Part of our mission is to offer the resources you need to move forward and reclaim peace. We invite you to explore the wealth of resources and information available from our dedicated Dallas family law team. We’ve listed just a few below.
At Hargrave Family Law, we help Dallas-Fort Worth families handle child support matters with a focus on your child’s long-term stability.
Since 2013, our team has used collaborative, non-adversarial strategies to protect children, reduce conflict, and help parents make empowered and informed decisions that set their children up to thrive.
In a county of about 2.66 million residents, where 24.5% are under 18, reliable child support can make a real difference for many Dallas families.
Our firm works to make the child support process more manageable for you by explaining your options in clearly and helping you build practical solutions around your child’s needs. You do not have to figure this out alone.
Understanding Child Support and Why It’s Important in Dallas
Child support is court-ordered financial help for a child’s everyday needs, including housing, food, clothing, and medical support. “The Texas Office of the Attorney General oversees child support in Texas, monitoring payments disbursed by the Texas State Disbursement Unit.
In Dallas, child support is usually set using Texas guideline formulas, but the court can adjust the amounts awarded when the facts of a case call for it. Texas courts look at the child’s needs, each parent’s ability to provide support, custody arrangements, and healthcare coverage.
For example, Texas guideline support for one child is commonly 20% of a parent’s net resources, but unique medical or education needs may call for additional child support to better meet the child’s needs.
Texas child support state guidelines are reviewed at least once every four years to evaluate whether guideline amounts remain appropriate in relation to inflation and other factors. That is why Dallas parents benefit from clear, up-to-date legal guidance when confronting child support decisions.
Our experienced Dallas family law attorneys understand the intricacies of the Texas child support process and will guide you toward resolutions that protect their children’s well-being. Whenever possible, we use collaborative and non-adversarial methods to minimize conflict and reach resolutions that serve your children’s needs.
Our Child Support Services in Dallas
- Child Support Establishment
- Child Support Modification
- Child Support Enforcement
- Child Support Review
- Income Withholding Issues
- Medical Support Matters
- Child Custody & Support
- Post-Divorce Modifications
Why Clients Choose Hargrave Family Law
Clients across Dallas-Fort Worth choose Hargrave Family Law because they want clear guidance and a process that respects their family, their privacy, and their future.
- Board-Certification in Family Law
Board Certification in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization is a meaningful mark of proven experience in this field. We have attorneys and paralegals who have reached this distinction, and are ready to skillfully guide you through your case.
- A Dignified, Resolution-Focused Approach
We offer collaborative, non-adversarial strategies that help reduce conflict, protect children from unnecessary fallout, and keep decisions aligned with your values and goals for your children.
- Trusted by High-Net-Worth Clients
When divorce involves businesses, executive compensation,or other non-standard compensation , clients choose a team built to handle sensitive financial matters strategically. Alternative child support agreements can be created to make sure your children have what they need to thrive in a way that makes sense for your family.
- Recognized Excellence
Clients often feel reassured by our reputation and respected honors such as inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® and Tier 1 Best Law Firms®, as well as Texas Super Lawyers®, and AVVO recognition.
- Support Beyond the Legal Case
Hargrave Family Law focuses on empowering clients with information, resources, and steady communication so they can make informed decisions and make sure their children are supported.
How Child Support Is Calculated in Texas
In Texas, child support is based on the paying parent’s net resources, not gross income. That can include wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, and certain other earnings . The court then applies guideline percentages based on the number of children involved.
Texas also places a cap on the income used for standard guideline support, which can be especially important in higher-income cases. Often medical and dental support is also awarded. In most cases, that results in a final guideline amount that is presumed to be appropriate, but it does not fit every family.
Judges can order a different amount of child support when the facts support it. Reasons for this may include a child’s medical or educational needs or unusual expenses.
When child support is being calculated, a careful review of income, expenses, and the child’s needs can make a meaningful difference.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Child support orders can be changed, but certain hurdles must be cleared. . In Texas, a court may modify support when there has been a “material and substantial change” in circumstances, such as job loss, a major income increase, a change in custody, disability, or new medical needs for the child.
In some cases, a review may also support a change if the current order no longer matches Texas guideline support.
