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Who Claims a Child on Taxes When Parents Share Custody?

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Updated: July 22, 2026 Current for: 2025 federal tax returns filed in 2026 Estimated reading time: 16 minutes The parent with whom the child lived for more nights during the tax year generally has the first right to claim the child for federal tax purposes. In a 60/40 schedule, that is usually the parent with … Continued

Texas Child Support Laws (2026): Current Guidelines & Income Limits

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Updated July 22, 2026 15-minute read Reviewed for current Texas law 2026 Texas Child Support Update What Are the Current Texas Child Support Laws? Texas child support guidelines generally apply a percentage to the paying parent's monthly net resources. Since September 1, 2025, the upper monthly net-resource amount subject to the standard guideline calculation has … Continued

How To Enforce A Child Custody Order In Texas

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When a parent violates a child custody order in Texas, it can create stress, confusion, and disruption for both you and your child. Fortunately, Texas law provides clear legal options to enforce these orders and hold the non-compliant parent accountable. To enforce a child custody order in Texas, you typically file a motion for enforcement … Continued

10 Things to Know About Failing To Pay Child Support In Texas

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Failing to pay child support in Texas can lead to serious consequences — some that parents don’t expect until it’s too late. Texas takes child support enforcement extremely seriously, and falling behind on payments can result in wage garnishment, license suspension, liens, intercepted tax refunds, and, in the most extreme cases, jail time. This guide … Continued

Finding Joy Again: Coping With Holiday Anxiety After Divorce

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The holiday season, traditionally a tapestry of joy and celebration, can present a vastly different landscape for those navigating it post-divorce. In this phase of life, the usual festivities are often interwoven with a complexity of emotions and a profound shift in personal dynamics. Heightened emotions and altered family structures create a backdrop where stress … Continued

10 Scary Truths About Divorce: The Numbers Every Family Should Know

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Divorce is one of the most life-altering experiences a family can face. While no statistic can capture the personal pain of separation, the numbers tell a sobering story. From financial setbacks to emotional tolls, the realities of divorce are often harsher than most expect. Below are 10 shocking truths about divorce, numbers that every family … Continued

Haunted By Uncertainty: Why Divorce Can Feel So Scary

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Divorce is one of life's most challenging experiences, filled with a mix of intense emotions. Topping that list for many is fear. While emotions like grief, anger, and relief might surface, professionals in family law often observe that fear overshadows them all. You're not alone in feeling this way, and with the right strategies, you … Continued

Child Support In Austin: What Travis County Parents Need To Know

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Child support is one of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of family law in Austin. While Texas law provides clear guidelines, the way those rules are applied in Travis County courts can feel very different depending on your case. To help parents better understand what to expect, Chelsi Moore, Associate Attorney at Modern … Continued

Is Texas A Community Property State?

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Navigating the intricacies of divorce in Texas, especially understanding the community property law, is vital for anyone beginning this process. Texas stands as one of the few states that adhere to the community property system, which significantly influences how property and debts are divided upon divorce. Understanding Community Property In Texas Texas is a community … Continued

Dividing Property in Austin: What to Expect Under Texas Law

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Dividing property in a divorce can be one of the most stressful and confusing parts of the process. In Texas—particularly in Austin, where property values have skyrocketed in recent years—understanding how courts handle community and separate property is essential. To shed light on this complex topic, we spoke with Chelsi Moore, Senior Attorney at Modern … Continued

How To Modify A Parenting Plan In Austin: What The Judges Look For

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Parenting plans are meant to provide stability and structure for children after a divorce or custody case. But as life changes, sometimes those plans need to change too. In Austin, Texas, modifying a parenting plan is not as simple as asking the court for an update—you’ll need to show a valid reason, and judges look … Continued

Divorcing In Austin, TX? What To Expect In Travis County Family Court

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If you are considering divorce in Austin, understanding how Travis County family courts work can make the process less overwhelming. From local standing orders to unique courthouse procedures, knowing what to expect helps you feel more prepared. To give you an insider perspective, we spoke with Robert Holguin, Associate Attorney at Modern Family Law in … Continued

Residency Requirements To File For Divorce In Austin, TX

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Before you can file for divorce in Austin, you’ll need to meet Texas’s residency rules. These rules decide whether the Travis County courts have the authority to hear your case. While the legal language may seem technical, the requirements are straightforward: you must have lived in Texas long enough, and in Travis County specifically, before … Continued

Where To File For Divorce In Austin, TX

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When filing for divorce or any other family law case in Austin, it is important to remember that filing in the correct Austin county is a critical step. If you file in the wrong jurisdiction, your case will likely be transferred or dismissed. Either of these situations will take additional time and money to resolve … Continued

What Is An Uncontested Divorce?

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An uncontested divorce is a simplified legal process where both parties agree on all major terms of their divorce without needing a court to resolve disputes. This type of divorce is less costly, less time-consuming, and typically less stressful, making it a favorable option for many couples seeking to dissolve their marriage amicably. Key Steps … Continued

7 Tips For Surviving Back to School As A Recently Divorced Parent

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Navigating the back-to-school season can be challenging for any parent, but as a recently divorced parent, it can feel particularly overwhelming. Balancing new routines, emotions, and responsibilities requires a thoughtful approach to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your child. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—many parents have walked this path and … Continued

Our Family Wizard vs. TalkingParents: Which Co-Parenting App Is Right for You?

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Co-parenting after a separation or divorce is rarely easy, especially when communication is strained or tensions run high. That’s where co-parenting apps come in. Designed to streamline communication, manage schedules, and reduce conflict, tools like Our Family Wizard and TalkingParents offer structure and accountability for families going through a difficult time. But which one is … Continued

From Toddlers To Teens: Navigating The Co-Parenting Journey

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Co-parenting, the shared approach to raising children after separation or divorce, is more than a parental duty; it's a commitment to the well-being of children. Recent consensus among experts emphasizes that shared parenting benefits most children, supporting their development and well-being, including in high-conflict families, except in cases of family violence or child abuse. In … Continued