Do you need help with a child support matter in The Woodlands, Texas? The BB Law Group PLLC is here to help your family. Contact us today at (832) 534-2589 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Woodlands child support lawyer. Our team will stand by your side at every turn as we work to help you reach the best possible solution.
Our attorneys have years of experience handling sensitive family law matters. We know the law inside and out—and we know how to develop the effective strategy you deserve. Parenting with a co-parent while separated or divorced can be incredibly challenging. Our experienced attorneys are here to help.
Why Call the BB Law Group PLLC PLLC for Help With My Child Support Case in The Woodlands, TX?
As is true with any family law matter, child support matters can be emotional. They can bring out the worst in a person. Our attorneys at BB Law Group PLLC are here to protect you, your child, and your interests.
When it comes to advocating for our clients, our Woodlands family lawyers take our responsibilities seriously. We have the experience and skill to help you get your life back on track. We work closely with our clients so that we can fully understand the situation.
Some of the ways we can help include:
- Obtaining and examining financial documents to ensure support payments are accurate
- Helping you establish an initial child support order
- Fighting to enforce an existing child support order
- Helping you obtain a modification of child support
- Facilitating mediation and negotiations
Whether you’re paying or receiving child support, our Woodlands family law attorneys can protect your interests. We have the experience to resolve even the most complex disputes. Call us today to learn more.
Overview of Texas Child Support Laws
Texas family laws require that both parents support their children financially. Each parent must contribute financially to the child’s living expenses. That includes parents who are married, parents who are divorced, and parents who were never married.
Support obligations generally continue until the child turns 18.
Texas has guidelines to determine the amount of support payments. Typically, the non-custodial parent pays support to the custodial parent. Still, each parent is required to support their child regardless of child custody arrangements. Parents can agree to divide living expenses, but support must generally follow the guidelines.
Courts can order a parent to make cash payments to the other parent. Family courts can also order a parent to purchase health insurance and dental insurance.
Child support disputes can quickly become messy. While the law is clear, complications are common. Every family is different. If you’re dealing with a child support matter, call our Woodlands child support attorneys for the legal support you deserve today.
Can a Judge Order Child Support Before a Divorce Is Final in The Woodlands?
Texas law allows family court judges to issue temporary child support orders. This typically occurs when two parents separate prior to divorce.
Once the divorce is final, the temporary support order generally stops. The support order contained in the final divorce settlement will then control.
How Long Do Parents in The Woodlands Have to Pay Child Support?
Technically, all child support arrangements are temporary. Parents aren’t obligated to support their children forever. The child support order will dictate when the obligation ends.
Child support obligations may end when the child:
- Reaches age 18
- Graduates from high school, if they are older than 18 when they graduate
- Becomes emancipated legally, by getting married, joining the military, or obtaining a judicial order
Child support can continue indefinitely if the child is disabled. If the court determines that the child is unable to support themselves, the obligation may continue. Parents can also agree to continue making child support payments even once their legal support obligation ends.
How Much Is Child Support in Texas?
Child support payments can vary. The primary goal is to provide the child with the standard of living they had prior to a divorce or separation. Still, Texas child support guidelines will control the calculation when a parent’s net monthly income does not exceed $7,000.
A parent’s monthly income considers all resources, including:
- Wages, salary, and employment compensation
- Self-employment income
- Interest, dividends and similar investment-based income
- Rental income
- Disability income
- Retirement and pension income
- Unemployment income
- Alimony and spousal support
Certain expenses are deducted when arriving at the parent’s net income, including federal taxes, Social Security, state taxes, and amounts paid for the child’s insurance.
Parents don’t have to pay equal amounts. That’s especially true when one parent makes significantly more than the other parent. Each parent’s financial resources and the number of children being supported are considered. The court begins by evaluating the non-custodial parent’s resources.
Pursuant to the guidelines, child support is a percentage of income:
- 20% for one child
- 25% for two children
- 30% for three children
- 35% for four children
- 40% for five children
The rules governing child support seem clear-cut. In reality, courts have leeway to impose additional child support. The amounts really depend on the child’s needs. That includes needs before and after a divorce or separation.
Each parent will be required to make financial disclosures. These disclosures will allow the court to determine child support obligations. Witness testimony can also be relevant in determining whether a court will deviate from the guidelines.
What Does Child Support Cover in Texas?
The support guidelines dictate the cash payments one parent will make to support their children. Courts may order a parent to cover additional needs.
That includes:
- Medical and dental insurance
- Childcare expenses
- Education-related expenses
- Expenses related to a child’s special needs
Courts can also order a parent to pay out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance.
How Can Parents Make Child Support Payments in Texas?
Different options are available.
The court can order a parent to pay child support by:
- Making periodic payments over time
- Providing a lump sum settlement amount
- Using retirement savings or benefits
- Buying annuities or life insurance
- Setting aside their physical property
Payment obligations can depend on whether it’s likely that the parent will comply with the child support order.
What Does the Court Consider When Determining a Parent’s Child Support Obligations in Texas?
Financial resources and the number of children involved are the two key considerations. Still, complications often arise. It’s not always cut-and-dry.
Family courts have authority to consider factors such as a parent’s:
- Assets, even if they aren’t income-producing
- Employment history and earning capacity
- Education, training and skills
- History of seeking employment
- Residence
- Criminal history
- Job opportunities in the community
- Age and overall health
These issues can arise when a parent is not employed or refuses to work. Parents sometimes actively attempt to avoid their child support obligations. Some may even hide assets to avoid supporting their children.
If you’re in this type of situation, hiring an attorney in The Woodlands is critical.
Can an Existing Child Support Order Be Changed in Texas?
Yes, you may be able to get an existing child support order changed. Circumstances can change over time. There are different ways to get child support modified.
The easiest way is to reach an agreement with your child’s other parent. When both parents agree, you can submit a written request for change to the court. The court can sign the agreement to put the new payment structure into effect.
If disputes arise, you can also request child support modifications if:
- Either parent has experienced a substantial and material change in circumstances
- The child’s needs have changed substantially
- The monthly amount in the current order differs by either (1) 20% or (2) $100 from the amount that would be awarded under the child support guidelines, and the existing order was made at least three years ago
For example, courts may agree to increase payments if the payor gets a raise and is making significantly more money. They could also decrease payments if the payor is making significantly less.
What Can I Do to Enforce a Child Support Order in Texas?
Failure to pay child support is a crime in Texas.
Courts have many different enforcement options, including:
- Garnishing wages
- Placing liens on assets, including bank accounts and real estate
- Seizing tax refunds
- Suspending licenses
The noncompliant parent may face jail time. They can be held in contempt of court. Courts also have authority to order them to pay interest on child support that’s owed. Our lawyers in The Woodlands can help you with any modification and enforcement matters.
Call an Experienced Woodlands Child Support Lawyer to Schedule a Case Review Today
If you’re facing child support issues, reach out to the BB Law Group PLLC for legal advice today. We have years of experience helping families like you resolve complex issues. We serve families throughout Montgomery County.
Call us today to learn how a trusted Woodlands child support attorney can help with your case.