Texas Child Support: What You Need to Know

Determining custody and child support is one of the most difficult aspects of family court. It can be difficult for parents to agree on what’s best for their children, which is why it is often up to the court system to decide. Sometimes child support and child custody cases are part of divorce proceedings, other times the parents of the child in question were never married. Either way, both biological parents share an equal responsibility to raise and/or support the child.

When it comes to Texas child support cases, the child’s best interest is always the top priority. Whether you’re receiving child support or paying it, here’s what you need to know.

Who Pays Child Support?

The parent responsible for paying child support depends on the situation. Typically, child support is paid to the parent with primary custody of the child(ren) by the other parent. Both parents are expected to financially support the child, but the parent that the child does not live with most of the time may be responsible for paying a monthly child support payment to the parent the child does live with.

How Much Should Be Paid?

The amount of child support paid is determined by a few different factors, such as the income of the non-custodial parent and the number of children needing support. Other considerations include medical expenses, educational costs, daycare, and other financial needs the child has. The income and financial situation of the custodial parent may also be a determining factor in the amount of child support the non-custodial parent will be ordered to pay.

How Long Will Child Support Be Paid?

If a parent is ordered to pay child support by the court, they will typically be required to pay it until the child is 18 or until they graduate from high school, whichever happens later.

Child support may be stopped before the age of 18 if:

• The child gets married.
• The child is legally declared an adult (emancipated).

Child support may be extended beyond the age of 18 if:

• The child is physically or mentally disabled in a way that requires parental support into and throughout adulthood.

Who Decides Who Pays, How Much, and How Long?

In most cases the court determines which parent is required to pay child support and how much. This is decided by a judge in family court as a part of divorce proceedings or at the request of the custodial parent. The amount and terms of child support can be changed by petitioning the court for a modification. If either parents’ financial or custodial situation changes, the amount of child support may also be changed.

How Can a Lawyer Help With Child Support?

If you are the custodial parent who is seeking child support from the other parent, hiring a lawyer can increase your chances of getting the financial support you need. A lawyer can build a case to convince the court to order the other parent to pay you the child support you are requesting.

If you are the non-custodial parent who is being requested to pay child support, hiring a lawyer can help protect your rights and make sure the amount you are required to pay is fair. If there is any question about the paternity of the child, it can help to have a lawyer on your side.

Need Help with a Texas Child Support Case? Contact the Law Office of Andrea M. Kolski

Do you need legal assistance with child support or a child custody case? Whether you’re the parent seeking child support or the parent being asked to pay child support, the Law Firm of Andrea M. Kolski will fight for your rights. The well being of the child should always be the top priority in any child support case, and we do our best to ensure that justice is served on behalf of the child.

Call (832) 381-3430 or contact us today to schedule a consultation.