Denton County Child Support Attorneys
Experienced Legal Guidance for Child Support Agreements in Collin County & Tarrant County
Child support cases involve two very sensitive issues: family and finances. While both parents may want what's best for their child, there are often disputes regarding a parent's ability to pay and the amount of support requested.
Our Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County child support attorneys understand how important it is that your children receive the financial support that they deserve. We work closely with you to help make the process as stress-free as possible and to ensure that your case receives a favorable outcome.
If your paperwork is submitted incorrectly or is incomplete, it can easily get lost in the system. Leave all the legal details to us, including paperwork and documents! Our child support attorneys in Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County can help to make sure all documents and paperwork are filed correctly and in a timely manner.
Make sure you have the best possible chance of getting the outcome you need. Call (940) 293-2313 to speak with a child support attorney!
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.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas?
In Texas, the amount of child support is determined by the court based on specific factors. When parents do not live together—either following a divorce or because they're separated or not married—the non-custodial parent is required to make ongoing child support payments until the child turns 18 years old.
Child support in TX can be determined based on, but not limited to:
- The number of children involved
- The net income of the non-custodial parent
- Basic living expenses for the child/children
- Expenses for the child/children's health care
- Expenses for the child/children's educational needs
Net resources include, but are not limited to:
- Spousal maintenance
- Self-employment income
- Social Security or disability benefits
- Worker's compensation
- Retirement benefits
- All wage and salary income (including tips and overtime)
Social security taxes, federal income taxes, state income taxes, union dues, and the cost of health insurance or cash medical support are deducted from the Obligor's resources to determine the Obligor's net resources. These deductions are calculated using the Texas Attorney General’s Tax Charts.
Do I Have to Pay Child Support if I'm Unemployed?
It is a common misconception that if the Obligor (the person paying child support) does not have a job, then they cannot be ordered to pay child support. If the Obligor is unemployed, then the court can order child support based on minimum wage. The amount will be calculated the same way as if the Obligor was employed.
If you have lost your job and have court-ordered child support payments, then the court needs to be made aware of your situation, even if you and your ex-spouse have reached an agreement. Your child support attorney can help you file for a modification of child support to either put it on hold or greatly reduce the amount while you remain unemployed.
This modified order is temporary until you find a new job. Once you find new employment, you will have to modify the order once again to reflect your new income.
You should also note that the court will not allow an indefinite amount of time to not pay any child support while hunting for a new job. Be sure to keep extremely accurate and detailed records regarding your job hunt process, as you may need to submit them to the judge as proof that you are indeed searching for a job and not putting off paying child support.
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Mr. Pax aka TJ was awesome! He was very professional, kind and understanding to my situation. From start to finish I felt like he was going to take care of me, and he did. Throughout the entire process I was kept informed and properly prepared for trial! If I ever have to go through any sort of family court again, I will only go with TJ!!- David
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I worked with Malorie Amalia Crosley on writing up a pre-nuptial agreement, and she was swift and put into writing everything I needed to be done. I appreciated the consultation and the help she provided me when I needed it. I would recommend her as a lawyer as she did everything I needed to be done promptly for a reasonable cost.- Leroy
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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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I worked with Malorie Crosley for about a year on my case. The process, albeit long, was always clearly spelled out for me. I was also impressed with the timely responses of my inquiries. The process was very unfamiliar to me, and Kim and Malorie were always very helpful to answer all of my questions and keep me comfortable throughout the whole process. They provided sound advice and were able to navigate the complex process very efficiently. I will definitely use their services again.- Christian
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I was more than taken care of by this law firm. My attorney Shelby Hart believed in my case since day one. My situation was far from easy, I was trying to move out of state with my son to start a family with my husband. His father wanted to restrict me to the county I currently lived it. I was turned away by another attorney because she said there was no way I had a chance. But when I called Shelby he was nothing but uplifting, positive, and honest about the risk and chances but was reassuring of my chance and possibilities. He never gave up and found all kinds of ways to make this happen for me. He was always keeping me informed and allowed me to make any and all final decisions. Ashley Leverett, his parallel was always so helpful and on top of everything. She was also very sympathetic with me and gave good advice as well has helped me along the way with getting all my documents together. Even down to billing and payments, Georgia was always pleasant to work with on arranging and making my payments as well as answering any questions I had. Shelby, Ashley, and I won the case and I am completely moved in with my husband, son and newest member on the way! We are so happy and grateful for all the help we got at Coker!- Piper S.
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Toya was simply amazing. Never once did I feel like I was a bother to her. Every single time I had a question, she answered me quickly. I was well prepared for court and the process was easy. They made it easy. Thank you so much.- Maria M.
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This was not the first time that I worked with Coker, Robb & Cannon, but it was my first time to work with Anthony (TJ). He took my case very seriously. He researched all of my previous files and took into consideration everything that had happened since my case had previously been mediated. TJ was always quick to respond and he kept the process moving in a positive direction to work things out for the best interest of me and my children. I am thankful for his help and Holly Keen's help. I will continue to use them as I need to and will refer any/all of my family and friends to this firm, particularly TJ for any help that they need.- Kevin
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- Tammy V.
It was a pleasure working with Attorney Sheba George. She was diligent and thorough with each detail on an update of a name change. You can count on her to get the job right.
When Does Child Support End in Texas?
A common question about child support is "Does child support automatically end at 18?" In Texas, child support ends when the child is emancipated, which happens automatically when the child turns 18 years old. In some rare cases, a child can be emancipated at a younger age, such as by getting a full-time job or joining the military.
Do you need legal counsel for a child support case? Reach out to our team for guidance! The team at Coker, Robb & Cannon has been delivering effective child support solutions to families for over 20 years. Our Denton child support lawyers are committed to helping you resolve your child support matter as promptly and as effectively as possible. We have offices in Denton, Frisco, and Fort Worth to better serve you. We offer financing to help with retainer fees. Click here to see your options.
Is Child Support Tax Deductible in Texas?
No, child support is not tax deductible because it is not considered income. If you are paying child support, then you will not be able to deduct those expenses from your taxes. While you can deduct items such as alimony and other costs related to the care of your child, child support is not considered income and cannot be taxed in that way.
If you are going through a divorce, are seeking to establish child support, or would like to request a review of your existing child support obligations, Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers can help. We've been working with clients across Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County since 1998.
Recommended Reading on Child Support Law:
- Child Support and Taxes
- How Can I Change a Child Support Order?
- How to Get an Up-to-Date Record of Your Texas Child Support Account
Call us today at (940) 293-2313 to schedule a consultation.
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