Make Sure Child Support Issues Do Not Overwhelm You

The end of a relationship does not end your child support responsibilities. There are laws in place that make sure child support continues after divorce.

Child support laws in Texas are complicated. There may be issues that make the process difficult. To ensure you properly navigate the process, call Gradney, PC. I am an experienced family law attorney who understands Texas' child support laws.

I can help you obtain child support or establish paternity. I can assist you if you are a noncustodial parent, and you need to modify your child support payments or if you are the custodial parent and your former partner is not making payments.

Who Has To Pay Child Support?

The court can require one or both parents to financially support a child. That support usually lasts:

• Until the child's 18th birthday
• Until they graduate from high school
• Until they are emancipated through marriage

Both custodial and noncustodial parents are responsible for their child's well-being. That includes financial support for their medical, dental and living expenses.

Child support is based on the percentage of the monthly income of the parent who is required to pay.

The child support guideline:

• One child: 20 percent of monthly income
• Two: 25 percent
• Three: 30 percent
• Four: 35 percent
• Five: 40 percent
• Six-plus: At least as much as the support paid for five children

Disabled Children

The state legislature allows for continued child support, beyond the disabled dependent's 18th birthday.

When calculating child support, the court allows the judge to consider:

• Existing/future needs.
• Care/supervision or if substantial care or supervision is needed.
• Financial resources are available to both parents.
• Financial resources/other resources that might be needed for continued support, care and supervision.

How Social Security Income Affects Child Support Payments

Social Security Income complicates child support. Parents whose only income is SSI might not have to make child support payments. Under Texas law, SSI is not considered income. If that is your only income, you can ask the court to change your support amount requirement to zero.

A Deep Understanding Of The Child Support Process

An experienced family law lawyer can help you manage these issues. Call my Dallas office at 214-699-4068 or contact me online to get the help you need.