Child Support Lawyer in Austin, TX

Child Support Lawyer Austin, Texas

 

Child support, given the subject matter, can be highly emotional for all parties involved during a family law proceeding. Child support may be an issue in three different types of proceedings – a divorce, a suit affecting the parent-child relationship (where two parties have a child together but are not married, “SAPCR”) or modification proceeding. Legal issues involving child support often include more than just concerns about support obligations and visitation schedules. Quite often, child support issues also encompass matters related to education costs, healthcare needs and costs, and even children’s extracurricular and social activities.

 

Child Custody Law Specialists

 

The family law specialists at the Morrison Law Firm understand that child support can be emotionally volatile, whether you are the one paying support or the one receiving support payments.  We've devoted countless legal hours to child support enforcement and related child support issues, and we will guide you every step along the way. We will always take the time to listen to your underlying concerns about child support issues before, during, and after your divorce, SAPCR or modification final order.

 

If you need focused legal advice and experienced representation that has everyone's best interests at heart, contact us for a consultation today.

 

Support Calculations and Fathers' Rights

 

Like the laws of many states, Texas’ child support laws award support for children in family law cases based on certain factors:

 

• The number of children involved

• How much income the obligor (person paying support) earns

• The number of children the obligor has the duty to support outside of this marriage

• The cost of providing health insurance for the children

 

The Texas Family Code sets guidelines for child support, which are presumably written in the best interest of the children. Those guidelines generally provide that if the obligor (the person paying child support) makes a certain amount of money or less, that child support shall be a multiple of that party’s net resources. A party’s net resources are, generally, all of that party’s income from all sources divided by 12 months, less the amount of taxes that party would pay if she/he were the only dependent and the cost of the health insurance for the children only (or any other expenses required by the employer). That multiplier is 20% of net resources if the parties have 1 child, 25% if 2 children, 30% if 3 children, etc.  The courts will generally follow these guidelines; however, they may deviate from them if the evidence warrants it. If a party to the divorce, SAPCR or modification proceeding seeks a different amount of child support than what the guidelines provide, then the courts can consider a deviation. That is where having an experienced courtroom attorney is vital to success.

 

Likewise, if a father is requesting more time with children in a divorce, SAPCR or modification proceeding, the father’s rights should be addressed and weighed. Our firm offers experienced help in addressing this and other related support concerns, including what to do when the obligor falls behind on child support or alimony payments.

 

Child Support Modifications and Enforcement

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Life changes and your custody and support arrangements may need to be adapted to fit those changed circumstances. We work with parents on either side when there is a material and substantial change in the life of one of the parties, or a child, that merits a modification to previously ordered child support or custody arrangements. Also, should either parent fail to follow support orders, we can assist clients with support order enforcement. At the Morrison Law Firm, we never forget that even unfounded worries are genuine to our clients, and as such, we address them with compassion.

 

Advocating Healthy Resolutions in Child Custody and Visitation

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The courtroom is not the only answer to family law issues. Our skilled family law attorneys recommend taking a collaborative approach to settlement versus a trial-based approach.  With a collaborative approach to family law, clients are encouraged to find healthier ways to resolve their differences by working together toward mutually beneficial goals. With this approach, parents in a divorce, SAPCR or modification proceeding not only teach their children the value of cooperation, but they also reduce the time, money, and emotional trauma involved in the litigation.

 

If you are currently involved in a legal matter that includes child support issues, or if you are concerned about a potential support issue, please contact us for a consultation. We will help you understand the law and how it applies to your case. You will be able to make well-informed decisions based upon the courtroom experiences we share with you about Texas child support law. 

 

You can also reach our offices at (512) 328-3030.

 

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