Knowledgeable Insight Into Texas Child Support Laws
The purpose of child support is to provide resources for minor children, not to support the parent. Texas law allows the court to order either parent, or both parents, to provide support for children under the terms of a child support order. While the law includes guidelines for calculating basic child support obligations, the needs of the children, individual circumstances and family dynamics may justify a variance from the guidelines. Generally, both parents are obligated to provide financial and emotional support for their children. Whether the parents are divorcing or have children together but were never married, it is important to ensure that the children’s best interests are preserved. When child support is an issue, it is essential to have a skilled lawyer on your side.
The Law Office of William B. Doonan is led by board-certified attorney William B. Doonan, who has a wealth of experience protecting the rights of clients in child support disputes. He is a skilled trial lawyer who fights to safeguard the rights of our clients. You can trust him to provide you with the compassionate and detail-oriented representation that you need in order to ensure that your rights, and the rights of your children are addressed during the process of obtaining a child support order.
How Child Support Is Calculated In Texas
Once paternity has been established, the presumptive amount of child support that is to be paid is calculated using a formula that is set by state statute. This formula incorporates the net monthly resources of the noncustodial parent as well as the number of children that the parent has with the custodial parent. While there are other factors that may be taken into consideration when child support is determined, such as health care or child care, child support oftentimes falls under the following general guidelines:
- One child = 20% of the net monthly income
- Two children = 25% of the net monthly income
- Three children = 30% of the net monthly income
- Percentages will also vary if an obligor has other children not before the court
The amounts continue to increase by 5% for each additional child. There is a cap on how much total child support can be paid, but the application of the cap can be determined on a case-by-case basis. Similarly, after determining the net resources available for support, it may be necessary to analyze a wide range of factors that are unique to the individual case in order to determine whether there is a reason to vary from the guidelines to serve the best interest of the children. At the Law Office of William B. Doonan, we work thoroughly with our clients to develop the evidence and build a strong position for negotiations, mediation and trial, when necessary. We strive to protect the rights of our clients, as well as to serve the well-being of the children of our clients.
Enforcement Of Child Support Orders
Child support is usually not optional. This means that if child support is not being paid as ordered, the parent responsible for paying may face consequences. When a child support order needs to be enforced, the Texas family courts become involved and can levy punishments, such as the suspension of a driver’s license, liens on property, denial of a passport and even jail time. We have substantial experience representing parents who are seeking to enforce a child support order, as well as defending parents who are facing an unjustified action for child support enforcement.
When A Child Support Order Needs To Be Changed
In the event that one parent experiences a substantial and material change in their life circumstances, it may be possible to seek the modification of child support. The loss of a job is one main reason that child support orders are modified, as the amount of net income of the parent changes. However, other situations may necessitate a change, such as the birth of an additional child or a subsequent marriage.
Talk About Your Situation Today
To learn more about how the firm can handle your specific child support case and any other related matters, call our office in Keller/Ft Worth at 817-898-7242. To reach our office in Midland, call 432-570-9949 . You may also contact us online to request a case evaluation.