Child Support Calculations in Texas
For child support purposes, the Office of the Texas Attorney General classifies parents as “custodial” and “noncustodial”. Child support is typically an obligation of the “noncustodial” parent and is calculated according to state guidelines as a percentage of the “noncustodial” parent’s net resources after giving them credit for federal taxes and the amount they pay for health insurance for their children.
However, there are a lot of variables in what seems a straightforward calculation. Issues like the identification of “net resources,” childcare expenses, and visitation time are just a few of the factors that can impact child support.
Creating a Solution that Fits Your Family
Our firm is a big advocate for mediation and collaborative approaches to finding resolutions. We know parents stick to plans when they themselves are able to create agreements and don’t just leave it up to a judge.
Parents often find that creating their own agreed-upon arrangement is better for everyone. This includes agreements for child support, medical support and dental support. When you make agreements that fit your family, other issues such as extracurricular activities and college expenses can be included.
Working together with an attorney with expertise in the ins and outs of the complex child support process can be pivotal in assuring that the children receive the financial support they need moving forward.
Modifying Child Support
Life is full of changes, and sometimes the amount of child support paid/received may need to be changed. Whether your income has increased or decreased, or you lost your job, revisiting the amount of child support may be possible and advised. Texas requires certain conditions to be met to qualify for a modification, and an experienced child support lawyer can inform you about your options so you can make informed decisions about whether it’s time to modify.
Enforcing A Child Support Order
Unfortunately, you may find yourself in a situation where your children aren’t receiving the child support they are legally entitled to. Also unfortunately, enforcements are difficult to work through to a satisfactory resolution.
The Office of the Attorney General can be a useful tool in enforcing ordered child support, including garnering wages, court proceedings, or even jail time. However, unfortunately, someone in jail may not have the means to pay back child support, and an enforcement order alone can’t be converted to money at the bank; the paying party still needs to have the means and ability to pay as well as the willingness to take the appropriate actions to make the payments.
Enforcements are challenging and can be costly; an experienced attorney can help you weigh your options and determine whether an enforcement is likely worth pursuing.
Finding the Right Advocate, and it’s Not the OAG
Although child support initiation and modification can technically be handled through the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), many people erroneously think they do not need their own attorney if the OAG themselves bring an action. This is not true. If the OAG brings an action relating to your children’s child support, the only client of the Office of the Attorney General is the State of Texas, and the interests of the State of Texas are not necessarily the same as either parent.
An experienced attorney can help you navigate child support proceedings brought by the Office of the Attorney General and make sure that you understand your rights and that your interests are protected.
In cases not involving the OAG, it is even more important to have an attorney well versed in negotiating a resolution that protects your interests.
It’s understood that complex divorce proceedings usually require the aid of a proficient divorce lawyer. It’s also essential for Dallas area parents to recognize that the legal process for child support is another family law issue that benefits from the expertise of a Dallas Child Support attorney. Even though they know prioritizing their children’s welfare is crucial, parents often encounter difficulties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement regarding child support without professional legal help.
Some family law attorneys are proficient in dealing with property issues and/or some have a deep understanding of child custody. Not all divorce attorneys can handle child support issues. And, not all firms can say they have dedicated attorneys to address issues like child support.
If you’re facing a child support issue, seeking modification or enforcement of an order, or merely looking to understand your rights as either a paying or receiving party, you want someone on your side that understands your options and that is dedicated to ensuring that your child’s financial needs are met.
Hargrave Family Law – A Firm with Dallas, TX Child Support Attorneys Ready to Help
If you have questions surrounding child support issues, our attorneys can guide you through the process of determining the appropriate child support arrangements for your family. With our expertise and experience, we will ensure that you make informed decisions that serve the best interests of your children.
Reach out to us by calling our Dallas office at (214) 420-0100, or by filling out our online contact form to send us an email. Our team is committed to working diligently on your behalf and advocating for you and your children with the ultimate goal of protecting what matters most.
