Child Support Attorney In Texas With Over 20 Years Of Experience
Child support obligations arise in most divorce cases involving children. Whether you’re the paying parent or receiving support for your children, understanding how the Texas Child Support guidelines calculate these obligations helps you plan for the future. Our attorney explains the calculation process, can file enforcement actions on existing orders when a party is not compliant, and can file a suit to modify an existing order when there is a material or substantial change in circumstances.
The financial responsibility of raising children doesn’t end when parents separate. Texas law ensures both parents contribute to their children’s care through a structured support system. We guide families through child support establishment, enforcement actions and modification requests.
How Child Support Gets Calculated
Texas Family Code provides a clear child support formula. Start with gross income, subtract allowed deductions like federal taxes (that are defined by the Texas Family Code) and health insurance premiums, then apply a percentage based on the number of children. This determines the monthly payment.
Self-employed parents sometimes claim minimal income despite maintaining expensive lifestyles. Courts examine actual spending patterns beyond tax returns. Our attorney at the Law Office of Amy R. Harris PLLC knows how to present evidence when parents attempt to misstate their true financial resources.
Enforcement And Modification
Enforcement represents the biggest and hardest part of child support work. When a parent fails to pay court-ordered support, several enforcement options exist. Courts can:
- Assign interest on all unpaid child support payments
- Place liens on property
- Suspend one’s driver’s license or hunting license
- Hold nonpaying parents in contempt, including serving time in jail
We pursue enforcement actions to ensure children receive the financial support they deserve after a tough divorce.
Modification becomes necessary when circumstances change significantly. Texas law allows for a review of child support orders every three years or when the obligor’s income changes and the difference in monthly support would change by $100 or 20%, whichever is less. Income increases, job loss, medical needs or changes in circumstances for a child or either parent can justify modification requests. We help clients petition for modifications and present evidence supporting the requested changes.
How Is Child Support Calculated In Texas?
The court starts with gross income, subtracts allowed deductions to reach net resources and applies a percentage based on the number of children. The percentage ranges from 20% for one child to 40% for five or more.
What Can I Do If My Ex-Spouse Is Not Paying Child Support In Texas?
We can pursue wage withholding, property liens, license suspension or contempt proceedings. Enforcement options depend on your specific situation and the amount owed.
Get Help With Your Child Support Case
Call 936-230-3659 or reach out online to discuss your child support matter. We’ll review your situation and explain your options.