Fort Worth Child Support Attorneys
Helping You Understand & Navigate the Child Support Process
Child support is a court-ordered payment made by one parent to the other to help cover the costs of raising a child. In Texas, child support is typically paid by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent, although there are exceptions to this rule. The amount of child support a parent is required to pay is determined by the court and is based on a number of factors, including the parents' income, the child's needs, and more.
At Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers, we understand that child support is a sensitive and often contentious issue. Our Fort Worth child support lawyers are here to help you navigate the process and work toward a fair and favorable outcome. Whether you are seeking child support or are the parent who will be required to pay, we can help.
Call (940) 293-2313 or contact us online to request a confidential consultation with one of our attorneys today.
We have helped families just like yours through all types of divorce and family law-related matters. Find out how one of our Board-Certified Family Law Specialists can help you.
Child Support Laws in Texas
As we mentioned earlier, child support is a court-ordered payment, and both parents have certain legal rights and obligations. It is typically paid by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent. The court will determine the amount of child support the noncustodial parent is required to pay based on the state's guidelines. The noncustodial parent will then be required to make these payments to the custodial parent.
Child support laws in Texas are complex. The state has specific guidelines that are used to determine the amount of child support a parent is required to pay. However, these guidelines are not always followed, and the court may deviate from them in certain situations.
Under Texas law, the following factors are used to determine child support:
- The parents' income
- The child's needs
- The child's age
- The child's health
- The child's educational needs
- The child's standard of living before the divorce
- The parents' financial resources
- The parents' financial obligations
- The parents' debts
- The parents' assets
- The amount of time the child spends with each parent
These are just a few of the many factors that may be considered when determining child support. The court has the discretion to consider any relevant factor when making a decision.
Child support payments can be made in a variety of ways. In some cases, the noncustodial parent will be required to make payments directly to the custodial parent. In other cases, the payments may be made through the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit (TxCSDU). This is a state-run organization that collects and disburses child support payments. The TxCSDU can be used to make payments by mail, phone, or online.
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Ashley Covert and Kelly recently helped my 88-year-old family member through a divorce. They are incredibly kind, thorough, and knowledgable attorneys. I highly recommend Ashley, Kelly and their team at Coker, Robb & Cannon. They made a difficult situation easy and stress-free.- Angie
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I have only been through a divorce once in my life and I thought I would hire a "big name" lawfirm in Dallas to handle my case. Well long story short, all the "big name" lawfirm did was rake me over the coals for money then dropped me like a bad habit after they sucked me dry! I immediately started looking for another lawyer locally in the Denton area and was referred to Duane Coker. I was reffered to Duane by another lawyer that doesn't specialize in divore or family law and was told he would treat me right. Well they were right! He made me feel very comfortable and told the the honest truth about things. He saw what my previous lawyer did to me and what my wife's attorney was doing to me. I am so glad he took my case and got my divorce finalized! He was very up front with things and kept me in loop on everything. The only regret I have is I should have used Duane from the begining! It would of had saved me thousands of dollars and a lot less headaches. I can't say enough good things about Duane and his staff. What a "true" lifesaver they were to me!- Kelly
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5 out of 5. Jackie and the team were patient and understanding throughout the entire process. Jackie was always available for questions and concerns. She is very knowledgeable and offers great guidance.- Virginia L.
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Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers helped me with my divorce almost 3 years and just recently helped me with a child support modification. I cannot thank Jackie Cannon enough for all of her help and guidance through both processes. Thank you Jackie and Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers for everything!- Gil
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They made my divorce easy even in a difficult situation. I was stressed but they handled everything professionally and fast. I’m so grateful to the team. If you need a simple divorce they are the perfect choice.
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Coker Law Firm represented me in my modification case. They were very informative and helpful throughout the entire process. They were also very patient and very persistent when opposing counsel was slow to respond. With their help, I was able to resolve my modification to my approval without compromising. I would recommend their services to anyone needing a family law firm.- Catherine
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Child Support Calculation in Texas
Child support in Texas is calculated using a formula that takes into account the parents' income and the number of children they have. The formula is based on the Texas Child Support Guidelines, which are set by the state.
Under the Texas Child Support Guidelines, the noncustodial parent is typically required to pay:
- 20% of their net income for one child
- 25% of their net income for two children
- 30% of their net income for three children
- 35% of their net income for four children
- 40% of their net income for five children
- Not less than 40% of their net income for six or more children
These percentages are based on the noncustodial parent's net income, which is their income after taxes and other deductions. The court will also consider other factors when determining child support, such as the child's needs, the parents' financial resources, and more.
It is important to note that the Texas Child Support Guidelines only apply to parents who earn up to $9,200 per month. If the parents earn more than this amount, the court has the discretion to deviate from the guidelines and order a different amount of child support.
What Happens If You Don't Pay Child Support in Texas?
Child support is a court-ordered payment, and failing to make these payments can have serious consequences. If you do not pay child support, the custodial parent can take legal action to enforce the order.
The court has several options for enforcing child support orders, including:
- Wage garnishment
- Seizing your tax refund
- Seizing your property
- Placing a lien on your property
- Suspending your driver's license
- Suspending your professional license
- Reporting the delinquency to credit bureaus
- Contempt of court
If you are having trouble making your child support payments, it is important to take action right away. You may be able to request a modification of the child support order. However, you will still be required to make the payments until the court approves the modification.
Why Choose Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers?
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Video Consultations & Meetings Available
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Voted Best Family Law Firm & Best Law Firm in Denton County
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Working Hard to Achieve the Best Results Possible
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Deeply Committed to Listening & Helping You
How We Can Help
Our Fort Worth child support lawyers at Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers, can provide invaluable assistance in various ways. We have a dedicated team of experienced attorneys who specialize in family law, including child support matters.
Contact us today at (940) 293-2313 to discuss your case with our team.
