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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First off I must say that this law firm saved me at least six months of a headache and so much money in the end. Tyler Livingston was such a pivotal part in helping me sell my deceased mother's property. We had to probate a will within a three week period and he put in the extra time and effort to ensure the success of our trial. The professionalism, the care and concern, not to mention the wanting to help someone with their family problems. If I ever have another family concern or worry I know the first person I am going to call. I cannot thank him enough for what he has done to help.- Blake E.
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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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STOP SEARCHING! Hire Coker, Robb & Cannon! Words will never express how I feel about all of the hard work they put in for me & my daughter. Sheba, Shelby, Rachel, & Kelly were PERFECT. In time I may find the words that convey to everyone how truly great this team is, but for now I will simply say if you need family law attorneys, HIRE THEM NOW!- Joshua N.
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My legal matters were challenging. The team at Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers was compassionate, they took the time to listen, and helped guide me through the process. I would definitely recommend.- Anne L.
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Having Malorie by my side gave me the confidence and assurance I desperately needed during the most difficult and chaotic time in my life. She, and her team, were always available to thoroughly answer my constant questions, and in language I could understand. They always made me felt “seen” during the numerous times situations turned emotional, while at the same time, reassured by their calming expertise on a path forward. Time after time, that expertise was challenged, and without fail, was found to be correct. They proved to me that I could trust them to always tell me the correct, and up-to-date information on matters they are experts in, and just as importantly, when to seek different counsel on matters they are not. I truly cannot express how much I appreciate all Malorie and her team did for me. So, if you find yourself in a situation where you need someone to be your champion, please call them and see for yourself. I am so glad I did.- Russ
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Shelby Hart was my lawyer during my divorce. During one of the hardest parts of my life, Shelby was nothing short of kind and professional. He was supportive and honest with me throughout the entire process, and always made me feel comfortable/well informed of every option available to me. Everyone at Coker Legal was easy to talk to and easy to trust. I'm so glad that I was recommended to Coker, and lucky enough to have Shelby as my lawyer. If you're in need of a compassionate law firm/lawyer, this is the place to go!- Kristie H.
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I had a nasty divorce going with my ex-wife who was using one of the High Power Dallas Lawyers that was intent on making things difficult and costing both of us most of the money we were fighting over. Duane was able to calm me down and came up with an idea for the settlement that not only saved me and the ex money, but actually made his fees LESS EXPENSIVE!!! You will not hear of that many times with any lawyer. I would recommend him for a simple divorce or a complex one with all of the circumstances that always make things difficult. He just has a way of working things out with all parties that make so much sense the case gets settled and everyone gets what they want.- Jay N.
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Truly one of the most professional & knowledgeable attorneys I have had the pleasure of working with.- Jay Marks
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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Voted Best Family Law Firm & Best Law Firm in Denton County
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Deeply Committed to Listening & Helping You