Understanding Child Custody and Support: A Guide by Tyler TX Lawyers

Family law cases involving children are often the most emotional and stressful legal matters a parent can face. Questions about where your child will live, how decisions will be made, and how financial support will be handled can feel overwhelming. At Hager Law, our team of experienced child custody and support lawyers in Tyler, TX, is dedicated to helping families navigate these challenges with clarity and compassion.

This guide explains the basics of child custody and child support in Texas, what parents can expect during the process, and how having the right legal team can make all the difference.

What Child Custody Means in Texas

In Texas, child custody is legally referred to as “conservatorship.” There are two primary aspects to conservatorship:

• Legal custody (decision-making): Who has the right to make important decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and general welfare.

• Physical custody (possession and access): How much time the child spends living with each parent.
  

Texas law generally favors arrangements that allow both parents to play an active role in their child’s life. This is why most cases involve joint managing conservatorship, where parents share decision-making responsibilities. However, the court’s primary focus is always the child’s best interest.

The Best Interest of the Child Standard

The “best interest of the child” is the guiding principle in every custody case. Judges consider factors such as:

• The child’s emotional and physical needs.
• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable, safe environment.
• The child’s relationship with siblings and extended family.
• In some cases, the child’s preference, depending on their age and maturity.

Because every family’s situation is unique, custody outcomes can vary widely. That’s why working with child custody and support lawyers in Tyler, TX, who understand local courts and family dynamics is essential.

Understanding Child Support in Texas

Along with custody, child support is a key part of ensuring you meet a child’s needs. In Texas, child support is typically calculated as a percentage of the paying parent’s income. The percentage depends on the number of children who need support. For example, support for one child is usually 20% of net monthly income, while support for two children is 25%.

However, courts can adjust these amounts based on special circumstances such as medical needs, educational expenses, or other factors. The goal is always to provide children with the financial stability they need to thrive.

How Custody and Support Work Together

Child custody and child support are closely connected. The parent with primary physical custody often receives child support payments from the other parent. These payments help cover housing, food, clothing, and everyday expenses.

It’s important to understand that child support is not considered optional—it’s a legal obligation. Even if parents disagree on custody, child support orders remain enforceable. Failure to pay support can result in serious legal consequences.

Modifying Custody or Support Orders

Life circumstances can change, and sometimes existing custody or support arrangements no longer meet a child’s needs. Texas law allows parents to request modifications to court orders when there has been a “material and substantial change in circumstances.”

Common reasons for modification include:

• A parent’s relocation.
• Changes in income.
• The child’s needs evolving as they grow older.

Our attorneys at Hager Law can help you determine whether a modification is appropriate and guide you through the legal steps to request one.

Resolving Custody and Support Disputes

Not all custody or support cases require a courtroom battle. Many parents are able to reach agreements through negotiation or mediation. These approaches often reduce stress and give families more control over the outcome.

However, if you cannot resolve the dispute outside of court, having experienced trial lawyers is critical. Our team will present your case effectively before a judge, always advocating for what is best for your child.

Why Choose Hager Law?

When facing custody and support issues, choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make. At Hager Law, we combine legal knowledge with compassion for families during challenging times. Our attorneys understand the intricacies of Texas family law and have years of experience representing parents in the Tyler area.

We commit to:

• Protecting your parental rights.
• Ensuring we prioritize your child’s needs.
• Guiding you through each stage of the legal process with honesty and respect.

By working with our child custody and support lawyers in Tyler, TX, you gain a partner who will stand by you—whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

Taking the Next Step

If you are dealing with questions about child custody or support, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. The attorneys at Hager Law are here to provide the guidance and representation you need. Every family’s situation is unique, and our goal is to help you find solutions that create stability for your child and peace of mind for you.

Contact Hager Law today to schedule a consultation with our trusted child custody and support lawyers in Tyler, TX. Together, we can work toward an arrangement that protects your rights and serves your child’s best interests.