Child Support

Child support is a legal term meaning court-ordered payments, typically made by a noncustodial parent, to support one’s minor child or children. As there can be many different circumstances within each case of child support it is important to know your rights as a parent and the law concerning child support.

Child support not being paid?

Texas law allows private attorneys to seek out individuals that are intentionally not paying child support and who owe back payments.

Who is responsible for child support, husband or wife?

The parent that the child is not residing with is the parent who is responsible for child support as the child is living with the parent who will be covering expenses and daily living costs.

Under Texas law, a divorce decree, child support order, or custody order can be changed if there has been a material or substantial change affecting the best interest of the children.

How long is child support paid?

Under Texas Law family code, the court may order either or both parents to provide child support until the child turns 18 or graduates high school (whichever is later), becomes married, a disability is handled, or until the child dies.

How much is child support?

There are guidelines the court follows to ensure the child is taken care of. Under Texas Law, child support is usually calculated based on the percentage guidelines in the Texas Family Code, 20% for one child, and add 5% more for each additional child up to 50% of the person’s net income.

Texas child support laws provide the following calculations:

• one child= 20% of Net Monthly Income
• two children = 25% of Net Monthly Income
• three children = 30% of Net Monthly Income
• four children = 35% of Net Monthly Income
• five children = 40% of Net Monthly Income
• six children = no less than 40% of Net Monthly Income.

The best interests of the child or children are the concern of the court. There may be instances in which revisions or changes to calculations are permitted. If the child needs more due to medical attention, disability care, schooling, etc. are all factors that the court takes into consideration.

If you need help in a child support case, call The Barrera Law Firm at 956 428-2822 for a free consultation.