Child Support Attorney in McKinney, Texas

Aerial view of suburban neighborhood with homes

At Hargrave Family Law, we help McKinney families resolve child support matters with discretion and respect for doing what is in the children’s best interest.

Since 2017, our team has guided families across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex through support and custody issues by empowering them to make educated decisions about their children’s future.

Child support is the court-ordered financial contribution one parent makes to another to help cover a child’s basic needs, including housing, food, healthcare, education, and daily care. In McKinney and throughout Texas, support is calculated under Texas’ child support guidelines, overseen by the Texas Office of the Attorney General, and in McKinney is ordered through the Collin County family courts.

Getting the calculation wrong can create unnecessary financial consequences and bring private business or income details into the public record in court hearings are required. Our collaborative, non-adversarial approach is built to resolve these issues while protecting both your privacy and your co-parenting relationship.

With our familiarity with Collin County family courts and our firm’s client-centered philosophy, we provide tailored strategic guidance from the first conversation through final resolution.

How Texas Calculates Child Support: Guidelines and Key Factors for McKinney Families

Texas starts with a percentage-of-net-resources model. As of 2026, for one child, the guideline is 20% of the paying parent’s net resources, 25% for two children, 30% for three, etc. It is capped, and the cap is reevaluated every legislative year. It is important to note that net resources include wages, but also bonuses, self-employment income, and distributions.

The challenge for families with complex income is that it does not fit the typical mold. Child support guidelines are easily applied if there is a simple accounting, often one clean paycheck. When income flows through professional practice accounts, K-1 distributions, deferred compensation, or retained earnings, characterizing those net resources accurately may take forensic-grade financial work, not just a simple formula.

A few key factors shape the final child support number:

Texas applies a statutory cap on net resources, currently in 2026 this is $9,200 per month, though courts may order above-guideline support on a case-specific basis based on the children’s needs and lifestyle.
One parent, typically the paying parent, must also provide medical and dental support for the children, usually through employer health and dental insurance.
Support guidelines can be adjusted when a parent has children in more than one household.
Support can also be modified post-order if there are “material and substantial changes” in circumstances, such as job loss or a significant increase in compensation.

Our Child Support Services in McKinney

Child Support Establishment
Child Support Modification
Child Support Review
Income Withholding Issues
Medical Support Matters
Child Custody & Support
Post-Divorce Modifications

WE WILL SPEAK FOR YOUR RIGHTS

Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your options. You may find that you are entitled to payment if your claim was denied or underpaid.

Book Consultation

Seven professional women posing in office setting

Why Choose Hargrave Family Law for Child Support in McKinney

Board Certified in Family Law

Our team includes attorneys and paralegals who have achieved Board Certification in Family Law through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, which places us among a select group with proven, tested experience in complex family matters.

Recognized Among the Best

Our firm is included in Tier 1 Best Law Firms® by U.S. News, and in Best Lawyers in America®, Texas Super Lawyers®, and AV Preeminent ratings. This reflects the consistent caliber of service and quality clients can expect.

Skilled With Complex Income

We are experienced with accurately characterizing net resources where business profits, deferred compensation, and retained earnings are involved. We balance this while including thoughtful handling of the potential of above-guideline support tied to your or your children’s lifestyle.

Collaborative, Not Combative

With years of combined experience, we usually resolve matters through negotiated, court-approved orders that protect your privacy and your co-parenting relationship while avoiding exposing your finances in a public dispute.

Personal, Ongoing Support

You are never a just number here. We partner with you as your legal advocate to work toward a resolution that fits your family. We stay connected throughout your case and beyond, offering counsel and resources for you as a person, not just a file.

Common Child Support Mistakes McKinney Parents Should Avoid

Relying on informal agreements. A handshake deal feels easier, but unwritten arrangements are unenforceable and leave both parents exposed.

Skipping the court order. Support and medical or dental obligations only carry legal weight once formalized through a Collin County family court. A court order is protection for everyone involved.

Withholding visitation over unpaid support. Texas treats custody and support as separate issues, and denying parenting time can backfire on you in court and have serious consequences.

Misreporting income. Underreporting practice distributions, K-1 income, or retained earnings invites scrutiny and undermines your credibility regarding your net resources. Courts do not look kindly on this.

