CYPRESS CHILD SUPPORT LAWYER

Parents undergoing a divorce in Cypress are often locked in intense battles, many of which involve child support. Depending on the details of your custody agreement, you may be ordered to pay or collect child support to care for your children and ensure their needs are met. If you are navigating a divorce in Cypress, you deserve to have an experienced attorney on your side to fight for your rights and financial future. 

The skilled attorneys at Moffett Law Firm are committed to taking an individualized approach to every case and tailoring their services to their client’s unique needs. We have more than 30 years of combined experience helping individuals in Cypress and the surrounding areas preserve their wealth as they fight for what’s most important. When you retain our services, trust that your case is in experienced hands. 

What Is Child Support?

Child support is a monthly payment typically made by the non-custodial parent to supplement the custodial parent’s contributions to their child’s care. In other words, because the non-custodial parent does not provide as much time and childcare as the custodial parent, the court requires them to provide financial support so all the child’s needs can be met. Texas has a broad definition of child support, and the law does not specify what needs child support should cover. 

Typically, child support payments are supposed to cover the child’s primary needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and education. However, as long as the child is not neglected, the custodial parent can use the payments as they see fit to provide for their child. The parent paying child support is also required to provide medical and dental support as long as the costs are reasonable. A skilled child support attorney from Moffett Law Firm can help you understand what these payments should cover as they help you reach an agreement that works for your interests. 

How Is Child Support Determined in Texas?

In most cases, the amount of child support the non-custodial parent must pay is determined by their monthly net income and the number of children requiring support. Texas follows these guidelines when establishing child support agreements:

• One child: 20% of the non-custodial parent’s monthly net income

• Two children: 25% of the non-custodial parent’s monthly net income

• Three children: 30% of the non-custodial parent’s monthly net income

• Four children: 35% of the non-custodial parent’s monthly net income

• Five children: 40% of the non-custodial parent’s monthly net income

• Six or more children: 40% or more of the non-custodial parent’s monthly net income

However, there are many reasons the court may order a higher or lower amount of support than the guidelines recommend. The court will consider these circumstances when making an exception to Texas’ child support guidelines:

• The child’s age and unique needs

• Each parent’s ability to support the child

• The time spent with each parent

• The other children each parent cares for

• The custodial parent’s net resources

• Spousal support payments the custodial parent may receive in addition to child support

• The cost of travel between each parent’s households

If the court deviates from the child support guidelines, it must provide a detailed reason regarding the child’s best interests. The seasoned attorneys at Moffett Law Firm understand how contentious these disagreements can be and can help you fight for the best possible outcome for your future. 

Modifying a Child Support Order in Cypress

Both parents have the right to seek a modification to the original child support agreement. When filing a modification, you must show that the requested modification is in the child’s best interest and that there has been a material and substantial change in the circumstances of one or both of the parties affected. For example, a modification may be granted if the child has increased healthcare needs or if the non-custodial parent loses their job. During a modification hearing, the court will often consider the same factors they would for an original child support order. 

Modification disputes can be just as bitter as the original battle over child support. Fortunately, an experienced attorney from Moffett Law Firm can help you prepare for this process and reach an agreement that meets your needs and preserves your wealth. 

Consult With a Highly-Qualified Cypress Child Support Attorney at Moffett Law Firm

Child support is one of the more fiercely debated issues of any divorce, which is why Moffett Law Firm‘s Cypress child support lawyers handle each case with the dedication it deserves. Our child support attorneys have over three decades of combined experience resolving complex child support cases and are ready to apply their knowledge and skills to your unique case. When you choose us, you choose a strong advocate who will fight relentlessly for your rights and interests. 

To schedule a consultation with a member of our experienced team, call us today at (713) 333-5800 or complete our contact form.