Jourdanton, Texas Child Support Lawyers

Skilled Child Support Attorneys for Parents in Jourdanton, TX

Child support plays an integral role in a child's well-being, ensuring that they have access to both parents' resources while growing up. If you have any concerns about your child's need for financial assistance, the best thing you can do is to seek legal representation. A Jourdanton, Texas child support lawyer can stand up for you in court, making sure that your concerns as a parent are heard.

At Brandon Wong & Associates, our skilled family law attorneys can guide you through any legal proceedings involving child support, no matter if you are paying or receiving support. Attorney Brandon Wong has over 15 years of experience, so you can trust him to handle your case with care.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas?

Texas relies on a formula that begins with the paying parent's net resources, which include income from all sources minus federal taxes, Social Security deductions, union dues, and certain business expenses. The court applies a percentage based on the number of children to those net resources. For one child, 20 percent of net resources becomes the baseline support obligation, two children require 25 percent, three require 30 percent, and so on.

Judges may depart from the guideline amount when circumstances warrant it. If a parent has unusually high medical expenses, extraordinary childcare costs related to special needs, or an exceptionally high income, the court can adjust the percentage to ensure the child's needs are met without imposing undue hardship. Conversely, if the paying parent cares for other children or has significant debt, the court may reduce the obligation below guideline levels. In Jourdanton, courts strive to balance fairness with the child's right to support.

What Expenses Are Covered by Child Support?

Standard child support payments cover the child's day-to-day needs like food, clothing, shelter, and recreation. However, these are not the only expenses that may be covered under child support. Day care bills, whether for preschool during the workday or after-school care during extracurricular activities, qualify as medical support under Texas law. When a child requires dental work, therapy, or specialized medical treatment, those costs become part of the overall support determination.

School-related expenses also fall under the court's discretionary authority. Tuition for private schools, costs for school uniforms, and fees for field trips or extracurricular programs can be ordered if the judge finds them reasonable and necessary. Unexpected emergencies, such as a sudden hospitalization or temporary need for home health care, may prompt a parent to petition for additional support. In every instance, the focus remains on the child's best interests and maintaining stability.

Enforcing a Child Support Order in Jourdanton

Once the court issues an order, both parents must comply. If the paying parent falls behind, the receiving parent can pursue enforcement actions through the courts. Depending on the situation, remedies might include income withholding and the suspension of driver's licenses and professional licenses. We represent parents on either side in cases involving the alleged non-payment of support, fighting for a just outcome.

In Jourdanton, local courts work closely with enforcement officers to track payments. When a parent willfully avoids payment, the court may hold them in contempt and impose fines or even jail time for persistent refusal. These enforcement actions are powerful, but early communication often averts conflict. Parents who anticipate difficulty should request a modification rather than risk penalties. By taking prompt action, both parents help ensure that the child's needs remain the priority.

Contact a Jourdanton Child Support Attorney

If you need help with an issue related to parental financial obligations, reach out to Brandon Wong & Associates. You can set up a consultation today by calling 210-201-3832 or by contacting our Jourdanton child support lawyers.