KINGWOOD CHILD SUPPORT ATTORNEY

A major concern in divorce or custody suits is child support. Parents have a financial obligation to provide for their children even after a marriage or romantic relationship dissolves. No divorce or break-up is without its contentious aspects; however, with the help of an experienced family law lawyer, you may work towards an agreement that aligns the best interests of all parties.

At Moffett Law Firm, we offer experienced guidance on the most complex family law issues, including child support. With over 30 years of combined experience, we understand how to establish sensible child support orders that support your children and protect your best interests. Our Kingwood, TX child support lawyers are committed to providing personalized legal services, blending aggressive and trusted litigation strategies to achieve your goals.

What Is Child Support?

Generally, child support is a monthly payment that a non-custodial parent makes to the custodial parent following a divorce or termination of a relationship. Given that the non-custodial parent is not cohabitating with the children or spending most of their time with them, that parent typically pays child support to ensure the custodial parent has the resources they need to care for the children.

To determine how much child support is needed, the judge will refer to the child support guidelines stated in the Texas Family Code. The court can also consider various other factors such as the income of both parents, how much time is spent with the children or what the possession schedule looks like, what kind of support is needed, and how many children require support. Commonly, child support payments end when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school (whichever event occurs later) but may be extended due to an ongoing disability.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Kingwood?

Under Texas Family Code Section 154.001, the Texas legislature establishes a statutory formula for calculating the guideline for child support payments. The formula varies depending on the number of children, whether a parent has other child support obligations, and the net resources available to the parent that has support orders.

When calculating net income, the court may look at gross salary, pensions, unemployment money, investments, and retirement funds. Temporary child support may be ordered while divorce or custody proceedings are pending.

The child support guidelines may include:

• Supporting one child: 20% of a non-cohabiting parent’s net income
• Supporting two children: 25% of a non-cohabiting parent’s net income
• Supporting three children: 30% of a non-cohabiting parent’s net income
• Supporting four children: 35% of a non-cohabiting parent’s net income
• Supporting five children: 40% of a non-cohabiting parent’s net income
• Supporting six or more children: no less than 40% of a non-cohabiting parent’s net income

Child support percentages may be subject to statutory caps on the income considered for child support. Additionally, the court may consider other factors that support paying above the statutory guidelines.

Speak with a seasoned Kingwood child support lawyer for an evaluation of child support obligations and how they may be calculated in your unique case.

Child Support Order Modifications

Following the finalization of your divorce or the entry of the underlying final order that sets out a child support obligation in the event the parties were never married, circumstances may change as children get older or their needs change. You may need to modify your child support orders to reflect your children’s evolving circumstances or changing needs.

In Texas, you are permitted to make modifications to support orders depending on the circumstances, such as new employment, lost employment, or other life changes. Speak with an experienced child support attorney at Moffett Law Firm if you have an outdated support order that requires modification.

If a parent fails to follow child support obligations, the other parent may need to take legal action to enforce the child support orders. Failure to pay child support as ordered could result in a parent being held in criminal contempt and the requirement that he or she reimburse the attorney’s fees of the parent who filed the enforcement case to compel the payment of child support. If you need to file an enforcement or need help defending against an enforcement, contact the Kingwood, TX child support lawyers at Moffett Law Firm for help with your case.

Contact the Kingwood Child Support Lawyers at Moffett Law Firm

Determining and arranging child support agreements can be complicated and stressful. Fortunately, the aggressive Kingwood child support attorneys at Moffett Law Firm have the experience and skills necessary to work through this process. We understand the complexities of Texas child support laws and can help you arrange an agreement that protects you and your child. Let us help resolve your child support orders with personalized legal services and fierce advocacy.

For a consultation, call our office at (713) 333-5800 or contact us online.