During a divorce or break-up, it is important to keep the focus on what is best for the children. For many parents, this means coming up with a mutually agreed-upon custody agreement that is supported by a child support system. Child support is the financial responsibility of the non-custodial parent to help the custodial parent with the cost of raising their children. Depending on the circumstances of each case, the amount of child support required may vary considerably. In Texas, there are a number of primary factors that go into determining a child support order. It is often best to consult an experienced Fort Worth Child Support attorney to ensure that a court-ordered child support amount is fair, reasonable and meets the specific needs of the child involved.

The basic principle behind the creation of the child support system is that both parents are responsible for supporting their children financially, even after a separation. In most cases, this will mean that the non-custodial parent will be ordered to pay a specified dollar amount each month to the custodial parent. This is a legally-enforceable obligation, and failure to comply with the court’s order will typically carry significant consequences.
In order to determine the appropriate amount of child support, a court will look at the net monthly income of the paying parent, which is determined by deducting taxes and other deductions to arrive at a gross monthly figure. The court will then apply a set percentage of this number (such as 20% for one child) to arrive at the minimum amount of child support that will be ordered. However, the judge is not bound by these guidelines and can deviate from them based on other factors.
These additional considerations might include special needs of the child, a change in the paying parent’s income or expenses, or certain other unique circumstances. The judge will consider these facts and make a decision based on what they believe is in the best interests of the child.
If the obligor or obligee experiences significant changes in their financial circumstances that affect their ability to meet their child support obligations, they should speak with an experienced family law lawyer immediately. The sooner they act, the better chance they have of obtaining an appropriate modification to their court-ordered child support payments.
Whether you are seeking to modify an existing court order or need assistance with enforcement of an existing order, it is essential that you work with an experienced Fort Worth Child Support attorney as soon as possible. There are a number of resources available for individuals who cannot afford private legal representation, including the Family Law Clinic at the Texas A&M School of Law. This clinic provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals who are involved in family law matters, including child support disputes. To learn more, contact a Fort Worth Child Support lawyer today. You can reach us through our online contact form or by phone.
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