McKinney Child Support Lawyer
Child Support Attorney in McKinney, TX
A child support case can be emotionally taxing and extremely time-consuming. Long hours spent in court and the stress of dealing with legal issues are not conducive to prioritizing a child’s best interests. For an efficient solution to your child support case, hire a McKinney child support lawyer.
An experienced attorney from our firm can help you better understand your legal rights and obligations. We can also present your case clearly before the courts, helping you resolve cases more effectively while prioritizing your child’s needs.
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Texas Child Support Guidelines
The purpose of child support is to provide a child who only has one custodial parent with the financial means they would otherwise have access to with two custodial parents. This allows children access to reliable food, housing, school supplies, clothing, and childcare services.
Child support in Texas is ultimately administered by the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG). The amount owed in child support by the non-custodial parent is determined by several factors. Often, the non-custodial parent’s income and the number of children are the main influences.
Child Support Calculations in Texas
Based upon the non-custodial parent’s net income, a percentage per child is due in child support. The standard calculations are as follows:
- One child receives 20%.
- Two children receive 25%.
- Three children receive 30%.
- Four children receive 35%.
The maximum percentage awarded is 40%. However, a judge may still assign additional support based on the child’s needs. Child support cases are generally handled by the Collin County Courthouse for McKinney residents.
Repercussions for Unpaid Child Support
Not paying child support can lead to harsh penalties in Texas. Continual intentional refusal to pay court-ordered child support will result in being charged with the crime of criminal nonsupport, as defined in the Texas Penal Code Section 25.05. This is a felony, with convicted parties facing jail time and hefty fees. Judges may also order back payments for missed support.
From 2005-2023, the number of child support cases in Texas rose 67%. If you are facing a complicated child support settlement, don’t let your case fall to the wayside. The state does all it can for the interests of the children, but only an experienced family law attorney can provide legal guidance tailored to your case.
The OAG also has the ability to suspend driver’s licenses and other licenses if the obligor has a history of not fulfilling child support payments. Missed payments for over three months may result in the suspension of driver’s, hunting, fishing, barber, medical, and even dental licenses.
Can Visitation Be Denied If Payments Are Missed?
Missed child support payments can be harmful to the children involved. Many people who rely on child support are single parents to multiple children, making every dollar count each month. However, denying visitation rights due to unpaid child support is not permitted.
Child custody and child support are entirely different legal issues in Texas. Denying a parent court-ordered time with their child can jeopardize the entire child support agreement. The right course of action to take in this situation is to seek the guidance of a local child support attorney.
Do I Need to Hire a Child Support Lawyer in Texas?
It is highly advisable, especially in cases where an agreement cannot be reached amicably, to hire a child support lawyer. This is often the case in situations of uncooperative parents and paternity disputes.
If the other parent has hired a lawyer, you should consider doing the same. One parent having an attorney while the other does not can create an extremely unfair advantage.
About Cruz Arevalo, P.C.
The team at Cruz Arevalo, P.C., is composed of skilled child support lawyers dedicated to their clients’ satisfaction. Our office’s primary focus is family law, making us familiar with the many nuances of Texas law and the local McKinney courts’ preferences. Whether your desired child support agreement is straightforward or not, our lawyers are prepared to represent you every step of the way.
FAQs
Can Texas Child Support Be Changed?
A child support agreement can be altered in Texas by filing a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR). Changing a child support agreement may be due to factors such as a change in income, a change in residence, or a change in the child’s needs. If you need to adjust your child support to better suit your child’s needs, don’t hesitate to seek counsel from a child support lawyer.
What Counts as Net Resources?
When it comes to the net resources used to determine the amount awarded during child support, many avenues of income are included. All salary, bonuses, profits from investments, workers’ compensation, disability, and pensions are accounted for when assessing the net income.
If someone attempts to avoid child support by taking a low-paying job or quitting their job, they may be subject to an imputed income
How Long Does Child Support Last in Texas?
Child support in Texas is generally only required until the child’s 18th birthday. If the child’s high school graduation occurs after their 18th birthday, child support will end at graduation. Child support is not required to continue through college, although this can be specified in divorce settlements.
If the child is disabled, the situation is more complicated than just child support. This scenario may require other forms of support that a family lawyer can help you explore.
Can I Get a Court-Appointed Lawyer for Child Support?
For child support cases, courts in Texas do not appoint representation for either party. Both parties are responsible for hiring their own private representation or representing themselves. Self-representation in child support can be difficult due to the extremely personal nature of the cases. A qualified child support lawyer can provide invaluable support in your case
Child Support Struggles in McKinney? Contact Cruz Arevalo, P.C.
Contact the team at Cruz Arevalo, P.C., to meet with an experienced McKinney child support lawyer. We can help you understand Texas child support laws and how they pertain to your case, giving you the confidence you need to move forward with your child support case.
