Frisco Child Support Attorneys

Ensuring your child's well-being is paramount, especially after separation or divorce. Child support is a financial arrangement to help cover the costs of raising a child. It's typically a regular payment made by one parent (the non-custodial parent) to the other parent (the custodial parent) who has primary care of the child. The money goes towards things like food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and education.

Whether you're seeking to secure a fair child support order, enforce an existing order, or modify your current child support arrangement, our experienced Frisco family law attorneys at OWLawyers are here to advocate for your interests and your child's future.

To discuss your situation with our child support lawyers in Frisco, give us a call at (972) 852-8000 or contact us online today to schedule an initial consultation.

How Does Child Support Work in Texas?

Whether you're seeking to secure a child support order, attempting to enforce a child support order, or trying to modify a child support arrangement, it can be difficult to navigate the child support process in Texas, especially if you do not know how the process works. Below, we discuss the different aspects of child support in Texas and how they each work.

How Child Support Is Calculated

Texas uses a statutory formula to calculate child support. This formula considers the following factors:

• The income of both parents: Both gross monthly income and some forms of non-salaried income (e.g., commissions, bonuses) are factored in.
• The number of children: The calculated amount is divided among the children being supported.
• The percentage of parenting time: Texas uses a tiered system based on the percentage of overnights a child spends with each parent. The more overnights a parent has, the lower their percentage of the child support obligation.
• Certain mandatory deductions: The formula accounts for deductions, like health insurance premiums paid on behalf of the child.

Understanding Child Support Guidelines in Texas

The Texas Attorney General's Office provides child support guidelines that outline the presumed correct amount of child support based on the income figures mentioned above. These guidelines are not absolute, and the court can deviate based on specific circumstances. Here are some reasons the court may depart from the guidelines:

• High-income earners: For incomes exceeding a certain threshold, the guidelines may not adequately reflect the child's needs.
• Extraordinary expenses: The court can consider documented costs for special needs, private school, or extracurricular activities when calculating support.
• Child care costs: If one parent pays for the majority of the child care expenses, this may be factored in.

Establishing or Enforcing Child Support Orders

There are several ways to establish or enforce a child support order in Texas:

• Agreed Order: Parents can reach an agreement on child support and have it ratified by the court.
• Child Support Division: The Office of the Attorney General's Child Support Division can help establish or enforce child support orders, even without an attorney.
• Family Law Attorney: An experienced family law attorney can represent you in court to advocate for a fair child support order that reflects your child's needs and your financial situation.

Modifications to Child Support Orders

Child support orders can be modified under certain circumstances, such as:

• A significant change in income for either parent (usually a 20 percent or more increase or decrease).
• A change in the number of children being supported (e.g., birth of another child).
• A change in child custody arrangements.
• The child reaching the age of majority (usually 18) or emancipation (becoming financially independent).

Contact Us Today to Get Legal Guidance for Your Child's Future in Frisco, TX

Child support is a vital part of ensuring your child's well-being after a divorce. The family law attorneys at OWLawyers can help you navigate the complexities of child support in Frisco, Texas. We can assist you in establishing a fair initial order, enforcing an existing order, or seeking a modification as circumstances change.

For more information about our child support attorneys, read our clients’ testimonials.

Call (972) 852-8000 or reach out to us online today for an initial consultation with our family law legal team.