Helotes, TX Child Support Attorney

Skilled Child Support Lawyer Representing Parents in Helotes, Texas

Court orders of child support are usually included in divorces to ensure that both parents provide for the needs of their children. Whether you are paying or receiving support, you may have major concerns about this obligation. With proper representation from a Helotes, TX family law attorney, you can make sure that your rights are respected in court.

At Brandon Wong & Associates, we can help you address your concerns about child support. Attorney Brandon Wong has over 15 years of legal experience, and he has been named among the Top 50 Family Attorneys by S.A. Scene Magazine for his devoted advocacy and counsel.

Who Gets Child Support in Texas?

In Texas, child support is paid by the parent who spends less time taking care of the child throughout the year. The exact amount the non-custodial parent pays in child support will depend on their net income, as well as the number of children they share with the other parent.

If you share just one child with your ex, 20 percent of your net income will have to go toward child support. According to the state's child support guidelines, that percentage will increase for each additional child, up to 40 percent.

There are some cases where the court may deviate from the standard child support calculations. These deviations are usually based on the child's best interests, which can factor in their changing needs as they get older. If you have any questions about your monthly support obligations, our attorney can sit down with you to discuss your case.

How Long Does Child Support Last in Texas?

In most cases, child support only lasts until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. However, a parent can be ordered to pay child support past the age of majority if the child has a severe disability.

Under Texas law, a judge can order non-minor support if the child "requires substantial care and personal supervision" due to a physical or mental condition and cannot become independent. Non-minor support will only be ordered if the disability or the cause of the disability existed on or before the child's 18th birthday.

Additionally, parents in Texas are under no obligation to pay non-minor support for the child's post-secondary education, although parents are still welcome to enter into an informal agreement about college expenses on their own terms.

Modifying or Enforcing an Order of Child Support

Sometimes, it may be appropriate to modify an existing order of child support in response to changing circumstances. For instance, if you were laid off from your job, you could request a decrease in your obligations to avoid causing undue financial strain. Similarly, if the child's needs change dramatically, a modification may be appropriate.

You can also request a modification through the courts if it has been three years since the last support order went into effect and the monthly amount has changed by more than $100 (or greater than 20 percent) according to the regular support guidelines.

If your ex refuses to pay child support, you can make a request to the courts to hold your ex accountable. The court can garnish your ex's wages to ensure that you get the support that you are owed. Your ex could also potentially be held in contempt of court for non-payment of support, punishable by hundreds of dollars in fines and possible jail time.

Contact a Helotes Child Support Lawyer Today

At Brandon Wong & Associates, we will treat your family issue with the care and respect that it deserves. To set up an initial consultation, call our offices at 210-201-3832 or contact our Helotes, TX child support attorney.