Many parents consider child-rearing among the most difficult, albeit rewarding, endeavors they will ever undertake. Parenting can be mentally draining, especially when you do not have the support of a co-parent to run things by and help ease your burdens.

Being a single parent is also financially draining and raising a child is expensive. You and your child’s life could improve with financial support from the other parent. However, if your co-parent does not willingly offer child support, you might need to go through the proper procedural channels to obtain it.

A hardworking legal professional could help guide you through the process of child support payments in Frisco. Do not hesitate to get connected to a dedicated child support attorney with Towson Law Firm, PLLC today.

Who is Eligible for Child Support?

Minor children have the statutory right to receive financial support from their parents, as outlined in Texas Family Code Chapter 154. The court can order a noncustodial parent to pay the custodial parent or have both parents pay child support.

Once a child support order is set, a Frisco parent can meet the payment obligations through the process of periodic payments, a lump sum, an annuity, setting aside property, or receiving pension or retirement benefits.

The child support obligations continue until the following take place:

  • A child’s 18th birthday or their high school graduation
  • Once a child is adopted by someone else, such as a stepparent or an outside party
  • The death of the child
  • The child’s marriage

Child support obligations can also be discontinued once a court order removes the child’s disability of being a minor. In other words, when the child is legally emancipated from the parents, their parents no longer owe them child support payments.

These payments may continue past 18 if a child enrolls in a university or other educational program. A parent’s support obligations could also continue indefinitely if a child is disabled. A knowledgeable lawyer could explain the relevant laws so that a family fully understands how the rules might apply to them.

How Family Courts Determine Child Support Payments

Frisco courts have discretion in the process of calculating child support payment obligations. However, Texas has set forth child support guidelines that presumptively apply in Texas Family Code 154.125(b). Generally, a court would look at the following factors in calculating an individual child or family’s support needs:

  • The gross and net monthly income of the noncustodial parent
  • How many children in the family require support
  • If the noncustodial parent is providing health insurance for the child
  • Whether the noncustodial parent is also supporting other children, such as from another marriage

If either of the parents experiences a significant change in their lives or financial situations, such as losing their jobs, they can request a modification of the court order to change their child support obligations.

Contact a Frisco Attorney About The Child Support Payments Process

Your child deserves support from both of their parents. However, the process of child support payments in Frisco can feel overwhelming, which is why working with a seasoned legal professional is critical. A strong legal advocate could help your family get the financial backing you need.

Call a trusted family law attorney today who could help you handle this issue in the most non-litigious way possible.

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