The most important thing to know is that you cannot privately rewrite the court’s child support and assume it will be enforceable, even if you and your ex-partner agree. Unless a judge signs a new child support order, the existing order is in effect and enforceable.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
If child support is not being consistently paid, enforcement options are available to you. Our goal would not be more conflict, but simply to ensure your child’s stability and long-term well-being.
Depending on the facts, the court may consider an enforcement consequence such as:
- Wage withholding by the paying parent’s employer
- A contempt action for their willful failure to pay
- A money judgment for any child support arrears
- Additional orders for attorney’s fees and court costs
- Suspension of licenses in serious nonpayment cases
- Jail time as an absolute last resort
The right approach depends on the facts, the payment history, and whether resolution is still possible without making the family conflict worse.
At Hargrave Family Law, we help Dallas-area parents pursue enforcement with a clear, practical strategy focused on stability, and long-term outcomes that allow your children to thrive.
Hargrave Family Law, Your Trusted Partners
Hargrave Family Law is a boutique family law firm serving Dallas-Fort Worth since 2013. Founded by Jennifer Hargrave, our firm was built for clients who want a thoughtful, strategic approach to divorce and family law matters, not unnecessary conflict. That means we deliver strong advocacy and a focus on solutions that protect your family.
Our team is well-known for helping our clients move through difficult transitions with dignity and clarity. Instead of pushing every case toward a courtroom fight, Hargrave Family Law knows the value of emphasizing collaboration, informed decision-making, and creative problem-solving when those paths make sense.
Clients also turn to Hargrave Family Law for our depth of experience and credibility. We have earned inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® and Tier 1 Best Law Firms®, as well as Texas SuperLawyers® and AVVO recognition. A hallmark of our firm is how we stay connected with our clients throughout the process and continue to offer support beyond the legal case itself.
Child support orders can affect a family for years to come. We guide you as you work to make sure your children have what they need to grow and flourish now and in the future.
Our Client Process in Dallas
- Reach out to our team
You will first connect with a Client Care Coordinator, who helps start the process and makes sure you get to the right next step.
- Complete an initial intake
Your Client Care Coordinator gathers the basic details of your situation and schedules a complimentary case evaluation with our Client Intake Specialist.
- Meet with the Client Intake Specialist
This case evaluation is focused on your concerns, goals, and options, which may include doing nothing for now, continuing to work on the relationship or pursuing counseling, hiring our firm, or scheduling an attorney consultation.
- Speak with our team
If it makes sense for your situation, you can meet with an attorney for a paid consultation to review those same options in more depth or get specific legal advice.
- Retain the firm and begin legal representation
Once you hire us, your legal team takes over your case while your Client Care Coordinator continues to check in monthly to offer support, resources, and feedback opportunities outside the legal work itself.
- Stay connected after the case ends
After your matter is resolved, your Client Care Coordinator continues annual check-ins to provide ongoing support and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody
If my ex is self-employed or owns a business in Texas, how does the court figure out child support when their income seems impossible to pin down?
Texas courts look at net resources, not just whatever shows up on a paycheck stub. If a parent is self-employed, the court may review tax returns, business records, bank deposits, expense patterns, and whether personal costs are being run through the business.
If the reported income does not match the lifestyle, that can also become a serious issue in court.
Can child support be changed in Dallas if there has not been a huge emergency, but the numbers just do not make sense anymore?
Yes, a Texas child support order can sometimes be modified even without a dramatic crisis or life change. Courts usually want to see a “material and substantial change” in circumstances, such as a job change or major income difference, or that the existing order no longer matches Texas guideline support calculations.
What happens if my child’s other parent keeps paying late, paying part, or ignoring the order completely?
A child support order is enforceable in Texas, and partial payments do not erase the unpaid balance. Depending on the facts, you can ask the court for help. The court may use enforcement tools that can include wage withholding, liens, license suspension, money judgments, and contempt proceedings. Be sure to keep detailed records of payments.
Do I have to let the other parent stop paying child support just because they say they are not getting enough visitation?
No. In Texas, child support and possession are completely separate issues, so one parent cannot withhold support because parenting time is disputed. The reverse is also true, a parent cannot block court-ordered visitation because support has not been paid. A parent that wants a modification to either child support or possession time must go to the court to ask for a new order.
What Clients Say About Hargrave Family Law
“Jennifer Hargrave and her team are the best of the best.”- K.K.
This reflects the level of confidence and trust clients want when handling a prenuptial agreement or other family law matters involving privacy, assets, and long-term planning.
