Child Support Lawyers in Southlake
Helping Parents Look After Their Child’s Best Interests in Child Support Arrangements
Disputes over child support decisions can be hotly contested, especially if the noncustodial parent believes they cannot afford the financial responsibility that is being asked of them. Child support is different from child custody, but both issues have to do with the end of a relationship and the obligation to support children until they are older, to the best of a parent’s abilities. When facing child support issues and other complex family law matters, both custodial and noncustodial parents are strongly encouraged to seek the professional legal representation of experienced attorneys well-versed in these practice areas to help them reach a favorable resolution that reflects their financial circumstances. Our knowledgeable attorneys’ experience in these areas of the law can help you develop a comprehensive legal strategy to argue your case in a way that aligns with your financial resources while also ensuring that children receive the support they need.
Whether you are the noncustodial parent tasked with paying child support or the custodial parent seeking a higher child support amount, our compassionate team is here to represent your interests in and out of the Texas courts. We have a deep understanding of both human nature and Texas law, making us highly qualified professionals who can assist you throughout the legal process.
In addition to representing clients in Southlake, TX, we also represent people in Fort Worth, Dallas, Tarrant County, and surrounding areas in North Texas. To begin your child support case, please get in touch with our law offices to schedule your free initial consultation with our legal team today.
Are Child Support Payments Always Ordered in Texas Divorce Cases?
When parents separate, whether through divorce or other means, it can be tough on the adults in the room, but perhaps especially hard on any children involved. Along with the emotional challenges and family turmoil that often result from such separations, there are also legal complications to consider during separation or divorce proceedings. For separating couples who have children, a critical issue to consider is who pays child support.
Texas does not automatically order child support in every divorce case. However, child support payments are often required when one parent has primary custody, and the other parent serves as a noncustodial parent. The amount of child support required will depend on various factors and calculations. Texas guidelines outline how to determine child support on a case-by-case basis.
Those going through the divorce process who have concerns about child custody, child support, and other legal issues are strongly encouraged to seek representation from experienced lawyers who can advocate for their interests. Please contact our law firm to schedule your free case review today.
How is Child Support Calculated in Southlake, Texas?
Texas family law courts generally follow several guidelines to determine child support payments, unless exceptional circumstances arise that warrant a deviation from the established guidelines.
In Texas, child support calculations are based on a parent’s monthly net income, which is calculated by deducting specific amounts from their gross income. Typically, the following will be deducted from the parents’ monthly income when calculating child support: the child’s health insurance premiums, Social Security withholdings, and federal income taxes.
The recipient parent may expect to receive a portion of the other parent’s income based on those metrics and also the guidelines for how many children they had together. For example, if there were only one child, the recipient parent should expect to receive approximately 20% of the other parent’s net resources each month. Two children amount to 25%. 30% for three children. 35% for four children. 40% for five children. And not under 40% for six or more children. If there were other children that one parent is caring for, this would be taken into consideration and could adjust the total amount of child support payments.
Child support is intended to help financially support a child until they reach 18 or graduate from high school, whichever occurs later. Child support obligations can cover a child’s daily financial needs, including medical costs, housing expenses, education costs, food, and more.
What Other Factors Can Affect Child Support Matters?
Additional factors may affect child support calculations and cause a judge to differ from the suggested guideline amount. These factors are found in the Texas Family Code.
Examples include the following:
- The age and unique needs of the child
- Available financial resources that are there to support the child
- The ability of either parent to support a child financially
- Childcare is necessary for a parent to maintain employment
- The amount of time that each parent is allowed to spend with their children
- Alimony or spousal support obligations that are paid or received by either parent
- Whether or not one parent has physical custody of other children from a different relationship
If the recipient parent is unsure of how to receive child support payments safely, such as in cases of domestic violence or abuse, we encourage them to contact our law firm for assistance.
What if the Paying Parent Cannot Afford Their Financial Support Obligations?
If a child support order issued by a Texas court exists, the paying parent is obligated to provide the agreed-upon financial assistance regardless of whether they are currently working or facing other difficulties. However, it may be possible to reduce the amount of child support that is being asked of you in certain circumstances.
Some parents may succeed in filing for child support modifications, asking to reduce their financial obligations in hopes of receiving new orders that better reflect their financial resources. To succeed in obtaining a modification to an existing order, the petitioner must be able to prove that a substantial change of circumstances has occurred that renders them unable to provide the same level of financial assistance they previously might have been capable of.
Child support modifications can be requested if the paying parent has a substantial change in circumstances or if at least three years have elapsed since the previous order was issued. One common mistake some parents make is failing to pay what is owed without first seeking a modification order. If you are seeking to modify an existing order, please contact our firm for assistance.
Contact Our North Texas Family Law Offices to Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation with Our Child Support Attorneys Today
In Texas, child support lasts until a supported child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, there may be a reason to dispute or modify existing child support orders before then, in which case the paying parent must seek the professional legal services of experienced family law attorneys.
In addition to representing parents paying child support, we also assist parents seeking child support payments, enforcing existing orders, and recovering missed payments.
Whatever your case may be, if you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact our office to speak with our attorneys and legal staff today. Our firm offers free consultations to prospective new clients interested in retaining our legal services. To get started, call us at 214-238-9188.