Houston, TX Child Support Attorneys

Child Support Can Be Complex. Protect Your Financial & Legal Rights During Divorce: Call (832) 430-3167.

During a divorce, one of the most important issues on which you must reach agreement with your spouse is how you will support your children. This is a critical issue, as your children's financial future is at stake. A Houston divorce attorney with years of experience in Texas family law at Iyer PLLC can help you reach an agreement with your spouse that ensures your children's needs are met. We can also ensure that you receive the financial support you deserve.

For more information about how a child support agreement can impact your divorce, get in touch with our Houston child support lawyers at Iyer PLLC by calling (832) 430-3167 or completing our online form.

How is Child Support Calculated in Texas?

When the Texas Family Code says that child support is to be paid, it means that the paying parent must provide the necessary financial support for their child. They must provide a home for the child, pay for food, clothing, and medical care, and also pay for the child's education. Texas does not recognize the concept of a minimum standard of living for a child; the paying parent must provide for all the child's needs. 

The Texas child support guidelines are based on the following:

• The amount of time the child spends with each parent
• The net monthly income of each parent
• Any special needs of the child

If either parent pays for health insurance for the child, the guideline amount is increased by 5 percent. If the child attends a private or religious school, the guideline amount is increased by 20 percent. If the child has special needs, the guideline amount is increased by 20 to 40 percent. While the guideline amount is a helpful tool, the final child support amount is determined based on the parents' incomes and their ability to pay.

Factors that affect net monthly income, which are considered when calculating TX child support:

• Union fees
• Social security taxes
• State and federal taxes
• Money that contributes to the child's health insurance

The following does not factor into calculating child support:

• Outstanding receivables
• Stock dividends
• SNAP or TNAF benefits,
• Earnings from a new spouse
• Compensation for providing foster care

Can Child Support Orders Be Changed?

Child support agreements that were initially fair may no longer be suitable due to changing circumstances. In Texas, parents can pursue child support modifications when substantial changes occur.

You can request child support modifications for various reasons:

• The child relocates or changes living arrangements
• New medical or educational needs arise for the child
• The non-custodial parent loses their job
• Significant income changes for the non-custodial parent
• The non-custodial parent gains financial responsibility for another child

If you need to change a child support order, do not hesitate to speak with an experienced Houston child support lawyer at Iyer PLLC.

Does Child Support Last Forever?

As a parent, one of your main concerns is how your children will be supported after your divorce. You may also be wondering if child support will last forever. The good news is that, in Texas, child support generally lasts until the child turns 18 years old. However, the child support payments may be modified once the child turns 18 if their needs change. For example, if they attend college and the parent's income changes. The court can then review the child support agreement.

Our Houston child support attorneys at Iyer PLLC can help you come to an agreement with your spouse that ensures your children's needs are met. Contact us online or dial at (832) 430-3167 for more information.