“They truly care about their clients and go above and beyond.”- M.P.
Our clients consistently tell us they value not just our legal skills, but also the steady support and compassion Hargrave Family Law brings to difficult personal decisions and challenging life transitions.
“Professional, responsive, and compassionate throughout the entire process.”- S.B.
This kind of feedback speaks to what matters most in our firm, clear client communication, strategic guidance, and a compassionate and respectful process from start to finish.
“I felt heard, respected, and empowered every step of the way.”- L.R.
That aligns closely with the firm’s approach: giving clients the information and support they need to make informed decisions that fit their values. We care about the support we give our clients, and work hard to empower them with the information they need to build a brighter future.
Lcal Resources in Dallas for Child Support Cases
- Dallas County Child Support Office
- Dallas County Child Support (IV-D) Court
- Dallas County District Clerk – Family Court Records
- Dallas County District Clerk – Family Court Forms
- Dallas County District Clerk – Forms for Self-Represented Persons
- Texas Office of the Attorney General – Child Support Division
- Texas State Disbursement Unit (SDU)
- TexasLawHelp.org
- Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
- Dallas Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Community Legal Resources
- Texas Access and Visitation Hotline / Directory
- The Family Place
Schedule a Confidential Case Evaluation
If you are facing a child support issue, the steps you take now can affect your child’s ability to thrive, and how you handle your family’s path forward. A complimentary case evaluation can help you understand your options and empower you to make decisions that protect your children and your peace.
At Hargrave Family Law, we help clients approach difficult family matters with clarity, discretion, and a focus on resolution. To schedule a confidential case evaluation, reach out to speak with our team about the next right step for your family. We’re here to help.
Contact Us
Call Our Office With Any Questions or To Schedule a Complimentary Case Evaluation
Call Hargrave Family LawHow We Support our clients
PERSONALIZED GUIDANCE
We provide clear, strategic legal guidance designed to protect your interests and help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE
We draw on extensive family law experience to protect your interests and strategically advocate for the future you’re envisioning.
ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN
We provide compassionate, strategic advocacy for parents. ensuring the child’s well-being is considered and remains at the heart of every decision.
ASSET PROTECTION
We provide thoughtful, strategic counsel to safeguard your assets and secure the financial foundation for your next chapter.
BUSINESS OWNERS
We offer strategic guidance tailored to business owners, protecting both personal and professional interests while preserving the value you’ve worked hard to build.
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
We craft creative, customized solutions that honor your family’s unique needs while protecting what matters most.
Choosing an experienced Attorney
Navigating divorce can be overwhelming, but with Hargrave Family Law, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced Dallas family law team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, offering the clarity, compassion, and advocacy you need to move forward with confidence. We focus exclusively on family law, helping clients begin anew with dignity and hope. We invite you to schedule a complimentary case evaluation, where our Client Intake Specialist will listen to your concerns, discuss your goals, and help you explore your options—empowering you to make informed decisions and start writing the next chapter of your life.
Jennifer Hargrave
Owner & Managing Partner
Misty Cole
Senior Attorney
Michelle Heron
Senior Attorney
Donna Tomlinson
Senior Attorney
Katherine Zimmermann
Senior Attorney
Hannah Rector
Senior Attorney
LaQuisha Batson
Associate Attorney
Carie Silvestri
Of Counsel
Navigate Your Dallas Divorce with Experienced Legal Guidance
At Hargrave Family Law, our mission is to help good people end broken marriages with dignity and peace. Our Dallas family law team provides the compassionate guidance and practical resources you need to move forward with confidence. We help clients resolve their divorces through collaborative methods, private settlements, mediation, and, when necessary, litigation. Whenever possible, we encourage non-adversarial approaches that minimize conflict, preserve co-parenting relationships, and honor your family’s core values.
With extensive experience in mediation, we have guided hundreds of clients toward fair, lasting resolutions that allow them to move on with their lives. If mediation is unsuccessful, our attorneys are fully prepared to advocate for your interests in court on matters such as child custody, child support, and equitable property division.
While we prioritize cooperation and resolution, we understand that some cases demand strong, strategic legal advocacy. Our Dallas divorce lawyers combine thoughtful strategy with deep courtroom experience to protect what matters most to you. Whether negotiating a complex settlement or presenting your case before a judge, we offer clear, confident representation that reflects your goals and values—helping you divorce with dignity and move toward the next chapter of your life with hope.
