There are lots of factors, but ultimately the Court will decide what is in the best interest of the child.  Generally, the Courts believe that children are better off when both of their parents are involved in their lives.

In Texas, child support is based on a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s income.  Generally, for one child, expect to pay 20% of your monthly income.  For each additional child, add 5%.  The court does take into account if you have other children.

You can contact the Office of the Attorney General, Child Support Division, for help enforcing your child support order.  If you prefer to hire private counsel, contact us to set up an initial consultation.

The standard possession order is the visitation schedule presumed to be in the child’s best interest.  It has very detailed provisions, but basically the non-custodial parent has visits with the child every 1st, 3rd & 5th weekend of the month.  The non-custodial parent also has Thursday night visits, either from 6-8pm or overnight.