Ignoring medical and dental support. These obligations are part of the order, not optional add-ons, and overlooking them creates arrears that have consequences.

Not seeking a modification. When a bonus structure, practice income, or the children’s needs change, the existing order should be revisited rather than ignored.

About Hargrave Family Law

We are a boutique family law firm serving families across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, including Collin County and McKinney.

Since our founding in 2017, we have focused on helping families resolve complex family matters with dignity, discretion, and a clear eye on long-term outcomes. We believe a divorce or custody matter does not have to become a courthouse spectacle that exposes your finances or strains your co-parenting relationship.

Our philosophy is collaborative and future-focused. That does not mean soft. It means we protect your interests and your privacy strategically, characterizing complex income, and retained earnings accurately, advocating for you without needless destruction. Our mission is to empower you with the information and resources you need to make your informed decisions about your future.

That work is led by attorneys whose credentials speak to both competence and care. Our team includes lawyers that are Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, hold Avvo 10.0 and Justia 5/5 ratings, and have consistently earned Texas Super Lawyers® recognition. Our firm is also consistently included as a Tier 1 firm in Best Lawyers of America®.

Together, our attorneys bring robust experience and deep familiarity with the Collin County family courts. Our hallmark is client-focused care, allowing you to reach a resolution that benefits your family, including your children.

Our Child Support Process in McKinney

Initial Contact

You reach our firm and are connected with a Client Care Coordinator who handles your first intake.

Complimentary Case Evaluation

Your Client Care Coordinator schedules a complimentary case evaluation with our Client Intake Specialist, where you confidentially explore your situation, goals, and options.

Attorney Consultation

When it fits your needs, you can choose to meet with an attorney for a paid consultation at the attorney’s hourly rate to review your options in greater depth.

Retaining Our Firm

Once you retain us, our legal team takes over your matter and begins reviewing your income and net resources to determine appropriate child support..

Ongoing Connection

Throughout your case, your legal team stays in constant communication. Your Client Care Coordinator also checks in monthly, outside of your legal matter, to offer support and resources and ask how well we are serving you.

Support Beyond Your Case

After your case closes, your Client Care Coordinator stays in touch once a year to continue offering support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support

How is child support actually calculated in Texas when my income includes business distributions, K-1s, and bonuses instead of a simple salary?

Texas uses a percentage of your net resources, which is far broader than your salary. Net resources can include practice distributions, K-1 income, bonuses, commissions, deferred compensation, and certain self-employment income, with specific deductions applied. The hard part for business owners and high earners is income characterization, deciding what genuinely counts and determining how to treat retained earnings or reinvested profit. Depending upon your situation, consulting with a financial advisor may be warranted.

Is there a cap on Texas child support, and can support go above the guideline amount for high earners?

Yes and yes. Texas applies guideline percentages to net resources only up to a statutory cap, which is periodically adjusted by the Texas Attorney General. For one child, the guideline starts at 20 percent of net resources, increasing with additional children. Above that cap, a court can order, or the parties can agree to, additional support based on the proven needs of the children, including their established standard of living or any additional medical or educational needs.

Can we set child support privately without going through the Office of the Attorney General (OAG)?

Yes, absolutely, and many families prefer it. You can reach a negotiated agreement that is then submitted to the court for approval as an enforceable order, without agency-driven OAG enforcement. This private path gives you far more control over how sensitive financial and business details are handled. However, all court-ordered child support payments in the state of Texas must be processed through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU). This ensures proper tracking and enforcement of those payments, whether the OAG is involved in your case or not.

How do I keep my business finances and personal income out of the public record during a child support case?

You cannot guarantee total privacy in any court matter, but careful handling that focuses on resolution makes a real difference. Resolving child support through negotiation or collaborative methods, rather than contested hearings, limits how much detailed financial information enters the public file or is discussed in open court.

Who pays for the children’s health insurance and medical costs on top of child support?

In Texas, medical and dental support are ordered separately and in addition to base child support. Typically one parent, often the parent paying child support, provides health and dental coverage, and uninsured medical expenses are split between the parents, often equally. The court will factor in the cost and availability of coverage through either parent’s employer or business and make the final determination.

Can a child support order be modified later if my income changes or the business has a strong or weak year?

