CHILD SUPPORT
Understanding Child Support in the State of Texas.
A family court judge may order child support to be paid by one or both parents. Usually, it is paid by the non-custodial parent, the parent with whom the child does not habitually live most of the time.
If you’re facing child support concerns or questions, let the Law Office of Brandon Bledsoe help. Our experienced Austin child support attorneys can help you to navigate the complexities of family court.
How Is Child Support Calculated?
Monthly child support payments are calculated based on the number of children in a family and the net income of the parent who is ordered to pay. Net income is defined as pay after taxes. General guidelines in Texas are:
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1 child: 20% of net income
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2 children: 25% of net income
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3 children: 30% of net income
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4 children: 35% of net income
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5 or more children: 40% of net income
When calculating net income, the judge will examine your earnings for the past few years and consider your career and likelihood of continuing to earn the same income in the future. Child support payments may be increased based on the needs of the child, particularly if they have a lot of extracurricular activities, medical expenses, or have special needs to account for.
If you are in the process of divorce and want to ensure that you pay the appropriate amount of child support as a noncustodial parent, contact a child support attorney in Austin at the Law Office of Brandon Bledsoe. We will work with you to develop a plan that supports your children and you.
How Long Is Child Support Paid?
Child support is paid by noncustodial parents until any one of the following occurs:
● The child turns 18 or graduates high school (whichever is later)
● Emancipation of the child
● Enlistment in the military of the child
● Marriage of the child
● Death of the child
Therefore, it’s important to make sure that child support payments make sense at the time they are agreed upon during a divorce.
Reach out to the best child support lawyer in Austin, TX at the Law Office of Brandon Bledsoe to ensure your child support payments make sense and fit the needs of your children.
Can Child Support Orders Be Modified?
A child support order may be modified if a material or substantial change has occurred since the last time child support payments were determined or if more than three years have passed.
A material and substantial change can include any of the below:
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Increase or decrease of the noncustodial parent’s income
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Noncustodial parent has more children
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Medical insurance has been altered
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Additional health care costs
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Development of special needs by the child
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Living arrangements have changed
If you are seeking to modify a child support order, reach out to a skilled Austin child support lawyer at the Law Office of Brandon Bledsoe.
What Happens If You Fail to Pay Child Support?
If you are unable to pay child support for any reason, it is important to contact an Austin child support attorney at the Law Office of Brandon Bledsoe as soon as possible to understand your legal responsibilities.
Intentionally failing to pay child support can result in large fines, a felony conviction, or time in prison. We can assist you in preparing a child support order modification if your circumstances have changed significantly.
