Attorneys Providing Guidance Regarding Child Support Issues
Reasonable and timely child support payments are crucial to the ongoing well-being of children and both parents. At Patricia L. Brown & Associates in Round Rock, Texas, we will make sure the necessary and accurate information is used to determine your child support payments according to the relevant guidelines.
You do not need to spend one to two hours in traffic driving to Austin for experienced and quality legal representation. Proximity to your attorney and staff is often critical to ensuring excellent communications, relieving anxiety and reaching a favorable outcome. Contact our Round Rock child support lawyers to schedule an initial consultation.
In-Depth Understanding Of Texas Child Support Payment Guidelines
Under Texas law, child support payments are a percentage of net monthly income. The percentage is determined by the number of children for whom support is paid; it may be reduced if the paying parent has children from another relationship. All child support orders are now accompanied by an order to withhold wages. Payments continue until the child’s high school graduation or 18th birthday, whichever occurs last, with some exceptions such as disability or special needs of the child.
A noncustodial parent is also normally required to keep his or her children on his or her health insurance policy, to pay the premiums of the custodial parent’s health insurance if the noncustodial parent does not have health insurance, or to provide medical insurance if none is available through either parents’ employer. The cost of this insurance is deducted from net monthly income. A noncustodial parent may also be required by the court to purchase life insurance to cover his or her child support payments.
Although it may seem that child support calculations are easily determined and thus, a lawyer’s assistance would not be necessary, issues related to the calculation of net income, deduction of expenses and deductible payments can become very complicated, very quickly. For this reason, it is very important to work with our family law attorneys who offer substantial experience and knowledge of relevant Texas case law regarding what resources can or cannot be included in the calculation of net income. They are also quite familiar with the judges in Williamson and Travis counties, and this familiarity can be very useful.
We can also assist with seeking modifications of child support if and when circumstances change.
2023 Reforms To Texas Child Support Laws
When children fail to receive support from each parent, it can lead to tangible problems such as inadequate housing and poor nutrition. It can also make them feel uncared for, which is a potentially severe emotional burden for a child to bear.
In 2023, Texas updated its child support enforcement laws to promote fair financial support for children while empowering family courts with improved collection tools. Children from Austin families now have better odds of receiving the support they deserve from both parents.
A notable change addresses intentional unemployment and underemployment by a parent ordered to provide child support:
- An example of intentional underemployment might involve a parent holding a professional degree but intentionally choosing to work part-time for low wages.
- An example of intentional unemployment could be a parent resigning from a well-paying job for no valid reason other than to reduce their child support obligations.
The new provisions help prevent parents from using the intentional lack of employment or intentional underemployment as an excuse not to pay child support. Texas family courts can now order the obligor to join and complete an employment assistance program in their community. Specific requirements may include:
- Fully engaging with all aspects of the program
- Attending all scheduled sessions
- Completing any assigned tasks or homework
The goal is to help the obligor obtain the skills and support to find gainful employment and fulfill their child support obligations.
Alternatively, family courts can mandate that the obligor secure employment, even a job they do not particularly want, or develop a detailed plan outlining how they will meet their child support responsibilities. Examples include planning to immediately seek a full-time or part-time job or engaging in freelance or contract work to boost income and allow them to meet their obligations.
Another small but noteworthy change is the streamlined process for releasing child support liens on property once the debt is paid. It can benefit parents who have fulfilled their obligations, allowing them to clear liens more efficiently.
Contact Our Lawyers Regarding Support Payment Guidelines
For more information about Texas child support payment guidelines, please contact our Georgetown lawyers to schedule an appointment. Call us toll-free at 866-369-3211 or locally at 512-436-0826.