Child Support Lawyers in The Woodlands

Understanding Child Support: A Comprehensive Guide for Texas Parents

Child support is a crucial aspect of family law that ensures the financial well-being of children whose parents are no longer together. Whether you’re dealing with a divorce, legal separation, or paternity case, comprehending the intricacies of child support obligations is essential for both custodial and non-custodial parents in Texas.

What Exactly Is Child Support?

Child support refers to the court-ordered financial contributions that one parent (typically the non-custodial parent) makes to the other parent (usually the custodial parent) to assist with the expenses of raising their child. This legal obligation applies to both unmarried parents who are separating and married couples going through a divorce.

Key Components of Texas Child Support

Financial Responsibility

Both parents have a legal duty to provide monetary support for their children, as mandated by the Texas Family Code.

Payment Structure

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) oversees child support payments, which can be made through various methods, including:

The parent paying child support is also often required to pay for the child’s dental and medical insurance, and that amount is subtracted from their income before child support is computed. If the individual paying child support has other children with somebody else, the percentage of income mandated will be decreased.

The Texas Attorney General provides a child support calculator that considers these factors and will provide you with insight into what child support guidelines will look like.

When someone has an after-tax income of $9,200 per month (approximately $150,000 a year), the percentages will no longer be automatically applicable, and the judge will instead review the actual necessities of the child(ren). In most circumstances, Texas courts are hesitant to mandate child support based on over $9,200 per month.

A seasoned child support lawyer in The Woodlands can assist you in determining whether your case has met the prerequisites for the court to award child support based on over $9,200 per month, even if the court may mandate child support in a higher amount than the percentage parameters.

If you are paying more child support than what the guidelines stipulate above, consult with a child support lawyer at The Bolton Law Firm, P.C. to learn how you can have those payments lowered.

Additional Factors Considered in Child Support Cases 

Although Texas courts generally adhere closely to the aforementioned guidelines, a judge may deviate from them if the situation warrants it.

The judge will begin by presuming that the child support amount under the guideline will cater to the child’s well-being. However, the judge may mandate a different support amount if using the guideline would be considered “inappropriate or unfair” in that exact case. 

To make that decision, the judge will consider the following factors:

• The needs and age of the child
• The ability of the parent to support the child
• The duration the child spends with every parent
• The net resources of the custodial parent
• Childcare costs
• Spousal maintenance (alimony) that a parent is receiving or paying
• Travel costs of the child to the other parent if they reside far apart, and
• Particular expenses like education or health care 

What if My Financial Circumstances Change?

Child support is compulsory under Texas law, and once a court establishes the amount you are required to pay, it becomes your legal responsibility to fulfill these obligations consistently. However, life can present unexpected challenges, and financial circumstances may change. In such cases, parents may seek assistance from The Bolton Law Firm, P.C. to navigate the modification process.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to stop or reduce the amount of court-ordered child support, our experienced attorneys at The Bolton Law Firm, P.C. can help you request an adjustment (modification) to your original child support order or a provisional suspension. 

The court may consider several valid reasons for modifying your child support obligations, including:

• Job Loss: If you experience involuntary termination or layoffs that affect your ability to pay.
• Reduction in Net Income: Substantial pay cuts or reduced work hours that impact your financial situation.
• Unforeseen Medical Bills: Major health issues that lead to unexpected medical expenses.
• Physical Impairment: Conditions that affect your ability to work and earn income.
• Changes in Custody Arrangements: Alterations in parenting time that may affect financial responsibilities.
• Increased Living Costs: Significant rises in essential expenses such as housing and utilities.
• Additional Dependents: New children requiring financial support due to birth or adoption.

At The Bolton Law Firm, P.C., our child support lawyers understand the complexities of child support modifications and can guide you through the legal process. We will work diligently to ensure that your rights are protected while advocating for a fair adjustment based on your current financial circumstances. It’s important to remember that any changes to child support must be approved by the court.

Informal agreements between parents are not legally binding, which is why having a knowledgeable child support attorney from The Bolton Law Firm, P.C. by your side is crucial. We will help you prepare the necessary documentation and represent you in court if needed. 

Let us help you navigate these challenging circumstances and secure a resolution that works for you and your child.

Resources on Child Support in Texas

Explore these informative resources to understand various aspects of child support in Texas. Each blog provides essential insights into specific scenarios, offering guidance for parents navigating child support matters.

Child Support for an Adopted Child in Texas

Learn about how Texas law addresses child support obligations for adopted children. This article explores legal expectations, the calculation process, and how adopting parents are held to the same standards as biological parents.

Attorney for Child Support in High-Income Families

High-income families often face unique challenges when determining child support. This blog delves into cases where parental earnings exceed statutory limits and explains how courts assess a child’s needs to ensure fair support.

How to Ask for an Increase in Child Support in Texas

Discover when and how you can request a child support increase in Texas. This resource outlines conditions such as significant changes in financial circumstances or the evolving needs of the child.

How Hard is it to Get a Reduction in Child Support?

Understand the legal hurdles and requirements for reducing child support payments. Learn about scenarios like income loss, custody changes, and how courts evaluate requests for modification.

How The Bolton Law Firm, P.C. Can Help with Your Child Support Case

At The Bolton Law Firm, P.C., we understand that child support matters can be complex, emotionally challenging, and financially impactful. Our experienced team of child support attorneys, led by Board-Certified lawyer Ruby Bolton, is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support for all aspects of child support cases in The Woodlands, Tomball, Spring, and surrounding areas of Montgomery County and Harris County.

Here’s how our child support lawyers can assist you:

• Calculating Child Support: We’ll help you navigate Texas child support guidelines, ensuring accurate calculations based on net income, number of children, and other relevant factors such as health insurance premiums and daycare costs.
• Negotiating Agreements: Our skilled negotiators will work tirelessly to reach fair child support agreements that protect your parental rights and your child’s best interests, whether you’re a custodial or non-custodial parent.
• Modifying Existing Orders: If your financial circumstances have changed due to job loss, income reduction, or increased expenses, we can help you petition for modifications to existing child support orders.
• Enforcing Support Orders: Should the other parent fail to meet their financial obligations, our child support attorneys take necessary legal action to enforce child support orders, including wage garnishment or property liens if required.
• Representing You in Court: Our experienced litigators will provide strong representation if your case goes to family court, ensuring your voice is heard and your child’s needs are prioritized.
• Addressing Special Circumstances: We handle complex cases involving high-income earners, self-employed individuals, or those with unique financial situations such as multiple child support obligations or spousal maintenance payments.
• Providing Ongoing Support: Our child support lawyers offer continued guidance as your family’s needs evolve, helping you navigate changes in custody arrangements, visitation schedules, or financial circumstances that may affect child support.
• Assisting with Paternity Issues: If paternity is in question, we can guide you through the process of establishing legal fatherhood, which is crucial for determining child support obligations.
• Explaining Tax Implications: Our child support lawyers will help you understand how child support payments may affect your taxes, as these payments are typically not tax-deductible for the payer or taxable for the recipient.
• Mediating Disputes: Our child support attorneys are skilled in alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation, which can help resolve child support disagreements without costly and time-consuming court battles.

With The Bolton Law Firm, P.C., you’ll have a dedicated advocate fighting for your rights and your child’s well-being. We combine our deep understanding of Texas family law with a compassionate approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for your child support case. Our child support attorneys stay up-to-date with the latest changes in child support laws and guidelines to provide you with the most current and effective legal strategies.