Child Support Law

Texas child support cases can sometimes be a “sticky” matter. The person receiving child support often believes that the amount of child support awarded is not sufficient to raise the child or children. And, the person who is obligated to pay the child support often complains that it doesn’t cost as much to raise a child or children as the amount that is set as child support. This discrepancy appears to be caused by the different prisms through which the “cost of the child” is viewed. Suffice it to say that Moms and Dads tend to view this issue quite differently.

Texas law has attempted to standardize child support awards by imposing Texas Child Support Guidelines—percentages which are presumably in the child’s best interest. And, while it seems easy enough to apply percentages to the amount of income earned, in practice, there may be complicating factors in any particular case, such as the amount of time that each parent is actually in possession of the children; whether any children have “special needs” which require additional costs to be incurred for the child; the costs of extra-curricular activities of the child; high-earning individuals for whom application of strict percentage guidelines would be unjust; travel expenses, and the party responsible for moving away from where the children previously resided.

In Texas child support cases, we do our utmost to resolve your matter efficiently and successfully. Often, the parties are initially unable to agree. Yet, usually, an agreement is ultimately reached, without an actual trial becoming necessary.

In Texas, child support is mandated until the child turns eighteen years of age (unless he/she marries, joins the military, or otherwise becomes emancipated). If the child turns eighteen during high school, child support continues until graduation. In some instances, as when a child is disabled, support may continue indefinitely. Texas does not make provision for college costs, and this is usually worked out between parents.

I practice collaborative law which can be of real benefit to parties in custody and support actions. It provides for a friendlier atmosphere, dials down the rancor, and can produce a better result than litigation. Call us to learn more about the child support process.