Understanding Child Support In Texas

Understanding Child Support In Texas

Caring for the emotional and economic needs of a child as well as who takes custody of the child is one of the most important topics that are often raised when a couple decides to part ways and divorce. Most courts when deciding who gains custody of the child make their decision based on what they feel is in the best interest of the child. However, when it comes to providing final support for the child, courts often rely on established guidelines which help them make a decision based on the earning capacity of both parties, as well as their household income. Below is a few helpful tips for understanding Child Support in the State of Texas.

It is often believed that general child support payments only cover basic expenses, such as food, clothing, and shelter. The truth, however, is that general child support payment is meant to cover a lot of expenses involving the child such as medical expenses. In Texas, it is the parent that spends the most time with the child that gains custody of the child while the other parent then has to pay for child support. There are times, however, when the court asks both parties to take care of the child.

CHALLENGING THE AMOUNT OF SETTLEMENT

The amount paid by the non-custodial parent is usually a percentage of their annual income. The income includes all bonuses, salaries, wages, tips, commissions, and overtime. When you can deduce the amount of income you receive monthly, you can then calculate how much should be paid for general child support.

In cases where the amount doesn’t seem fair on the child or on the parent. In such cases, your Texas attorney can request that the amount is changed thru the Texas Attorney Generals Office.

Here are some for the factors that can move the court to make changes to the amount required for general child support:

• The age of the child as well as the needs of the child.
• The ability of the parents to properly support the child.
• The financial resources of the parents as well as the debts they have incurred.
• The amount of time the child spends with each of his parents.
• The net resources of the parent who is taking custody of the child.
• The expenses required for the care of the child.
• The alimony payments.
• The managing conservatorship.
• If either parent has additional employment benefits such as a company car or housing.
• Health insurance provision.
• Extraordinary expenses for healthcare, education, and many others.
• The wage deductions of the non-custodial parent.
• The cost of the child traveling.
• The cash flow from assets and properties.

LOOK FOR A QUALIFIED TEXAS ATTORNEY

The process of getting a suitable general child support payment which will cover all the expenses of the child can be often complicated. This why you need an experienced Texas attorney who has all the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to help you easy smoothly into the case and get a good amount for child support.

The Texas attorneys will make sure that you get the best possible child support payment for your child.  Attorney Review Guide is a great resourse to find a highly rated Attorney in Texas to handle your Child Support or Child Custody legal matters. Browse Attorney profiles now and read reviews and ratings from previous clients.

How To Apply For Child Support

There are few ways in which you can apply for Child Support in Texas. Applying online via the Texas Attorney General Website is one of the quickest ways to file for Child Support.  To open a child support case in Texas, you’ll need to provide information about yourself and the other parent. It can take up to 60 minutes to complete the online application, so give yourself plenty of time. If you don’t complete your application in one session, you will need to start again from the beginning.  Please provide as much information as you can about you, the other parent and your child(ren). The more we know, the better we can serve you.

Examples of information to provide:

• Social Security number
• Driver’s License number
• Phone number
• Employment history
• Alternative contact information
• Attorney information (if you have one representing you)
• Apply Online Now
• To open a child support case, use the Texas Attorney General online system, Child Support Interactive.

If you cannot apply online, you can request a physical application from the Child Support Division. Keep in mind, mailed applications take longer to process than online applications. Request a physical application by calling 1-(800) 252-8014 to receive a form in the mail.