Custody and Support
Protecting Your Child Custody InterestsDomicile Restrictions • Parenting Time • Child SupportCustody of children is often the hot-button issue in divorce, and unchecked emotions can escalate matters quickly. The Law Office of Donald E. Robinowitz aims for workable resolutions in the best interests of your child, without surrendering your own best interests. Should your case end up in court, you have an experienced trial lawyer on your side. Free Consultation: 713-622-6676I offer 17 years of experience, representing divorcing parents and never-married parents in all child custody and visitation issues. My Houston, Texas, law firm serves clients in Harris County, Galveston County, Montgomery County, Ft. Bend County, Brazoria County, and surrounding areas. Child Custody in TexasThe presumption of Texas family courts is that both parents should have as much contact as possible with their children after divorce. The old terminology of "custody and visitation" has changed, but the issues are much the same. The judge will establish either:
In a JMC, the non-primary parent is granted a visitation possession order, and required to contribute child support, health insurance, and other financial assistance until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school (whichever is later). In determining the primary conservator, the court applies a "best interests of the child" test. Access to quality schools, the parents' employment, and the child's preference (if 12 years or older) all might be considered. Parenting PlansAs your attorney, I help prepare you for the temporary possession, property, and conservatorship hearings to put your best foot forward. After the temporary orders are established, we then proceed with discovery, negotiation, mediation, and, if necessary, trial. A court order that is too loose or lacking in detail, as well as one that is too restrictive or burdensome, will land you back in court at some point. My insights from years of practice enable me to strike the right balance to promote harmony in the interests of your kids. I will look carefully at the traditional issues, such as custody, child support, and possession schedules, as well as specifically address any finer details in an attempt to save you both time and money. Such finer details include:
Domicile RestrictionIn establishing a JMC, the court typically places a domicile restriction on the primary parent. Most commonly, it prohibits that parent from relocating outside of Harris County (or Harris and its contiguous counties) with the children. In a common scenario, the woman moves to Texas to marry, but finds she cannot move back home with the kids after divorce, stuck here until the child turns 18. Modification hearings to petition for or contest relocations, even if primary custody was granted without regard to domicile, are sticky matters. However, if you retain a lawyer with a combination of skill, creativity, and experience, the court may perhaps consider a departure from these general rules. The Law Office of Donald E. Robinowitz has extensive knowledge of the law and is able to utilize veteran litigation skills in helping you with your domicile restriction hearing. Child SupportChild support is determined by a state formula, based on the non-primary parent's net income (ability to pay). However, you may need my services in three scenarios:
Free Consultation at 713-622-6676Contact our Houston office to discuss your child custody or child support issue. I personally handle your case, and can meet clients evenings or weekends by appointment. Phones are answered 24 hours a day, and we offer flexible payment plans. My legal assistant speaks fluent Spanish, and we also offer services in Mandarin, Cantonese, and other languages. |
