Divorce and Child Custody Attorneys Helping Families in Dallas, Rockwall, and Collin County with Child Support Matters
If you’re facing a child support case in Texas, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer by your side. The child support attorneys at The Blacknall Firm can help you achieve a fair outcome and protect the best interests of your child. We can calculate the amount of child support a noncustodial parent must pay each month, assist with modifying and enforcing child support orders, and handle any other child support matters you may have.
TEXAS CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES
Both parents in Texas are responsible for financially supporting their children, even if one or both are minors or the pregnancy was unintended. If the parents of a child do not live together, the noncustodial parent is required to pay child support until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. The Texas Attorney General’s office is responsible for establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders, and all child support payments must go through the office. Nonpayment of child support can result in wage withholding, tax refund forfeiture, property liens, and license suspensions.
TEXAS CHILD SUPPORT CALCULATOR
The amount of child support to be paid by a noncustodial parent in Texas is based on their net income and the number of children. The current guidelines for child support based on a net income of up to $9,200 per month are:
- 20% for one child
- 25% for two children
- 30% for three children
- 35% for four children
- 40% for five or more children
However, many factors can affect child support, and a judge has the discretion to deviate from the guidelines if it is in the best interest of the child. These factors can include the noncustodial parent having children from another relationship, the child having physical or mental disabilities, expenses for counseling, tutoring, extracurricular activities, and childcare, and the amount of spousal support being paid by the other parent.
CHILD SUPPORT DURATION
Child support in Texas is typically ordered until the child emancipates by marriage, turns 18, enlists in the military, or graduates from high school. The obligation may continue after the child’s 18th birthday if they are enrolled in school full-time and working toward their high school diploma or GED. However, exceptions may be made for children with disabilities or special needs who cannot care for or support themselves financially, and parents can also agree to extend the duration of child support through college or some other end date. Depending on the circumstances, the child may be eligible for indefinite support from one or both parents.
CHALLENGING A TEXAS CHILD SUPPORT ORDER
If you need a child support order or need to challenge a child support order in Texas, the attorneys at The Blacknall Firm can help. We can gather an accurate picture of the other parent’s assets and financial resources and request a modification based on changes in employment, living arrangements, custody agreements, and other relevant factors. We can also represent you in court if necessary and negotiate on your behalf to achieve a fair and reasonable outcome.
If you have a child support matter and need representation, please schedule a consultation.