, seeking help for mental health concerns can demonstrate your commitment to your child’s well-being.
Reasons for Denial of Child Custody
Unfortunately, certain factors can negatively impact your chances of obtaining custody. These include:
-
- Domestic or child abuse: The court prioritizes the child’s safety and security.
-
- Substance abuse: If you have a history of substance abuse, demonstrating sobriety and commitment to recovery is crucial.
- Lack of a stable environment: The court needs evidence that you can provide a safe and secure home environment for the child.
Calculating Child Support
The question of how much child support costs is something I see regularly. Texas uses a specific formula to determine child support that makes every case unique. When determining the cost of child support, the courts consider various factors like the income of both parents, the number of children involved in the divorce, and who provides health insurance for the children in question.
All of these factors can raise or lower the support obligation for the paying parent.
Child Injured in Non-Custodial Care
Brace yourself and imagine your child sustaining a serious injury while under the care of their non-custodial parent. This raises several crucial questions:
Was the Injury Accidental?
If the injury was caused by negligence or recklessness on the non-custodial parent’s part, you may have grounds for legal action. This could involve seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. We can even help you open the door to modifying child custody.
Did Your Ex Breach Their Duty of Care?
Parents have a legal duty to provide a safe and secure environment for their children. If the injury occurred due to a failure to fulfill this duty, legal action may be possible.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences?
If the injury results in permanent disability or requires ongoing medical care, you may need to seek additional financial support from the non-custodial parent.
Navigating this complex situation requires careful consideration and legal expertise from a Fort Worth family law attorney like myself. I can help you in the following ways:
-
- Gather evidence: Documenting the injury, medical records, and any witness statements is crucial for building a strong case.
-
- Know your rights and legal options: An attorney can assess the situation and explain your legal options, including potential grounds for a lawsuit or seeking modification of the child support order to cover the child’s ongoing needs.
- Protect your child’s best interests: Your attorney will ensure your child’s rights are protected throughout the legal process and advocate for their best interests.
Relocation of Custodial Parent
Imagine the custodial parent receives a job offer in another city, significantly altering their living situation. This relocation can impact child custody arrangements in several ways.
Relocation involving a significant geographical distance could drastically impact the non-custodial parent’s visitation rights. The court may need to modify the visitation schedule to accommodate travel time and maintain a meaningful relationship between the child and non-custodial parent.
Continuous relocation also causes issues. Frequent relocation can disrupt the child’s sense of stability and continuity. The court may consider this factor when determining whether the relocation is truly in the best interests of the child.
The relocation could also impact child support calculations. The court may need to adjust the child support amount based on the changed expenses and income levels of both parents.
Significant Change in Income
A significant change in either parent’s income can trigger a review and potential modification of the child support order.
If the non-custodial parent loses their job, their ability to pay child support might be significantly reduced. The court may need to adjust the support amount to ensure the child’s needs are met.
If either parent receives a substantial inheritance or windfall, the court may consider this when reassessing child support. The non-custodial parent might need to contribute more financially to support the child’s needs.
If either parent experiences a significant change in employment, such as a promotion or job change with a higher salary, the court may need to adjust the child support amount to reflect their altered financial circumstances.
Let Nilsson Legal Group Get You Through Child Custody
Child custody and child support are crucial matters with lasting consequences. As your Fort Worth family lawyer, I’m here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your voice is heard and your child’s best interests are protected. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Nilsson Legal Group for a free consultation. Together, we can navigate this challenging time and build a brighter future for your family.