Get The Outcome You Want in Your Fort Worth Child Support Case With Help From Our Skilled Attorneys!
Youngblood Law, PLLC advocates for parents and children while negotiating child support agreements.
Child Support in Fort Worth
Separation and divorce always pose challenges, but those issues are amplified when children are involved. Parents have to sort out various matters, including child support. Both parents are obligated to support their kids, but they often disagree on the amount. Our Fort Worth child support lawyers can advocate for you and your child. We strive to create solutions outside of the courtroom, sparing kids from the intense emotions involved in court proceedings. Even if you feel like the other parent is unwilling to negotiate, we can still attempt to find a solution.
While we employ non-adversarial conflict resolution techniques, we are also experienced in the courtroom. Our child support lawyers in Fort Worth will prepare for litigation while negotiating with the other party. Whether we are inside or outside of the courtroom, we will put your children’s needs first.
Factors That Determine Child Support
Judges have some discretion when setting child support payments in Texas. However, they typically consider the:
- Obligor’s adjusted net income
- Number of children who require support in the current case
- Additional children the obligor supports
- Special needs of the children
When Is Child Support Appropriate?
The Texas Family Code presumes that it is in the best interest of the child for the noncustodial parent to pay child support. The presumption is rebuttable, which means it can be overcome if the circumstances allow. Circumstances that may qualify include a 50/50 possession schedule or an agreement between the parties. However, Courts order full guideline child support in the overwhelming majority of cases.
Determining Child Support
Texas judges use child support guidelines to determine how much the obligor must pay. Generally, obligators pay 20 percent of their net resources if they are supporting one child. If two children require support, the standard is 25 percent of the net resources.
However, judges have discretion when setting child support payments and consider other factors. These factors include school tuition, medical needs, the amount of time the child spends in each home, and spousal support obligations. These are just some of the numerous factors the judge can consider.
Parents can also create child support agreements outside of the courtroom. Our Fort Worth child support lawyers will help you explore all of your options, including mediation. Then, we will help you care for your child by creating a fair child support agreement.
In most divorce cases, the noncustodial parent is ordered to pay what is referred to as guideline child support. Guideline child support is outlined in Section 154 of the Texas Family Code. The parent’s net resources are determined based on formula provided in Section 154. Those net resources are then multiplied by a predetermined percentage to find the amount of child support owed. The percentage is based on the number of children the couple has together.
The parent owes 20% of net income for the first child. Another 5% is added for each additional child, up to a maximum of 40%. Note that a parent only pays child support on the first $11,400 of gross income each month. However, sometimes good cause exists to deviate from guideline support. For example, a child’s special needs that require expensive medical care may cause the Court to order additional child support above the guidelines.
How Does Being Self-Employed Affect My Child Support In Texas?
The Texas Family Code accounts for differences between self-employed and employed parents. The formula for calculating net resource for self-employed parents is adjusted to factor in self-employment tax rates. The net resources are then multiplied by a predetermined percentage to find the amount of child support owed. The percentage is based on the number of children the couple has together. The parent will owe 20% of net income for the first child. Another 5% is added for each additional child, up to a maximum of 40%.
Like employed parents, there is a cap on how much gross income is subject to child support under the guidelines. A self-employed parent only pays child support on the first $12,223 of gross income each month. This assumes that there are not valid reasons to deviate from guideline support.
Resolving Back Child Support Issues
Are you behind on child support and want to make it right? Your child support obligation weighs heavily on your mind, and you’re ready to catch up on payments. You are also concerned about the legal ramifications of not paying. You could lose visitation or custody rights and have to pay financial penalties. In addition, the judge could sentence you to jail.
Our Fort Worth child support lawyers will review your case and explore possible options. Then, your attorney will work with the courts to come to an agreement. This might include a lump sum payment to catch up or a payment plan. With an attorney’s help, you might be able to avoid penalties and fines. This issue isn’t going to go away, so reach out immediately to discuss solutions.
Tell Us About Your Case
*Required Fields
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
Our Areas of Practice
Why Choose Youngblood Law
- Thoughtful Family Law representation.
- We only practice Family Law, so we can focus on details that generalists miss.
- We handle Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Adoptions, and Protective Orders, so our experience in each type of case overlaps the others giving us more depth of knowledge to help your case.
- We offer evening and weekend consultations, and our phones are answered by a real person 24/7.
- Regular and frequent client communication and updates.
- We work to help each client reach his or her goals in a case—no cookie cutter approach.
- Focused in Tarrant County, we bring knowledge of the local courts and court staff to work for your case.
Child Support Modifications
If you’ve experienced a significant change in circumstances, you might be eligible to modify your child support agreement. For example, if the obligor gets a higher-paying job or your child’s needs have changed, your Fort Worth child support lawyers can help you get more money. On the other hand, if you’re the obligor and have lost your job, we can help you reduce payments until you get back on your feet.
Child Support Enforcement
Unfortunately, some parents don’t meet their child support obligations. If the other party refuses to pay, your Fort Worth child support lawyer can step in and help. We can work directly with the other parent or escalate the case to state officials if necessary. Your child needs these payments for basic needs and activities, so contact your lawyer immediately. If you are the parent who is behind on payments, we can often help you avoid jail time and other penalties for non-payment. Let us examine your facts to make a plan to get you on the right track for your child support obligation.
Contact Us
Contact Us Today For Case Evaluation
Recent Blogs & Articles
- 22 Mar
Millennial Divorce: How This Generation is Redefining Marriage and Relationships.
- 1 Sep
What Is the Difference Between Contested and Uncontested Divorce in Texas?
- 29 Aug