When going through divorce proceedings, child support is often an emotionally draining topic that can lead to frustration and anxiety about the future well-being of your children. Understanding your rights can make all the difference in knowing how to manage finances moving forward.

Despite strict guidelines in place for calculating, enforcing, and modifying child support in Texas, many people remain confused by the complexities surrounding this contentious topic. Working with a knowledgeable child support attorney could make it easier to navigate the process. Whether you are paying or receiving child support, our team knows how to answer some of the most common questions about child support in Frisco. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Questions About Calculating Child Support

Many of our clients commonly question whether child support is determined solely by the income of the non-custodial parent. The answer is no, as several factors contribute to the final determination. Texas uses a percentage guideline of net monthly resources that ranges between 20% and 40% based on the number of children in the household.

All income, including wages, tips, bonuses, pensions, self-employment, and Social Security disability, is considered. Costs such as taxes, health insurance premiums, and union dues are also subtracted from the total income before establishing a fair payment amount.

Questions About Enforcing Court-Ordered Agreements

In Texas, the Office of the Attorney General is responsible for enforcing child support. They have the authority to utilize any of the following actions for noncustodial parents who are failing to make regular, on-time payments:

  • License suspension of over 60 types of licenses, including driver’s, hunting, fishing, and professional licenses
  • Passport denial, as a request for a new or renewed passport could be denied.
  • Liens placed on bank accounts, insurance settlements, life insurance plans, personal injury claims, properties, retirement plans, awards, or other assets

Custodial parents who are not receiving timely child support payments often ask if they may withhold court-ordered visitation, and the answer is a definitive no. Chapter 154 of the Texas Family Code clearly states that the issues are separate legal matters, and a parent cannot deny contact with the child(ren) for failure to pay.

Questions About Modifying Child Support

Parents commonly question whether they can increase or decrease child support payments. To do so, there must be a significant change in circumstances since the time the court order was established. An experienced attorney has the expertise to assess the current scenario and determine if a Modification Order request is warranted.

We also receive questions about how long child support lasts. The final payment is made when a child reaches 18 or graduates from high school, but the order could be extended for children who have a disability and cannot support themselves.

If it has been at least three years since the child support order was established, and the current payment amount differs from the child support guidelines by $100 or 20%, there may be just cause for requesting a modification.

Contact a Skilled Child Support Attorney in Frisco For Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Establishing or modifying a child custody agreement without the legal guidance of a qualified family law attorney could prove difficult. At Towson Law Firm, PLLC, our extensive experience enables us to answer some of the most common questions about child support in Frisco.

Contact our offices today to schedule an initial consultation. Whether you need assistance modifying an existing court order or are having trouble receiving regular payments, we may be able to help by providing solutions that benefit all family members.

Meet Matt Towson

Our Law Firm’s approach to your case is based on individual circumstances. Whether it is a simple negotiated settlement, or it requires an aggressive approach, we will protect and defend your best interests.

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