Universal City, Texas Child Support Lawyers

Knowledgeable Child Support Attorneys Representing Parents in Universal City, TX

When parents divorce, the question of who will pay child support may be a point of contention. For custodial parents, this financial support can alleviate some of the financial stresses of a child throughout the year. For non-custodial parents, a court order of child support represents a long-term responsibility. If you have any questions about your obligations or your need for financial assistance, reach out to a Universal City, TX child support attorney.

The laws surrounding child support can be quite complex. At Brandon Wong & Associates, our experienced legal team can address your concerns, and if a resolution cannot be reached outside of court, we can advocate for you in a trial.

An Overview of Child Support Laws in Texas

In Texas, child support serves to allocate the financial responsibility for a child's care between both parents. Typically, the noncustodial parent pays support to the parent with primary possession, although courts may order support in shared possession arrangements.

Child support amounts are determined by statutory guidelines that consider each parent's net resources, which include income from salary, commissions, bonuses, and certain other sources. After calculating a parent's net resources, the court calculates support obligations from a percentage of income based on the number of children.

An attorney can review your unique financial circumstances to ensure that your net income is accurately represented. Our firm assists clients by gathering pay statements, drafting financial declarations, and advocating for adjustments when self-employment income or variable earnings complicate the calculation.

Child Support for Unmarried Parents

Establishing parentage is essential for a child support order. Without legal recognition of paternity, a court has no authority to require support from the biological father. An unmarried parent may establish paternity by signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity form at the hospital or through the Texas Vital Statistics Unit. When parties dispute parentage, either parent can petition the court for genetic testing.

Once paternity is confirmed, the court will include the father's income in the child support calculation. Our firm can guide unmarried parents through the paternity process, prepare affidavits, and represent them in hearings when genetic testing is contested. We can also helps draft voluntary acknowledgments, navigate hearings to dispute improper claims, and secure enforceable support orders that ensure the child's needs are met.

When Can an Order of Child Support Be Modified?

A support order may be modified if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the original decree. Common grounds include a significant increase or decrease in a parent's income, a parent's disability or illness, a change in the child's medical needs, or a shift in possession schedules that alters financial obligations. Cost-of-living adjustments may also justify modification, particularly when inflation reduces the order's effectiveness.

To request a modification, a parent must file a motion in the court that issued the original order, demonstrating the change and its impact on the child's welfare. A skilled attorney can compile supporting documentation—such as recent pay stubs, medical records, or proof of new living expenses—and draft a compelling motion. Our firm will work with you to negotiate agreed modifications and litigate contested modifications if necessary, ensuring that support orders remain aligned with your circumstances as well as the child's best interests.

Contact a Universal City Child Support Attorney

At Brandon Wong & Associates, we understand just how important child support can be for families. Our attorneys can discuss the details of your case with you and go over your options to protect your rights in an issue concerning court-ordered support. To schedule an initial consultation with our firm, call us at 210-201-3832 or contact our Universal City, Texas child support lawyers.