Houston Child Support Lawyers
Child support is mandated by the state of Texas to ensure the welfare of children when parents separate or divorce or when the parents have never married and live apart. This financial support is calculated according to state guidelines and considered to be the right of the child as opposed to the desires of either parent. While the guidelines are fairly clear-cut, they can be complicated when it comes to determining the net income of a parent.
If you are facing a child support issue, whether it involves support being determined for a pending divorce, a modification of a current support order, or enforcement of a child support order that is being violated, you can turn to Cy Lee Legal Group PLLC. Our team has a long history of resolving Texas family law issues for those in Houston and the surrounding areas. We can help you navigate this matter to ensure the payment you are to receive or obligated to pay is a fair and just one, based on the court’s overriding principle of serving the child’s best interests.
Reach out to Cy Lee Legal Group PLLC to book a confidential consultation with a Houston child support attorney by connecting with us via email or by phone at (832) 558-2659. We serve clients in Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic.
Child Support Cases in Texas
In Texas, the parent who pays child support is the parent that spends the least amount of time with the child. This parent is generally referred to as the “noncustodial” parent while the “custodial” parent has the largest portion of physical custody of the child. A judge can order either or both parents to provide support but it is generally considered that the parent with whom the child mainly lives will automatically be financially supporting the child through normal living expenses.
Texas child support is calculated on a percentage of the net monthly income of the paying parent. The Attorney General’s Office provides a monthly child support calculator that can be used to help parents determine their support payment. This tool is useful for parents who have only one source of income. For those with multiple sources of income, including those that include commissions, tips, bonuses, self-employment, overtime, rental income, retirement benefits, dividends, interest, and other income-generating sources, the calculation can become complicated.
Additionally, you may subtract various items from your income, such as certain taxes, health insurance, and for other children being supported.
A percentage of the net income will then determine the amount to pay. For example, support for one child will be 20 percent of the net income while support for two children will be 25 percent. Other rules apply to those with income levels below a certain amount.
Deviations from Calculated Amounts
In some cases, you may believe the amount calculated to be unfair or inappropriate. In these cases, the court will review all of the relevant facts and circumstances to determine a fair amount. Parents may also agree between themselves on an amount that is higher than the calculated amount. However, you can’t agree on an amount that is less than the calculated amount without the court’s approval. Courts will only approve support agreements that they determine to be best for the child.
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