Child Support
Guiding You Through Life’s Legal Challenges
Comprehensive Child Support Guidance in Dallas
Effective Child Support Attorneys in Dallas County and Rockwall
Family law courts watch out for children's rights through child support orders. The law requires biological, legal, or adoptive parents to provide for their offspring financially. Parents are responsible for watching out for children's safety and welfare.
What Is Child Support?
Child support is a financial contribution made by one parent to the other for the care and upbringing of their child. In Texas, both parents are required to contribute to their child’s support, even if they no longer live together. Child support is typically ordered in situations such as:
Divorce: When parents separate and one parent is the primary custodian.
Unmarried Parents: Child support may still be required for children born outside of marriage.
Adoptive Parents: Legal guardians may also be entitled to support.
Grandparents: In cases where a grandparent has custody, they may seek child support from the biological parents.
The amount of child support depends on several factors, including each parent’s income, the needs of the child, and any special circumstances that may apply.
Need Help with Child Support? Contact Us Today! If you're dealing with child support issues, our experienced team at The Branch Law Firm, PLLC is here to help. Call us at (469) 299-5944 to schedule your consultation. Contact us today for trusted legal
Understanding Child Support in Texas: Your Rights and Duties
Unless your parental rights have been terminated, you as a mother or father may be responsible for paying child support throughout your child's growing-up years. As a custodial mother or father, you may be entitled to receive child support from the other parent. If you are a grandparent or other family member with custody of a child, you may also be entitled to child support.
A Texas state calculator may determine child support payment amounts. Government agencies also help enforce child support obligations. If you attempt to navigate these legal processes without the help of a knowledgeable divorce lawyer, you are likely to encounter difficulties.
How is Child Support Calculated in Texas?
In Texas, child support is determined based on a formula provided by the state. The Texas child support guidelines take into account several key factors:
Parent’s income – the non-custodial parent’s income plays a major role in calculating support.
Number of children – the amount of support increases with the number of children.
Health insurance – if the custodial parent is covering the child’s health insurance, this is considered in the calculation.
Child’s needs – if the child has special needs or there are additional costs (like medical or educational needs), those may be factored in.
Texas uses a standard percentage guideline based on the non-custodial parent’s income:
1 child: 20% of the non-custodial parent’s net income
2 children: 25% of the non-custodial parent’s net income
3 children: 30% of the non-custodial parent’s net income
4 children: 35% of the non-custodial parent’s net income
5+ children: 40% of the non-custodial parent’s net income
If the non-custodial parent makes a significant amount of money, the percentage may be capped.
Modifications to Child Support
Child support orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances. Modifications may be needed if:
Change in Income: If the non-custodial parent experiences a job loss, pay increase, or other significant financial change.
Change in Custody: If custody arrangements change, child support may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Change in Child’s Needs: If a child develops special needs or the custody parent incurs extra expenses for the child’s care.
If you believe you need a modification of your child support order, it’s crucial to contact a family law attorney to ensure that the process is handled properly.
Enforcement of Child Support Orders
Unfortunately, not all parents comply with child support orders. If you are not receiving the support you are entitled to, there are several legal methods to enforce the order, including:
Wage Garnishment: The court can order the non-custodial parent’s wages to be garnished for child support payments.
Suspension of Driver’s License: If the non-paying parent is behind on child support, their driver’s license may be suspended.
Contempt of Court: A parent can be held in contempt of court for failing to pay child support.
Lien on Property: In some cases, the court can place a lien on the parent’s property to ensure payments are made.
Paternity and Child Support
Establishing paternity is a key part of child support in cases where parents are unmarried. Texas law requires that paternity be established before child support can be ordered. There are two main ways to establish paternity:
Voluntary Acknowledgment: The father signs an affidavit acknowledging his paternity of the child.
DNA Test: If paternity is contested, a DNA test may be ordered by the court.
Once paternity is established, the father is legally obligated to pay child support if applicable.
Child Support for Children with Special Needs
If a child has special needs that require additional financial support, the amount of child support may be adjusted. In such cases, the court will review the child’s medical, educational, and care-related needs and determine a fair support amount. In some situations, parents may need to provide support even after the child turns 18 if the child cannot be self-supporting due to their condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can child support be modified in Texas? Yes, child support orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a change in income, custody arrangements, or the child’s needs.
How long does a parent have to pay child support in Texas? In Texas, child support generally continues until the child turns 18, or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. If the child has special needs, child support may extend beyond the age of 18.
What happens if a parent refuses to pay child support? If a parent refuses to pay child support, the custodial parent can seek enforcement through wage garnishment, suspension of the non-paying parent’s driver's license, or other legal measures.
How is child support calculated? In Texas, child support is typically calculated as a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s net income, with the percentage increasing with the number of children.
Can I seek child support if I’m not married to the other parent? Yes, unmarried parents can seek child support once paternity is established, either voluntarily or through a DNA test.
Can child support be retroactive in Texas? In some cases, child support may be ordered retroactively to the date of the child’s birth, or the date of separation.
Can I receive child support if I have custody of my grandchild? Yes, grandparents who have legal custody of a child may be entitled to receive child support from the child’s biological parents.
Contact Our Dallas Child Support Attorney
Contact The Branch Law Firm for help and advice on child support or any of these related issues:
Need help with child support in Dallas? Contact us today at (469) 299-5944 or reach out online to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.
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