Austin Child Support Lawyers
In the state of Texas, a parent has an obligation to provide financial, medical and educational support for his or her child even when the parent is divorced and no longer lives with the child. This duty is enforced through child support orders. A family lawyer can work with a parent to help determine what level of support is appropriate in terms of both the child’s specific needs and the parent’s ability to meet them.
The Austin child support lawyers at Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C., have assisted parents facing child support issues for nearly five decades. We can help you calculate the proper amount of child support payments under the Texas child support guidelines and assist you in either enforcing or modifying child support orders. To discuss your child support case, call us today at (512) 476-4873 or reach us by email or through our convenient online form. We can provide you with a free consultation.
Texas Child Support
In some cases, an initial step in determining child support payments is proving parenthood. Under Texas law, a child born of a marriage is presumed to be the child of both parents. However, paternity might need to be shown if the child is born out of wedlock in order to impose a support obligation.
In Texas, the paying parent’s amount of monthly support is calculated by using the Texas Child Support Guidelines. First, the parent’s net income must be determined. This amount is the parent’s gross monthly income minus state and federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, union or other professional membership dues and health insurance premiums that are paid for the children. The amount of monthly income that can be used to determine child support is capped at $6,000. Next, it must be determined how many children the parent has a duty to support. Using these guidelines, a parent with one child would contribute 20 percent of his or her net monthly income, while a parent with five children could end paying as much as 40 percent. Unless the parents agree otherwise, the parent will be required to make these child support payments until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school.
After the child support is determined, subsequent legal action may need to be taken. In some cases, there may be a need to enforce a child support order. If a parent fails to live up to their obligations, they could face civil fines and criminal penalties, including jail time. A court could also order a parent to pay missed monthly payments. When there has been a significant change in circumstances, a parent may be able to persuade a court to modify the amount of child support payments. This modification may be appropriate where a parent has suffered a significant decrease or increase in income.
Contact Us Today
The Austin child support lawyers at Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C., can work with parents to ensure that their child’s needs are being financially met without placing an inappropriate burden on the parent.
We represent clients throughout the state of Texas, including: Travis County (Creedmoor, Elroy, Manor, Pflugerville); Williamson County (Cedar Park, Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Florence, Leander, Round Rock, Taylor); Hays County (Buda, Dripping Springs, Kyle, San Marcos, Wimberley); Bastrop County (Bastrop, Clearview, Elgin, Rockne, Smithville); Caldwell County (Lockhart, Luling); Burnet County (Bertram, Burnet, Marble Falls); and Comal County (Bulverde, Canyon Lake, Gruene, New Braunfels, Sattler, Startzville).