Houston Child Support Attorney

Will I Be Obligated to Pay or Entitled to Receive Child Support?

Understanding child support and how it will apply to your divorce, custody, or paternity case can help you prepare for the future. This is a key matter that must be determined, and if support is ordered by the court, you must comply fully or face enforcement proceedings. If a significant change in circumstances arises, however, you can apply for a modification of support.

At any stage of your divorce or family law matter, Houston child support lawyer Kay Polk can help you understand whether you may be entitled to receive or required to pay support. She has been representing clients’ interests in family law matters across Harris County for nearly 20 years and understands the intricacies of Texas Family Code as it applies to conservatorship (custody) and child support. She can help with enforcement and modification proceedings as well.

Contact our firm at (713) 234-6260 to find out more about child support and how we can help.

Texas Child Support Guidelines

In Texas, specific guidelines are set forth based on a noncustodial parent’s net resources and the number of children being supported. The following percentages are applied:

• For 1 child, 20% of the noncustodial parent’s net resources
• For 2 children, 25% of the noncustodial parent’s net resources
• For 3 children, 30% of the noncustodial parent’s net resources
• For 4 children, 35% of the noncustodial parent’s net resources
• For 5 children, 40% of the noncustodial parent’s net resources
• For 6 or more children, at least 40% of the noncustodial parent’s net resources

Variations may apply if the noncustodial parent has other children he or she is supporting.

Net resources are calculated by subtracting the following from the noncustodial parent’s gross income:

• Income tax
• Social Security tax
• Health insurance for the child/children
• Cash medical support
• Union dues
• Non-discretionary retirement contributions (if the parent does not pay Social Security taxes)

Child support is paid directly to the Texas State Disbursement Unit (SBU), most often via automatic wage withholding. The SBU records and disburses funds to the custodial parent.

How a Houston Child Support Lawyer Can Help

If child support is established based on set guidelines, why do you need an attorney? A skilled attorney can make sure that your interests are properly protected when custody is determined, which will then influence who is required to pay or entitled to receive support. An attorney can also make sure that your financial situation is properly presented to the court, such as all applicable deductions from your gross income, or special circumstances/needs that may justify the payment of additional support.

To find out more about how Houston child support lawyer Kay Polk can assist you, call (713) 234-6260.