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FAQ
Have questions? we have answers
Will my spouse find out if I contact a divorce attorney?
The fact that you have reached out to contact a divorce attorney is privileged information and should remain protected. If you are concerned that your communications are being monitored, you need to bring that to your attorney’s attention right away, so we can help you protect your communication for that initial contact. I would recommend that you go ahead and use a phone that your spouse doesn’t have access to. If you have a phone at work or a friend’s phone, that can be helpful. Also, you may want to set up another email account that you can use for communication with your attorney. We want to make sure that all of your communication throughout the divorce process remains privileged and protected.
What is common law marriage (in Texas)?
It is quite possible to be married, even if you never had a formal marriage ceremony, you didn’t go to the courthouse, and you didn’t sign a marriage certificate! Marriage can come about by what’s called a “common law marriage.” So, if you live together, and you intended to be married, and you held yourselves out to other people as married, then you may in fact be married. That means if the marriage has come to an end, the relationship has come to an end, and you may also need a divorce in order to bring an end to that relationship. If you have any questions about whether you are married under the laws of Texas, we’d love to talk with you and help you figure out whether your next step is to file for divorce.
Do I need a premarital agreement?
If you are preparing for marriage, you may want to consider a premarital agreement as part of your marriage planning. Many people have the mistaken notion that a premarital agreement is simply planning the divorce before the marriage. And I’m going to tell you in my experience that simply isn’t the case, whether you’re in Texas or you’re in any other state, that state is going to impose rights and responsibilities with regard to your marital property. Wouldn’t you rather sit down with your intended spouse and talk about what those rights and responsibilities are, where the two of you are actually making the decisions about how you’re going to hold that property. If you own a business, if you have children from a prior marriage, if you have significant assets that you’re bringing into the marriage, or your partner has significant assets that a premarital agreement may be right for you at Hargrave Family Law, we like to work with our clients to make sure that the premarital agreement is a constructive part of marriage planning in Texas.
What grounds do I need to file for divorce (in Texas)?
In the state of Texas, couples no longer have to go through the painful process of proving grounds in order to get a divorce. In fact, Texas is a no-fault state, which means you simply have to show that the marriage has become insupportable, or in other words, the marriage is broken. Does that mean there aren’t reasons for the divorce? Of course not. There are always reasons for divorce. We no longer have to prove those reasons. At Hargrave Family Law, we know if you’ve been living in a broken marriage, it’s been a painful journey, and we want to help you bring us into that journey so you can start the next chapter of your life.
What is collaborative divorce?
A collaborative divorce allows couples who are beginning the divorce process to make the commitment to each other that they’re going to work together to resolve the issues that need to be settled. Instead of going to court and litigating the issues in front of the judge, they’re going to work with a team of dedicated professionals, including their lawyers, a mental health professional, and a financial professional who are all committed to helping them reach a final resolution. We find that our clients who engage in the collaborative divorce process enjoy the perfect privacy it provides for their families, and they enjoy the control. So there isn’t somebody else who’s making these decisions for them. And they also enjoy a stronger co-parenting relationship after the divorce is finalized.
Can I modify my custody agreement?
In the state of Texas, it is possible to modify the provisions of the original order. In order to do so, we need to show the court that there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances. This applies whenever we’re changing child support.
- If somebody’s got a new job, and they’re making a significant amount of money, then it may be time to modify.
- If a parent has moved out of state, it may be time to modify the possession schedule,
- or if the parents are no longer able to reach agreements for any number of reasons regarding important aspects of the child’s care, then again, that may be time to modify.
In order to determine whether you’re eligible for a modification, you’ll need to meet with an attorney and see if your circumstances meet the threshold requirements in order to request the court for change, or the parties may simply agree to the changes in which case most of the time, the court will adopt those changes.
Should I empty our bank account before filing for divorce?
Emptying a bank account before filing for divorce will have serious consequences and will most certainly increase the tension and conflict in your divorce process. Before taking such a step, we strongly urge you to talk with your lawyer and make sure you’ve considered all your options. What we don’t want to do is take a step early on in the process that can make negotiating a desirable settlement, more difficult, if not impossible, later on.
You should also read this post on addressing your finances in a divorce.
I’m concerned my spouse will be abusive to our kids, what can I do?
