Legal Guidance While Navigating Child Support
Negotiations over child custody and support can be overwhelming and frustrating. Since your children are involved, it can mean that you and your spouse have strong feelings about the future of your children.
Child support is a financial obligation that one parent must pay to the other to help cover the costs of raising their child. In Texas, the court calculates child support based on the noncustodial parent’s income and the number of children they have.
As the founding attorney of Hutson Law, I have over 20 years of experience helping families work toward a peaceful outcome. While a divorce can be complex, I can help you find an efficient solution.
Common Factors For Deciding Child Support
The court uses the Texas Child Support Guidelines to calculate the amount of child support for the custodial parent. The guidelines take into account factors such as:
- the noncustodial parent’s net monthly income
- the number of children they have
- the number of overnight visits they have with the child
The guidelines also consider any court-ordered spousal support, as well as any special needs or expenses of the child, such as medical or educational expenses.
The noncustodial parent must continue to pay child support until the child reaches the age of 18 or until the child graduates from high school, whichever is later. In some cases, the court may order the noncustodial parent to continue paying child support even after the child reaches 18.
Sometimes Needs Change
If the noncustodial parent’s income changes, they can petition the court to modify the child support order. The court will only modify the child support order if there has been a significant and material change in the noncustodial parent’s income or if there has been a considerable change in the child’s needs.
Common Questions About Child Support
How is child support calculated in Texas?
Texas follows an “income shares” model, meaning the support amount is based on the notion that both parents should contribute to the child’s financial support in proportion to their ability to pay. The guidelines consider factors like income from all sources, deductions such as taxes and health insurance, and the cost of supporting other children.
When does child support end in Texas?
Child support in Texas typically ends when the child turns 18 but can continue until the child graduates from high school or turns 20 if certain conditions are met. Child support may end earlier if a child becomes emancipated or joins the military. In some cases, child support may continue beyond the age of majority for children with disabilities. The court may also modify or terminate child support if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss or income change.
How can I modify child support in Texas?
In Texas, child support can be modified if there is a substantial change in the circumstances of either parent or the child. A considerable change includes an increase or decrease in income, changes in the child’s needs, or changes in the custody arrangement. To modify child support, a parent must file a Motion for Modification with the court and provide evidence of the change in circumstances. The court will then review the request and decide based on the child’s best interests. The parent seeking modification must show a material and substantial change in circumstances since the previous order.
Talk To An Experienced Advocate
Understanding your rights and obligations is an essential part of negotiating child support. I can give you the support you need as you and your spouse decide on an agreement that works for you and your child. For a free consultation, call 469-899-3391 or contact me online.