Child Support Attorney Houston
Setting up child support can be complex. An experienced Houston child support attorney can help you through the process. Contact The Larson Law Office today for a free case evaluation: (713) 221-9088
Whether you’re getting divorced or separating as unmarried parents, each parent has a financial obligation to support their children.
Monthly child support in Texas is based on the obligor (non-custodial) parent’s monthly earned income minus the allowable deductions.
In addition to an obligor’s regular paycheck, other types of compensation including bonuses and commissions also are included in determining child support.
Assets such are property rentals, second homes or vehicles, and inheritance can be considered by the court as a viable source of income as well.
Even if their financial situation changes, or they become unemployed, the obligor parent is still responsible for making the payment. In return, the obligee (custodial) parent is required to apply the money received towards the daily care and cost of raising the child.
If you are currently collecting child support or in the process of becoming a single parent household in Houston, you need to speak with a child support attorney.
At The Larson Law Office, we will review your situation, explain the current child support guidelines, and help you gather the financial information required by the court.
HOUSTON CHILD SUPPORT LAWYER TOPICS COVERED HERE
Calculating Child Support in Texas
To protect the best interest of the child, the state of Texas has a strict set of child support guidelines. Child support proceedings are subject to a net monthly income cap of $8,550, but the court could increase the amount based on both parents’ income and the child’s needs. Current Texas child support guidelines calculate at:
- 1 Child 20% of the Obligor’s Net Monthly Resources
- 2 Children 25% of the Obligor’ Net Monthly Resources
- 3 Children 30% of the Obligor’s Net Monthly Resources
- 4 Children 30% of the Obligor’s Net Monthly Resources
- 5+ Children 40% of the Obligor‘s Net Monthly Resources
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Additional Child Support Issues in Texas
Can a Court Award Child Support Above the Guidelines?
Texas courts frequently use statutory child support guidelines when calculating support obligations. However, judges may deviate from the guideline amounts when circumstances justify a different result.
Courts may consider factors such as:
- The child’s medical or educational needs
- Childcare expenses
- Special needs or extraordinary care requirements
- Travel expenses related to visitation
- The financial resources of each parent
- The overall best interests of the child
When requesting support above or below guideline amounts, financial documentation and evidence often play an important role in the outcome of the case.
Retroactive Child Support in Texas
In some situations, a Texas court may award retroactive child support for periods before a formal support order was entered.
Retroactive support may arise when:
- No previous child support order existed
- Paternity was established later
- A parent failed to provide financial support voluntarily
When determining retroactive support, courts may evaluate:
- The needs of the child
- Whether the parent knew about the child
- Whether support had previously been provided informally
These cases can involve significant financial disputes and should be carefully evaluated.
Child Support Modifications and Reductions
Child support obligations may sometimes be modified when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances.
Modification requests commonly involve:
- Job loss or reduced income
- Disability or medical issues
- Changes in custody or parenting time
- Increased financial obligations
- Significant changes in either parent’s income
Texas courts generally require a formal modification request before support obligations can be changed.
What If You Cannot Afford Child Support Payments?
Failing to pay court-ordered child support can lead to serious legal consequences, including:
- Wage garnishment
- License suspension
- Contempt proceedings
- Accumulating interest on unpaid support
If you are unable to afford your current support obligation, it is important to seek legal guidance as early as possible rather than allowing unpaid balances to continue growing.
A Houston child support lawyer can help evaluate whether modification may be appropriate in your situation.
Wage Withholding Orders in Texas
Texas courts commonly use wage withholding orders to collect child support payments directly from a parent’s paycheck.
Under a wage withholding order:
- Employers deduct support payments automatically
- Payments are forwarded through the Texas child support system
- Withholding generally continues until the obligation ends or is modified
These orders are frequently used to help ensure consistent payment and compliance with support obligations.
Medical Support Orders for Children
Texas courts may require parents to provide medical support in addition to monthly child support payments.
Medical support obligations may include:
- Maintaining health insurance coverage
- Paying uninsured medical expenses
- Providing dental insurance coverage when available
Courts generally require reasonable healthcare coverage for the child whenever it is available at a reasonable cost.
Can You Pay Child Support Directly to the Other Parent?
Although some parents exchange payments directly, Texas child support orders often require payments to be made through the state disbursement system.
Direct payments can create problems when:
- Payments are not properly documented
- Disputes arise regarding amounts paid
- One parent later claims nonpayment
Keeping accurate payment records is critical in any child support case.
The obligor parent is free to pay more than the required guidelines, but they cannot pay less unless otherwise agreed by the parties. If you need help modifying divorce rulings or court ordered payments, our experienced child support lawyers will assist you in establishing an agreement that best suits you and your family.
Enforcing Child Support in Texas: Know Your Parental Rights
If the non-custodial parent is not paying child support, there are several enforcement measures under Texas child support law you can take to collect regular and past-due payments. Our knowledgeable lawyers will help you determine which enforcement tools are best suited for your case and help you attain the resources your family deserves.
Act Now – Speak with Our Child Support Attorney in Houston, TX Today!
If you are having difficulty in dealing with child support issues, contact The Larson Law Office today to discuss your case and parental rights with our qualified Houston child support lawyers.
Other types of Family Law cases that we handle, include:
