Safeguard Your Child’s Rights With A Child Support Attorney In Texas

As a parent, ensuring your child’s financial and emotional well-being is a crucial part of your responsibilities. However, if your marriage ends in divorce, this fundamental parental duty may be met with uncertainty. This is where a knowledgeable child support attorney can make all the difference.

I am Ehren Ezzell, and for over 25 years, I have been a dedicated ally for Austin families navigating the complexities of Texas family law. When it comes to any divorce or separation case, I believe in putting the children first. That is why, at The Ezzell Group, PLLC, I work tirelessly to ensure that support payments are fair and reflect the child’s best interests. As your lawyer, my job is to understand your goals, clear up any concerns you may have and develop a strategy tailored to your family’s unique circumstances.

What Factors Determine Child Support Payments In Texas?

When calculating support payments, Texas courts use specific guidelines that take into account several factors. Primary among them is the net-income of the noncustodial parent. Aside from that, here are the other key considerations:

1. Number of children involved: The more children you have, the higher the support payment is likely to be.
2. Child’s specific needs: This includes any special medical, educational or other requirements the child may have.
3. Standard of living: While not a primary factor, courts may consider maintaining the standard of living the child would have enjoyed if their parents had not separated.
4. Other financial obligations: The paying parent’s other responsibilities, such as supporting other children, may also influence the final calculation.

These factors interact differently in each case, making every child support situation unique. Whether you are a custodial or non-custodial parent, understanding how these guidelines apply to your circumstance is essential.

Will My Share Of Custody Affect My Child Support Payments At All?

In Texas, we handle child support differently than some other states. Your custody arrangements and visitation schedule do not directly impact child support payments. Instead, we look mainly at the noncustodial parent’s income and the number of children receiving support when determining payments.

However, this does not mean custody has no influence at all. While it does not directly affect support obligations, the court might consider some adjustments. For instance, if you are a noncustodial parent with significant visitation time or share nearly equal parenting time, the judge may consider this.

Every family’s circumstances are unique. I am here to guide you through these complexities and help you understand how your specific situation might play out in court. Reach out to my office today, and let us discuss your case in detail.

Can Texas Child Support Payments Be Modified?

Life rarely stands still, especially for parents. You may come across new job opportunities requiring you to relocate or experience significant financial problems. Texas law recognizes these can impact your ability to meet your financial obligations as a parent. That is why it allows modifications to child support orders under certain conditions.

1. If it has been at least three years since the court established or modified your last support order and the non-custodial parent’s income has changed, we may have grounds for an alteration. However, this shift in income must result in an increase or decrease of at least $100 or 2% in the amount of monthly child support owed.
2. If you have experienced a major life change, such as losing a job, getting a new one or welcoming a new child into your family, you might be able to circumvent the three-year requirement and petition for an order modification right away.

The court’s priority is always the child’s best interest, and it will closely look at any proposed changes to your support order. If you think you might qualify for a recalculation, it is crucial to approach this process with thorough preparation.

Speak With Austin’s Dedicated Child Support Attorney For Personalized Help

If you are considering modifications or have questions about your current arrangement, reliable legal guidance is crucial. With over 25 years of experience helping families in Travis County, Williamson County and all throughout Texas, I can help you find a solution that protects your rights and your children’s interests. Call my office at 512-222-4798 or send an email through an online form.