When a relationship ends either with unmarried parents or a married couple and there is a child involved, there are considerations that need to take place concerning child support and child custody. Sometimes these decisions can be made outside the courtroom. For others, it requires a legal proceeding and the guidance of a Friendswood Child Support Lawyer.
Court mandated legal proceedings can be exhausting negotiations that often become aggressive and nasty. If you find yourself in a situation where you and your former partner can’t come to a decision, contact an experienced Friendswood Child Support Lawyer at Hannah Law, PC.
A seasoned child support lawyer will know how to get the most favorable outcome. They will understand your needs and what is best for your child and fight for the proper support agreement. At Hannah Law, PC, our passion is to protect your rights and most importantly your child’s rights during any support negotiation.
If you need someone in your corner to navigate the legal hurdles, contact Hannah Law, PC. Attorney Jeffrey W. Hannah. He will be happy to provide you with a legal consultation to help best determine how to protect your rights while working to get you and your children the financial support you deserve.
What Is Child Support?
Child support is a vital financial obligation that unmarried or divorcing parents have towards their children. However, many parents may lack clarity on its specifics, including its purpose, duration, and calculation.
Child support entails one parent, typically the non-custodial party, providing financial assistance to the custodial parent to supplement the costs associated with raising the child.
While intended to cover basic needs like shelter, clothing, food, education, and healthcare, the custodial parent has discretion in using the support to meet these needs effectively.
How Is Child Support Determined in Texas?
In Texas, child support guidelines govern the calculation of support payments. These guidelines primarily consider the income of the parent paying child support, with exceptions for certain circumstances.
Guideline Percentages: The state establishes percentages of net income based on the number of children involved, with adjustments for factors like healthcare costs and other dependents.
Income Considerations: The court may deviate from these guidelines for incomes exceeding a certain threshold, considering the actual needs of the child.
Legal Assistance: Consulting a qualified child support lawyer can provide insights and assistance in navigating complex cases, ensuring fair outcomes for all parties involved.
Texas has established guidelines for determining child support payments, outlining specific amounts to be paid based on the parent’s income. Typically, only the income of the parent responsible for paying child support is considered, except in rare cases. For individuals earning less than $150,000 annually, the mandated percentages of their net income are as follows:
- 1 child: 20%
- 2 children: 25%
- 3 children: 30%
- 4 children: 35%
- 5 or more children: 40%
Additionally, the parent paying child support may also be required to contribute to the child’s dental and medical insurance costs, which are deducted from their income before calculating child support. If the paying parent has children from another relationship, the mandated percentage of income may be reduced.
The Texas Attorney General offers a child support calculator that takes these factors into account, providing insight into the expected child support obligations.
In cases where an individual’s after-tax income exceeds $9,200 per month (approximately $150,000 annually), the standard percentages may not apply automatically. Instead, the judge will review the specific needs of the child(ren) involved. Texas courts generally exercise caution in mandating child support amounts exceeding $9,200 per month.
Additional Factors Considered
While guidelines provide a framework, courts may consider various factors to ensure the child’s best interests are met.
- Child’s Needs: Factors such as age, health, and educational requirements are crucial considerations.
- Parental Capacity: The ability of each parent to provide financial support is assessed.
- Custodial Arrangements: The time spent with each parent and associated costs are evaluated.
- Special Circumstances: Expenses like healthcare or educational needs may influence support arrangements.
Adapting to Changing Circumstances
Financial situations can change over time, necessitating adjustments to child support arrangements.
- Modification Requests: Job loss, income reduction, or unforeseen expenses may warrant modifications to existing support orders.
- Legal Assistance: Seeking legal counsel is advisable when seeking adjustments to support orders, ensuring compliance with legal procedures.
Finding the Right Legal Representation
Selecting a competent child support lawyer is essential for achieving favorable outcomes in support disputes.
Legal Expertise: Look for attorneys with expertise in family law and a track record of success in child support cases.
Client Focus: Choose a firm known for its professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication to client satisfaction.
Negotiation Skills: Effective negotiation is crucial in reaching fair and sustainable support agreements.
Seeking a Friendswood Child Support Lawyer in Texas
Navigating child support matters requires professional guidance to protect your child’s welfare and your legal rights.
Contact Hannah Law in Friendswood, Texas, at [Phone Number] or fill out our online form for expert legal assistance.
Ensure your child’s future and well-being with the help of experienced child support attorneys.
