Full question:
My ex husband is going to work for a dealership where he will work nights and Saturdays. Some of these days are times the children are scheduled with him but he's telling me that since I'm the custodial parent that I will need to provide child care for the children. Is this true? If so, why would I be responsible for the children when it is court ordered time with him?
- Category: Divorce
- Subcategory: Child Custody
- Date:
- State: Texas
Answer:
The answer depends on the terms of your divorce decree. You may need to seek clarification from the court regarding this issue. Your ex-husband, as the non-custodial parent, might request a modification of the custody arrangement based on his new work schedule, which could be considered a significant change in circumstances.
According to Texas law, the court uses Child Support Guidelines to determine child support amounts, which includes factors such as the parents' income and the time each parent spends with the children. If the custodial parent incurs childcare expenses due to work, the court may share these costs between both parents.
For reference, Texas Family Code § 154.123 outlines factors the court may consider when determining whether to deviate from standard child support guidelines, including the age and needs of the child, each parent's ability to contribute, and childcare expenses incurred to maintain employment.
Ultimately, it would be advisable to consult with a family law attorney to understand your rights and options regarding childcare responsibilities during your ex-husband's scheduled time with the children.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.