San Antonio Child Support Lawyer

Attorney for Child Support Hearings in Texas

There are few things that occupy a parent's mind greater than the health and well-being of their child. This is why child support payments can become such a contentious issue amongst parents. Every child deserves to have love, resources and enrichment. This is often the basis for why parents fight so hard on child support. It is extremely encouraged to seek the guidance of a well-experienced child support lawyer when navigating this matter.

Child Support Laws in Texas

Texas law allocates child support based on a person’s net resources. The person paying child support, the “obligor," is required to pay the primary parent a percentage of their net resources on a monthly basis.

What are Net Resources?

 Net resources refer to all income earned by the obligor after taxes, union dues, and health insurance premiums are deducted. These also include:

• Regular salary and wages
• Bonus income
• Rental income
• Trust and gift income

For help understanding what may be expected of you, and support as you work toward a fair agreement, turn to our San Antonio child support lawyers at The Law Office of Rebecca J. Carrillo.

The above percentages only apply to a parent who has children in one household. If you have children in more than one household, the percentages will change based on Texas Family code 154.128. If a parent earns more than $9,200 a month, their child support obligation will be “capped out”, meaning that their child support will be based off the first $7,500 that they earn each month. The Court may award more child support than the $9,200 if there are additional proven needs of the child.

Establishing Paternity for Child Support

Support can be applied for by both mothers and fathers, but that does not necessarily mean it will be granted. In many instances, establishing paternity is a necessary part of the child custody and child support process.

Establishing paternity can give a father rights to his children or enable the other parent to seek out child support from the established father. We are familiar with this process and can walk you through the steps of determining paternity and what this means for a case. There are many factors looked at in support cases, which is why it is best to work with a knowledgeable child support attorney in San Antonio, TX.

How Long Does Child Support Last?

Since these cases can have many specific details involved, there is no exact timeline for when support payment begins. This will be established on a case by case basis. Child support is usually awarded until the child graduates high school or turns 18, whichever occurs first.

Which Parent has to Pay Child Support in TX?

Typically it is physical custody that is the main deciding factor in who pays support, and physical custody refers to the parent who the child spends the most time with. The parent who has less time with the child, or fewer custody rights, is generally the one who pays child support.

Child Support Hearings in the Texas Family Courts

In Texas, child support cases are enforced by the Attorney General. You may be required to go before a judge for a hearing where they will review your case, listen to both sides, and provide a decision. These hearings can be stressful and fast.

It is important to make your case in the window of time provided. While an Assistant Attorney General will be present at the hearing, they will not be there to represent you. Any representation you want in that court hearing will need to be retained by you. This is where our San Antonio child support lawyers come in.

Child Support Modifications in Texas

Child support and child custody cases can go hand in hand since they are often being decided at the same time. In some situations, however, child support may need to be revisited if a parent requests an adjustment be made to the original ruling.

Job situations may have changed, the financial needs of the child could have increased, or other unforeseen circumstances could have occurred. If it can be proven that a material and substantial change has taken place since the order for support was made, a modification may be awarded.

Another reason why a modification may be allowed is if it has been at least three years since the original order or a modification, and the monthly rate that was ordered now differs by $100 or 20% from what would be ordered under the guidelines. These cases can go through a court hearing, but for a faster option or when parents can agree on the change, the child support review process is another option.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

At The Law Office of Rebecca J. Carrillo, we understand that receiving the child support you are entitled to is crucial for the well-being of your child. Unfortunately, not all parents fulfill their financial obligations willingly, which is why enforcing child support orders may become necessary. Our experienced San Antonio child support lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process and ensure that the other parent complies with the court-ordered child support.

Here are some key points to know about enforcing child support orders in Texas:

• Income Withholding: If the other parent fails to make child support payments, their income can be withheld through wage garnishment. This ensures that the payments are automatically deducted from their paycheck and sent directly to you.
• Contempt of Court: If the other parent consistently refuses to pay child support, they can be held in contempt of court. This may result in fines, jail time, or other penalties.
• License Suspension: The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend the driver's licenses, professional licenses, and recreational licenses of parents who are delinquent in child support payments.
• Property Liens: If the other parent owns property, a lien can be placed on their assets to enforce child support payments. This ensures that they cannot sell or transfer the property without satisfying their child support obligations.

Our dedicated child support attorneys will work tirelessly to protect your rights and the best interests of your child. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you enforce child support orders.

Understanding the Impact of Child Support on Your Family

Child support is more than just a financial obligation; it's a crucial component in ensuring the well-being of your children after a separation or divorce. At The Law Office of Rebecca J. Carrillo, we understand that navigating child support issues can be emotionally charged and complex. Our dedicated team is here to help you understand how child support decisions can affect your family dynamics, financial stability, and the future of your children.

Here are some key considerations regarding the impact of child support:

• Child Well-Being: Regular child support payments ensure that your child's basic needs—such as food, clothing, and education—are met, providing them with a stable environment.
• Parental Relationships: Effective communication about child support can foster a healthier relationship between co-parents, reducing conflict and promoting cooperation.
• Financial Planning: Understanding your child support obligations can help you budget more effectively, allowing you to plan for your child's future needs, such as college or extracurricular activities.
• Legal Compliance: Staying informed about your rights and responsibilities regarding child support can help you avoid legal complications, ensuring that you remain compliant with Texas family law.

Our experienced attorneys are committed to providing you with personalized guidance, ensuring that you make informed decisions that benefit both you and your children. Let us help you navigate the complexities of child support with confidence.