Texas Child Support FAQ
Child support issues in Texas can be both complex and contentious. It’s crucial for parents to understand all of their rights and obligations. Here at Reuter Law Group, PC, our San Antonio divorce lawyers frequently hear the following questions:
How is child support paid in Texas?
Child support can be paid directly from one parent to another. This is what often happens when the parent who is making payments is self-employed. However, for employees who get a salary or an hourly wage, the court can use an income withholding order (IWO). This means that the employer holds the money back from the person’s paycheck. That money is then sent directly to the child support agency, which distributes it to the other parent.
When do child support payments end?
It depends on the case. If a child has a disability or special needs and requires lifelong care, for instance, the court can order child support payments without an end date. However, in most cases, the support payments end when the child finishes high school and/or turns 18 years old.
How is child support calculated in Texas?
Child support is typically calculated by looking at a person’s net resources and then applying a percentage to those resources, known as “guideline child support.” The court will consider all types of income, subtract qualified deductions and then apply the set percentage, but it can deviate from this guideline due to exceptional circumstances surrounding a parent’s wealth or a child’s needs.
What if I’m having difficulty paying for child support?
In some cases, you can have a child support order modified. Perhaps the payments were initially affordable, but your own income has permanently gone down. Do not just stop paying, and try to at least make partial payments when full payments are impossible, while you seek official modification from the court.
Contact Reuter Law Group, PC About Your Child Support Issues
Call the San Antonio child support attorneys of Reuter Law Group, PC at 210-761-6184 or contact us online to schedule your first consultation. We can help you understand your rights and obligations where Texas child support is concerned.