Being involved in divorce proceedings or other court proceedings where child support becomes an issue can be incredibly stressful. The complexities of the child support laws don’t help, as you might find yourself unsure how to proceed. Whether you owe child support or you are owed payments by the other parent, The Moffett Law Firm can help. Our experienced attorneys will do everything possible to ensure that the court proceedings are fair and that you aren’t being taken advantage of. Contact us today for a consultation.
Important Things to Know About Child Support in Texas
Calculating Child Support: In Texas, the amount of child support you will receive or be required to pay is based on several factors, including the number of children, the ages and needs of the children involved, where the children will reside, the earning capacity of both parents, and more. While there are payment guidelines based on these and other factors, it isn’t always simple to determine how much you will owe or will be owed. It’s often quite subjective.
Non-Custodial Parent Pays: In Texas, the general rule is that the non-custodial parent pays the other parent child support. If you have a child and they spend most of their time with you, it’s likely that the other parent will be required to pay you child support.
You Must Pay Even If Your Ex Is Restricting Visitation: A common question is whether a parent is required to pay child support if the other parent is restricting visitations, ignoring an agreement or an order. In Texas, you must pay child support in this scenario. You should then contact your attorney right away so you can address the visitation issue.
Garnished Wages: In Texas, it’s common for your wages to be garnished automatically once child support is ordered by the judge. Make sure you take this into account when calculating your expenses and when you’re planning for the future.
Trouble Paying Child Support
A child support order is a legal obligation, but in some cases, the parent who is ordered to pay simply can’t afford it. If you find yourself in this position, you should speak with your lawyer so they can request a modification with the court. There are serious ramifications for failing to pay child support, such as having your passport taken away, having a lien put on your property, facing significant monetary fines, having your driver’s license suspended, or even being sent to jail. The most important step you can take is to inform your attorney and the court that you want to pay but you currently can’t come up with that amount of money. If you don’t inform anyone of the trouble you’re having, the court will likely see it as an intentional failure to pay, and jail time becomes a real possibility.
Contact The Moffett Law Firm For Help
Going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful situations you may ever face, especially if children are involved. If you find yourself in a situation where you owe or are owed child support, it’s always helpful to have an experienced professional by your side. The Moffett Law Firm can assist you with any of your child support issues; we have been handling these types of cases for almost 20 years. When you hire us, you’re hiring a firm who cares about your case as much as you do. To schedule an initial consultation, call our office at 713-987-4250 or contact us online.
