Houston Child Support Lawyers

Experienced Child Support Attorneys Serving Parents in Bellaire & Sugar Land, TX With Dedication

In Texas, parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially. Child support payments are a way for both parents to share the cost of raising a child. However, child support can be complicated, with many factors determining how much you will pay (or receive) and many rules that must be followed. 

At ALP Law Firm, our Bellaire child support lawyers are well-versed in the law and court procedures regarding this issue. We are well-equipped to assist if you face a pending divorce or post-divorce dispute over this mandated support. Our firm helps clients who are going through child support issues routinely. Our team has decades of knowledge upon which to draw in resolving these matters as favorably as possible. 

Our approach involves a detailed analysis of your financial situation and the circumstances surrounding your case to provide personalized advice. Additionally, we help clients understand the complexities of state guidelines and how they are applied in various scenarios, such as modifications, enforcement actions, and effectively navigating disputes.

You can consult with a Houston child support lawyer by calling ALP Law Firm at (346) 536-9842 or emailing us from our online contact page—Hablamos español.

Understanding When Child Support Is Ordered in Texas

Child support is designed to cover a variety of expenses necessary for the child’s upbringing, including but not limited to: 

• Basic needs: Food, clothing, and shelter.
• Healthcare: Medical and dental expenses, including insurance premiums.
• Education: School tuition, supplies, and other education-related costs.
• Extracurricular activities: Costs associated with sports, hobbies, and other extracurricular activities.
• Additional costs: Childcare expenses and other essential needs.

It's essential to recognize that each case is unique and various factors can influence the court's decision. For instance, the income level of both parents, the child's specific needs, and current living arrangements all play critical roles in determining obligations. Furthermore, changes in circumstances such as a change in income or family dynamics may necessitate modifications to support agreements. Our attorneys can guide you through these processes, ensuring your child support arrangements remain fair and adaptive to your life.

A few common situations that result in court-ordered child support payments are divorce, family protective orders, or the establishment of paternity (in the case of an unmarried couple). When a married couple seeks a divorce, the judge usually includes child support provisions in the final divorce decree. 

Child support also factors in cases where an order of protection is issued in a domestic violence situation. In that case, the court may order the parent subject to the order to pay child support as part of the protective order. 

Who Is Responsible for Paying Child Support?

The parent who does not have primary custody of the child is usually responsible for making child support payments to the custodial parent. The court may also require the non-custodial parent to include the child in his or her employer’s health insurance plan or otherwise enroll the child in a program such as Medicaid or CHIP.

Child support payments should follow the instructions in the child support order. This means payments are not usually made directly to the custodial parent but must go through the court registry or sometimes through the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit. Any material gifts for the child (toys, clothes, money) can be given directly to the custodial parent or the child but do not count towards child support payments.

In many cases, parents may negotiate the terms of their child support arrangement, sometimes resulting in agreements outside of the court-ordered guidelines. However, any agreement should be formally recognized by the court to ensure enforceability and protect both parties. Our team assists in these negotiations, helping you construct an arrangement that works best for your family while ensuring compliance with legal standards.

Consequences of Failing to Pay Child Support in Texas

In Texas, failing to pay court-ordered child support can lead to serious legal consequences. The state takes child support enforcement seriously, and several measures can be taken to compel payment. 

Here are some of the potential consequences and enforcement actions:

• Wage garnishment: The Texas Child Support Division can withhold child support payments directly from the non-paying parent's wages through income withholding orders. This is one of the most common methods of enforcing child support.
• Contempt of court: If a parent consistently fails to pay child support, the court can hold them in contempt. This can result in fines, jail time, or both. The court may order a payment plan or require the delinquent parent to pay a lump sum.
• License suspension: Texas can suspend various licenses, including driver’s, professional, recreational, and hunting licenses, for failure to pay child support. This serves as an incentive for the non-paying parent to comply with their obligations.
• Tax refund interception: The state can intercept federal and state tax refunds to cover past-due child support. This includes both income tax refunds and other state and federal payments.
• Liens on property: Liens can be placed on the non-paying parent’s property, including real estate and vehicles. This prevents the sale or transfer of property until the child support arrears are paid.
• Credit bureau reporting: Non-payment of child support can be reported to credit bureaus, which can negatively impact the non-paying parent's credit score. This can affect their ability to obtain loans or credit.
• Passport denial: The federal government can deny a passport application or renewal for individuals who owe more than $2,500 in child support. This prevents international travel until the arrears are resolved.
• Bank account levy: The state can freeze and seize funds from the non-paying parent's bank accounts to cover unpaid child support.
• Criminal charges: In severe cases, failure to pay child support can result in criminal charges. This is typically reserved for cases where there is evidence of willful non-payment and a significant amount of arrears.

In addition to these actions, custodial parents may face significant financial burdens without reliable child support. Our firm can advocate for your rights, exploring legal avenues to ensure compliance with support orders. Understanding these consequences highlights the importance of staying informed about your obligations and seeking legal assistance when challenges arise.

The Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division is responsible for enforcing child support orders and can take action to ensure compliance. Parents who are struggling to make payments should contact the Child Support Division to discuss their situation and explore options such as modifying the support order or establishing a payment plan. 

It is essential to address the issue proactively to avoid the severe consequences associated with non-payment.

Navigating the Texas Child Support System

The child support system in Texas is designed to ensure that children receive necessary financial support from both parents, even when families are divided. Navigating this system can be daunting, but understanding its framework can provide clarity and direction. The Texas Family Code outlines the calculations and enforcement of child support, taking into account both parents' financial situations and the children's needs. It's critical to have comprehensive documentation ready to present clearly and compellingly to the court.

Parents in Houston may find themselves facing unique circumstances like high living costs in certain neighborhoods or managing work-life balance challenges that affect their parenting time. Our attorneys are committed to helping you navigate these complexities. We work alongside you to build a strong case, addressing each specific concern with efficiency and empathy. From initial consultations to court representations, our team stands by your side to ensure every step you take leads to a fair arrangement.

Modifications & Enforcement of Child Support Orders

Over time, circumstances change, and the terms of a child support order may no longer fit the realities of a family's situation. Job loss, relocation, or changes in a child's needs can necessitate a modification of an existing order. In Texas, either parent can file a petition to modify child support if there has been a significant change in circumstances, or if three years have passed since the previous order, and the monthly amount of child support differs by either 20% or $100 from the original order.

At ALP Law Firm, our legal team is prepared to assist with both the modification and enforcement aspects of child support orders. Whether you need to increase, decrease, or enforce support payments, we work methodically to gather evidence, complete necessary paperwork, and represent you in court to achieve a just outcome. Our goal is to ensure that the children involved receive the fair support they deserve while acknowledging and addressing any legitimate concerns or constraints faced by parents.

You can consult with a Houston child support lawyer by calling ALP Law Firm at (346) 536-9842 or emailing us from our online contact page—Hablamos español.