Sugar Land, TX Child Support Lawyer

Child Support in Texas: What You Need to Know

What is Child Support?

In Texas, the non-custodial parent (known as the ‘obligor’) has a legal responsibility to provide financial support to their children. Child support is an ongoing, periodic payment made by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent for the direct financial benefit of the child. Following a divorce or a separation, support is almost always required. 

How is Child Support Calculated in Texas?

Texas lawmakers have put broad child support guidelines in place to determine the amount that must be paid in any given case. By far, the most important factor in calculating child support is the net income of the non-custodial parent. A parent who has greater financial resources will generally be required to pay more in child support—up to a certain state income cap. Other factors matter as well, including the number of children being supported by the non-custodial parents and the unique medical or educational needs of the child. 

How is Child Support Enforced?

Child support does not have to be complicated. Parents can reach an out-of-court agreement and, largely, handle matters of child support without getting Texas state authorities involved. If you are getting divorced, it is important to get child support stipulated in the divorce decree. This will allow for the enforcement of payments if the obligor fails to pay. 

Alternatively, a parent can file a child support enforcement action with the state. If you have questions about enforcing child support, call our Sugar Land child support attorneys for immediate help. Our Sugar Land child support lawyers will help you take action to get the full amount you are owed under the law. 

Can Child support Be Modified?

Yes. Up until a child becomes a legal adult, a child support order/agreement is always subject to modification. That being said, Texas courts will not merely modify child support on a whim. The parent seeking a modification—whether it is an increase or a reduction—must demonstrate that there was a substantial change in circumstances that justifies such a change. If you are seeking a child support modification in Southeast Texas, call our Sugar Land child support lawyer right away. 

We Handle All Types of Child Support Matters

Child support cases come in a wide range of different forms. Whether you are trying to negotiate an initial child support agreement, collect past due child support, or anything in between, our Sugar Land, TX family lawyers have the skills and experience to help. We represent parents in the entire range of child support cases, including:

• Negotiating child support agreements;
• Initial child support order;
• Disputes/disagreements over an order;
• Adjustment of gross income claim;
• Disputes over paternity; 
• Delinquent child support claims;
• Child support increases or decreases (modification); and
• Retroactive child support claims. 

Why Hire the Sugar Land Child Support Lawyers at Ramos Law Group

All child support cases are unique. You deserve personalized representation from a top Sugar Land family lawyer who will put in the time and resources needed to get you the best results. We focus all of our energy into our family law practice. Mary E. Ramos is Board Certified as a family law specialist. When you reach out to our Sugar Land law office, you will speak to a Texas child support lawyer who can: 

• Conduct a comprehensive review of your child support case;
• Investigate the matter—gathering relevant documents/records;
• Work to negotiate an agreement, resolving the matter at the lowest possible level; and
• Devise a customized legal strategy to best protect your interests.  

Through hard work and dedication, we work tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights and spare them from undesired or unexpected outcomes. We will develop a comprehensive, well-supported strategy to help you achieve the best possible legal outcome.