What You Need to Know About Child Support in Texas

 Posted on December 28, 2023 in Child Support

As a parent getting divorced in Texas, details on setting, collecting, or modifying child support can shape your child's quality of life. There are some key things you should know when going through a divorce and seeking child support. A Texas family law attorney can help you determine what you may potentially get for child support and how to fight for your rights.

How Texas Calculates Support Amounts

Texas operates by specific child support guidelines that calculate payment amounts based on both parents' income levels and custody arrangements. The goal is to alleviate the burden on the primary caretaker. Gross income, taxes paid, retirement contributions, and additional factors all determine the final monthly amount owed for supporting kids. Judges use this formula for consistency but can override the amount if circumstances merit.

When Child Support Gets Modified

Events like job loss, pay decreases, bills piling up, or retirement may compel a request to the court to decrease installments. Meanwhile, increased earnings or failure to exercise allotted custody time may cause seeking order hikes. The test for Texas modification is a 10%+ difference in the current amount versus recalculated support under today's financial data. Additionally, a child aging out or moving in with the obligated parent affects changes.

Enforcing Missed Payments

Remedies exist when an ex fails to meet court-ordered payments consistently. Inform the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division to start enforcement like garnished wages or suspended driver's licenses. Contempt of court proceedings also pressures compliers. Document every missed installment for maximum recovery, including back pay later granted. Unpaid amounts still accrue interest when in arrears.

Custody Rights Impact Support

Not exercising court-ordered visitation or joint custody days can actually enable rising child support obligations. As defined in decrees, extra time not spent with children must receive substitution with added financial assistance. Therefore, keeping visitation agreements with ex-spouses or alerting them when unable to exercise custody protects against enlarged payments.

Contact a Collin County, TX Family Law Attorney

Texas child support ensures both separated parents contribute toward children's well-being. However, the intricate legal web around calculating, modifying, and enforcing order amounts often confuses individuals navigating divorce. Working with a Frisco, TX family law lawyer can simplify the process of advocating your rights while securing your child's best interests. Call Pfister Family Law at 972-954-6455 to get started with your case and see the next potential step you should take.