Irving Child Support Lawyer

Skilled Attorney Ensuring Protection for Your Children

Child support is a critical component of many family law cases in Texas. It is intended to ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents after a divorce or separation. If you are going through a divorce or child custody case in Texas, there are several things you need to know about child support. First, remember that as you work through all the essential considerations, a family law attorney can be an excellent resource to ensure that your and your children's best interests are always considered.

At the Law Office of Michelle Poblenz, we know how vital the financial security of a child is, especially when the child's parents are getting divorced. Our well-established family law attorney is committed to ensuring that the child's financial well-being remains intact long after their parent's divorce has been finalized. We will work with you to ensure all matters related to child support are handled with great care as you and your child look to start a new chapter in your lives.

Who Will Pay Child Support?

In Texas, the custodial parent, the parent the child lives with the majority of the time, will receive child support. The payer will be the non-custodial parent or "obligor," who is the parent that the child does not primarily live with and usually spends less time with. Regardless of who is paying child support, remember that the payments are solely for your child's benefit.

How Is Child Support Determined?

In Texas, child support is determined by a formula that considers both parents' net income, the number of children, and other factors such as the cost of healthcare and childcare. In general, the "net resources" of the obligor, which is their gross income minus income taxes and other deductions, will be multiplied by between 20 percent and 40 percent, depending on how many children will be receiving support.

For example, if there is one child receiving child support, the monthly net income of the non-custodial parent would be multiplied by 20 percent. For two children, the monthly net income is multiplied by 25 percent. These percentages go up to 40 percent, which would be the case if five children were receiving child support. There is a cap on the amount of a parent's net resources that can be used to calculate child support. As of 2019, this cap has been set at $9,200 per month, and if the obligor earns more than this amount, child support will only be based on the first $9,200 of their income. The child support cap is modified every six years based on inflation.

Can Child Support Be Modified?

The amount of child support can be adjusted if there is a significant change in circumstances. For example, if one parent loses their job or has a substantial increase in income, the child support order may need to be modified to reflect the new circumstances. Other situations that may warrant a modification of child support include significant changes at home that have created an unsuitable environment for the child, a relocation, or other cases where child custody modifications may be appropriate.

Is Child Support Mandatory in Texas?

Yes. In Texas, both parents are required to provide financial support for their children. Child support is not optional, and failure to pay child support can result in severe consequences, such as wage garnishment, seizure of bank accounts, and even jail time. Therefore, it is essential to make child support payments a top priority.

Contact a Dallas County Child Support Attorney

There are many "moving parts" when it comes to child support, and it can be understandable if these matters may seem overwhelming. Fortunately, retaining the services of a child support lawyer can simplify the process and ensure that your child will have the financial resources they need to have a prosperous childhood and a bright future.

At the Law Office of Michelle Poblenz, our skilled child support attorney is fully committed to ensuring that children can be afforded the financial security they need and deserve. Contact us today at 469-845-3031 for a confidential consultation.