Child Support Attorneys Serving Houston, TX
When you divorce, you may want a clean break from your spouse. However, if you have children, this cannot happen. Children deserve to have both parents in their lives as much as possible and Texas law recognizes this. In addition, both parents must continue to share the responsibilities of raising their children and providing for them. To do this, the law creates a presumption that child support is in a child’s best interest. However, who pays child support and the amount paid is determined by a very precise set of calculations. As such, it is important to have an experienced Houston child support attorney on your side to ensure that your child support obligations are calculated correctly.
At Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C., we recognize that neither parent wants to pay more than their fair share of child expenses. We also understand the needs and concerns parents have when it comes to caring for their children. We are committed to helping our clients through the child support calculations while keeping the needs of their children as our top priority. Our lawyers work diligently to protect your parental rights and ensure that your children have the support they need after the divorce.
Child Support Guidelines in Texas
Courts typically award some amount of child support in most divorce cases. Support payments are for the children, to ensure their care and quality of life. The non-custodial parent typically makes this payment to the custodial parent monthly to help with the overall expenses associated with raising and caring for the children.
In Texas, child support is calculated using specific guidelines. These guidelines outline a basic minimum amount of support. The courts will then consider several factors when arriving at the final amount of support. One of the biggest determining factors is the net monthly income of each parent. If the parent paying support makes less than $7,500 a month in net income, the court will examine the number of children in the household. If the parent paying support makes more than $7,500, the courts apply calculations only to the first $7,500 a month unless the child has needs warranting more support.
Child support guidelines require support increases based on the number of children in your care. For example:
- One child – 20 percent of net monthly income
- Two children – 25 percent of net monthly income
- Three children – 30 percent of net monthly income
- Four children – 35 percent of net monthly income
- Five children – 40 percent of net monthly income
It is important to remember that there are many factors that can go into calculating child support. This includes whether the paying parent is intentionally being underemployed, as well as the age and needs of each child.
While Texas law does place caps on the amount of child support paid in Houston, there are many ways your attorney can advocate for more. Arguments such as the need to maintain children in the lifestyle they have become accustomed to during marriage often results in more support. In addition, when parents have special needs children, the amount of court-ordered support may deviate greatly from the guidelines.
Child Support Enforcement and Modification in Houston
There are times when you might need someone to assist you with existing child support orders. If the parent paying support fails to meet their obligations, you may need a law firm in your corner to help you enforce your support agreement. Likewise, when your children’s needs change or your ability to pay child support changes, a lawyer can help you modify an existing support agreement.
Modifications are often needed when a noncustodial parent loses their job or when a major life event impacts their ability to pay. In this situation, a modification is required. You cannot simply “not pay” child support. Failure to meet your child support obligations could have serious legal ramifications.
At Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C., our Houston child support lawyers can assist you with all your child support needs. Whether you need child support calculations done correctly or you need help modifying an existing agreement, our law firm is here to assist you every step of the way. With over 20 years of experience assisting divorced families in Houston, you can rest assured knowing you have a skilled legal team on your side from the start.
Contact Our Houston Child Support Attorneys
During your divorce, child support is an often contentious aspect. For this reason, you need a law firm on your side that can help you make the appropriate calculations to provide for your children. Too little support could jeopardize your children and their future. At Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C., we can help answer your support questions and perform all necessary calculations in accordance with Texas law. We can also enforce or modify existing support agreements.
To learn more, call us at (713) 981-0600 or fill out our confidential contact form. We offer complete family law assistance to a variety of families in Houston and throughout Harris County. Call us today and tell us your story. We want to meet you and help you through this difficult time.