THE WOODLANDS CHILD SUPPORT LAWYER
When a couple decides to get a divorce or even if they were never married, parents often face the contentious issue of child support. These agreements can help ensure your child’s needs are met, even after the marriage ends. Child support agreements are typically complex, making it essential to partner with an experienced and aggressive attorney willing to fight on your behalf.
If you are facing a divorce in The Woodlands or if you were never married to your child’s other parent, a The Woodlands child support lawyer from Moffett Law Firm can guide you through the legal process and prepare for the battle ahead. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping their clients in The Woodlands and the surrounding areas fight for their rights, wealth, and futures through experienced legal guidance. We understand the challenges you face and will advocate for you as you navigate this transition. Our attorneys have a proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes for their clients.
How to Calculate Child Support in Texas
Child support is a monthly payment that a non-custodial parent makes to a custodial parent following their divorce. This is also true if you were never married to your child’s other parent and are no longer in a relationship with your former partner. The purpose of child support payments is so the custodial parent can continue to provide for the child’s needs after the marriage or dating relationship dissolves.
Texas has strict child support guidelines. While child support agreements are typically capped at $9,200, the court may increase the amount based on both parent’s income and the child’s unique needs. The following are Texas’ child support guidelines:
- One child: 20% of the obligor’s monthly net income
- Two children: 25% of the obligor’s monthly net income
- Three children: 30% of the obligor’s monthly net income
- Four children: 35% of the obligor’s monthly net income
- Five children: 40% of the obligor’s monthly net income
- Six or more children: 40% or more of the obligor’s monthly net income
While there are no restrictions on the obligor paying more than required to the custodial parent, they may not pay less than the ordered amount. Unless the obligor has children from a prior marriage or relationship that they are also ordered to support financially. For example, if the obligor has one other child outside of the child in question in the current obligation, his or her child support obligation is 17.5% of his or her monthly net resources rather than 20% as stated above.
If the non-custodial parent fails to make his or her child support payments, they may face severe legal consequences. He or she may even risk being held in criminal contempt for violating a court order to pay child support and failing to do so as ordered. When you retain a skilled The Woodlands child support lawyer from Moffett Law Firm, you can trust us to fight for your interests, whether you are seeking the payment of child support or being asked to pay child support.
Can I Modify My Child Support Order in The Woodlands?
Both parents have the right to seek a child support order modification. To file for a modification of your underlying child support order, the person requesting the modification must show that there has been a material and substantial change in the circumstances of one of the parties involved and the requested modification is in the child’s best interest. You can seek modification under the following circumstances:
When the Child…
- Has a new living arrangement
- Has increased physical or psychological needs
- Experiences a change in health insurance coverage
When the Non-Custodial Parent…
- Loses their job
- Obtains a significant pay raise or pay cut
- Receives a large inheritance
- Becomes responsible for one or more other children
While either parent can request a modification to their child support order, in most cases they must wait three years from the date the order was established or last modified. Note that there are exceptions to this three-year rule. Your attorney will review your case to determine the best path forward for your unique situation. At Moffett Law Firm, we are dedicated to taking an individualized approach to every case so we can meet your needs.
When Does Child Support End in Texas?
Under Texas law, the obligor is required to pay child support until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever event occurs later. However, there are exceptions to this rule that may result in early termination of the payment of child support. Some exceptions include the following:
- The child passes away
- A court order emancipates the child
- The child gets married
- The child joins the United States Military
If your child has a significant mental or physical disability and requires continued care and supervision after they turn 18, the child support order may be extended. A skilled The Woodlands TX child support attorney will evaluate every aspect of your case as well as your child’s needs to fight for the best arrangement. The child support attorneys at Moffett Law Firm have the experience and skills to preserve your financial future.
Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Child Support Attorney at Moffett Law Firm
Child support is a complex issue in any divorce or the conclusion of any dating relationship where children are involved. The Woodlands child support lawyers at Moffett Law Firm have the dedication and experience required to work with you through this legally dense battle. We have more than 30 years of experience helping our clients protect their rights and make the best decisions for their future. When you partner with us, we work tirelessly to help you achieve a favorable outcome.
To learn more about how one of our talented The Woodlands child support attorneys can help, call us at (713) 333-5800 or complete our contact form today.