Yes. Texas allows modification when there is a “material and substantial change” in circumstances, or if three years have passed and the new amount would differ meaningfully from the existing order. For owners and high earners with variable income, these caveats matter, since a single strong or weak year does not automatically reset your obligation. Job loss or a large promotion can also qualify as grounds for modification.

How is child support enforced in Texas if the other parent stops paying?

Texas offers strong enforcement tools, including wage withholding, liens, license suspension, and contempt proceedings for nonpayment. Consequences can also include jail time. For complex income that is not a simple paycheck, enforcement may require additional documentation and financial tracing. A well-drafted, clear original order makes future enforcement cleaner if it ever becomes necessary.

What does child support cover?

Child support is meant to cover a child’s basic developmental and living necessities: food, shelter (rent/mortgage/utilities), clothing, basic personal care items, school supplies/fees, sometimes day-care or after-school care, and reasonable transportation. The receiving parent does have flexibility in how child support funds are spent, and it is usually anticipated they will also contribute themselves to these expenses. Unless specified in the order, child support usually does not include extracurricular activities, entertainment, luxury items, college tuition, private school, or the receiving parent’s living expenses. It is best to be very specific in the child support order as to what it does and does not cover.

How long does child support last in Texas?

Generally, support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. It can also extend indefinitely for a child with a disability that requires ongoing care. The obligation also ends if the child marries, is emancipated, or passes away.

WE WILL SPEAK FOR YOUR RIGHTS

Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your options. You may find that you are entitled to payment if your claim was denied or underpaid.

Book Consultation

What Clients Say About Hargrave Family Law

“Works with other attorneys in a more collaborative way to reduce costs and complete the process smoothly” – Rebel R.

This reflects our resolution-first approach, where we coordinate with opposing counsel to keep matters efficient, to be good stewards of our client’s money, and to shorten the time to resolution.

“Creative, innovative solutions, all parties emerged victorious” – Amy B.

This shows our commitment to crafting thoughtful solutions for each family’s complex situations rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all outcome.

“We are beyond grateful for the outcome in the case and highly recommend this firm” – Justin Y.

This reflects the confidence clients feel when sophisticated financial and family matters are handled with strategy and genuine skill.

Local Resources for McKinney Families

Collin County District Courts
Collin County Alternative Dispute Resolution Program
Collin County Child Support Office
Texas Office of the Attorney General Child Support Division
Texas Child Support Portal
Texas Attorney General Child Support Interactive
McKinney Municipal Court
Collin County Law Library
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
Collin County Domestic Relations Office
Collin County Community Supervision and Corrections Department
Collin County Child Protective Services Office
Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County
McKinney ISD records office

Schedule a Child Support Case Evaluation in McKinney, Texas

When your income includes practice distributions, K-1s, bonuses, or retained earnings, standard guideline math rarely tells the full story. The right next step is a confidential conversation to gain clarity about characterizing your net resources accurately and resolving support privately, thereby respecting your privacy with your family and finances protected from public view if possible.

With offices in Dallas and McKinney, you can take with confidence the first step toward a clear path forward with Hargrave Family Law.

Reach out to schedule your complimentary case evaluation today. We’re here to help.

Contact Us

Call Our Office With Any Questions or To Schedule a Complimentary Case Evaluation

Call Hargrave Family Law

How 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.

Meet them All

Smiling woman in glasses and black jacket indoors

Jennifer Hargrave

Owner & Managing Partner

Professional woman in navy dress, office background

Misty Cole

Senior Attorney

Smiling woman with short gray hair indoors

Donna Tomlinson

Senior Attorney

Katherine Zimmermann

Senior Attorney

Smiling professional woman in office building lobby

Hannah Rector

Senior Attorney

Smiling professional woman in office setting

LaQuisha Batson

Associate Attorney

Carie Silvestri

Of Counsel

additional resources

Don’t Face This Alone

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.

View all resources

10 Essential Questions about Child Support
Questions about child support? Child support is a hot topic. Whether you are paying child support, or you are receiving…
Read More
4 Common Questions About Child Custody You Need to Know
Determining how decisions will be made for the children, how parenting time will be allocated between the parents, and how…
Read More
3 Ways Tax Reform Can Impact Your Divorce
Going through a divorce understandably takes time and energy, and can leave aspects of life left on the backburner. If…
Read More
5 Tips for Keeping Your Sanity During Divorce
Read More

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.