While many people believe that child support payments end on a child’s 18th birthday, that is often not the case. Several different scenarios can affect the duration of child support payments in Frisco.

Having a thorough understanding of child support laws allows parents to responsibly plan for the anticipated needs of their children. Speaking with a well-versed child support attorney not only helps protect your rights but also makes it easier to determine an expected end date for payments. Contact Towson Law Firm, PLLC to schedule a consultation and learn more.

Determining Who Must Pay Child Support

Once paternity is established and a court order for child support is filed, the non-custodial parent must make regular payments to the parent who has primary custody of the children. Child support is calculated based on the primary needs of the children, often including food, clothing, housing, health insurance, medical care, and education.

In Texas, both parents are legally responsible for providing financial support, and their income plays a vital role in establishing a fair child support agreement. The payment is typically between 20% to 40% of the non-custodial parent’s net income, based on the number of children in the household. The duration of payments often depends on the specific circumstances involved in the Frisco child support case.

How Long Child Support Payments Last

According to Texas Family Code § 154.001, child support in Frisco must continue until the child turns 18 or any of the following scenarios occur first:

  • Child’s death
  • Graduation from high school
  • Legal emancipation of a child due to marriage, court order, or military enlistment

Child support may be necessary indefinitely for a disabled child who is unable to support themselves. Individuals who are making payments under a wage withholding order must file a Motion to Terminate Withholding for Child Support before the payments are legally ended.

Additionally, a proposed Senate Bill 942 passed in April 2025 could make it possible for parents to seek retroactive child support starting from the date of conception, including costs associated with prenatal and postnatal medical care.

Making a Modification to a Child Support Arrangement

Texas Family Code Chapter 154 is the framework for calculating child support. However, in certain instances, it may become necessary to modify a Frisco arrangement and the duration of child support when affected by:

  • Drastic changes in either parent’s income
  • Earning potential of the children
  • Extraordinary healthcare, education, or childcare costs
  • Special needs not being addressed in the original agreement
  • Travel expenses associated with visitation

A skilled attorney has the knowledge and expertise to help clients receive a modification to their existing court orders, when necessary, to ensure the financial needs of the children are consistently met.

Contact a Frisco Attorney to Discuss Your Child Support Arrangement and the Duration of Payments

Partnering with an experienced family law attorney ensures your children receive the proper duration of child support payments in Frisco. A lawyer familiar with state law has the necessary resources to establish, modify, and enforce a court-ordered child support agreement, working with the Texas Office of the Attorney General, if needed.

At Towson Law Firm, PLLC, we have extensive experience holding noncompliant parents accountable, doing everything in our power to ensure custody, child support, and visitation orders are followed according to the terms of the legally binding agreements. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about establishing a fair child support arrangement that meets the current and future needs of your children.

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.

Meet Matt Towson
Meet Matt Towson
Meet Matt Towson