If there has been any history of abuse in your home, whether that abuse has been directed against you or your children or any other family member for that matter, you need to take steps to put a safety plan in place as you prepare to leave your marriage.
We know that the decision to divorce is a very difficult one, especially if you’ve been in an abusive relationship. We also know that there is a heightened risk associated with the decision to divorce. We’re going to help protect you and make sure that there are safety measures in place so that you don’t have to risk hurting yourself or your children in the divorce process.
I was just served divorce papers. What should I do?
Being served with divorce papers can be a scary and intimidating time for many people. Not surprisingly when it comes to questions about divorce, we get this one a lot! The first thing you need to do is simply take a breath. You’re going to be okay. Divorce is a legal proceeding. And being served with papers is simply the formal way that your spouse lets you know that he or she has initiated that process.
Second, you’re going to find in the petition that there may be standing orders or a temporary restraining order. These are important to pay attention to because they may limit what you’re able to do – with your finances, for example.
There are other guidelines that are set forth in those orders that are very important, and you need to pay attention to them. Also, there’s a timeline that comes with the service of process, and that means that you need to get an answer on file. And there also may be a hearing date that’s scheduled. The very best thing you can do right now is to pick up the phone and contact a lawyer, so you can learn more about what this means for you.
I’ve decided to file for divorce, what can I do to prepare?
If you are in a broken marriage, and you’ve decided to file for divorce, the very best thing you can do to help prepare for that divorce is to gather information. First, you’re going to want to gather information about your household finances and understand where your accounts are.
If you have a financial advisor, take time to meet with him or her. Get copies of tax returns, and now is also a great time to get a copy of your credit report. In addition to financials, you want to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself emotionally. And by that, I mean take time to do the things that you love to do, spend time with people who love and support you. And finally, when it comes to preparing for divorce, one of the most important steps you can take is to meet with a divorce lawyer who can help you plan for the divorce and make sure you understand and know all your options.
How can I tell my spouse I want a divorce?
Having decided you want a divorce, your first big challenge is how to break the news to your spouse. Check the post, Honey, I want a Divorce for tips on making the divorce conversation easier.
How long does it take to get divorced (in Texas)?
In Texas, just because you file for divorce doesn’t mean you have to get a divorce. Sometimes couples are able to reconcile in the divorce process. If that’s something that you think might be an option, we want to know that early on, so we can help you select a process that provides the space for that to happen. And we can also put you in touch with resources that we think may be helpful.
You can also read te post How long does it take to get divorced in Texas?
Can I spy on my spouse during the divorce?
Before you take any steps, to spy on your spouse, whether you are installing a GPS tracker, you’ve got keylogger software, or you have any listening devices in your home, you need to make sure you speak with a lawyer. So many of these techniques for getting information about your spouse without their permission are illegal and can actually cause harm to your legal case. We want to make sure you get all the information that you need in the legal avenues that are available so that you can have the very best outcome possible.
How can I make divorce easier on my kids?
If you are beginning the divorce process, the very best thing you can do for your children is to let them know that they are loved by you and by the other parent. Here are some tips we found to help make divorce easier on your children.
- Keep your routines as stable and steady as possible
- Remind them that they are loved by both parents and be supportive of the children’s relationship with the other parent.
- Make sure you’re not disparaging or discouraging the other parent,
- Make sure your child has time to do the things they love to do and to spend time with their friends and their family members.
- And finally, if you find that your kiddos are experiencing disruption in their sleep or eating patterns or that they’re experiencing sadness, this is a great time to get a child therapist involved to help support your child.
You should also read Breaking the News: & Tips for Telling Your Kids About Divorce and find out more information on parenting through divorce on our blog.
Can I date during my divorce?
When facing divorce, it’s understandable that you may want to move on to your next stage in life as quickly as possible. Maybe you’ve found a companion you’d like to spend time with while your divorce is concluded. Divorce attorney Jennifer Hargrave discusses the legality of dating after filing for divorce and how to tell if you are in a common-law marriage in the state of Texas.
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Please explore our Dallas family law site to learn more about our highly skilled divorce attorneys, the services we offer, and how we help our clients work toward achieving their goals and the peace they deserve. When you’re ready to discuss your family law needs, we’re here to help. Reach out to us to talk with our team and schedule a complimentary case evaluation to let us facilitate a smooth transition to next chapter of your life.