The turbulent emotions that plague most divorces usually rule out productive spouse-to-spouse negotiations. However, those able to work together often exit divorce with a more satisfactory settlement.
Aside from the division of marital property, child matters like custody, visitation and support remain highly contentious between parents. If you and your spouse can set aside your differences long enough to make child-related decisions outside of court, it may improve your entire divorce.
Know the law
Before you begin negotiating, learn more about Texas child support laws. That is the ideal way to ensure that the support plan you agree on conforms to the law. Otherwise, you risk spending valuable time working out child support only to learn your agreement is invalid per state law.
Know the figures
Share details with each other about your income and expenses, even if you did not share such information in the past. Both of you need a complete financial accounting to arrive at a child support agreement that is fair to all, especially your kids. Remember to address unexpected child-related expenses (medical care, etc.) in your negotiations.
Know the odds of success
Even when parents agree about child support, a family law judge must give it a stamp of approval. A legal assessment ensures the agreement will have a much better chance of surviving the scrutiny of a seasoned judge.
You can’t have too much information about getting divorced as a parent. The more you know, the better prepared you are to address the hurdles that often accompany the legal end of a marriage.