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The Importance of Child Support
Regardless of the relationship between parents, every child deserves support from both. That is the purpose of child support. It’s a financial contribution made by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent to help cover the child’s essential needs.
This support helps provide a stable home, nutritious food, access to education, and opportunities like sports or other extracurricular activities. The exact amount of child support is determined during the divorce process, either through court proceedings or mediation with the help of a Texas child support attorney.
How Child Support Is Determined
Many different factors go into calculating child support payments. Courts often use standard guidelines to help determine a fair amount, starting with an evaluation of each parent’s financial resources. These considerations can include salary, bonuses, rental income, pensions, Social Security, and other sources of income.
In some cases, if a noncustodial parent is being uncooperative and intentionally earning less than they’re capable of, the court can base support on their potential income rather than their actual earnings. Texas law is designed to ensure that both parents contribute to their child’s well-being to the fullest extent possible.
The child’s age, specific needs, and the life circumstances of both parents are also taken into account. Generally, support for one child starts at 20% of the paying parent’s income, with an additional 5% for each additional child.
Because child support is a legal obligation, the amount is decided in court. If the noncustodial parent doesn’t pay, the custodial parent can take legal action. Child support payments are often automatically deducted from the obligor’s wages and sent directly to the custodial parent.
Ensuring Payments Are Made Correctly
If you’re facing challenges with collecting child support, a Texas family law attorney can help you secure the payments your children are entitled to. In most cases, payments are made to the Texas Disbursement Unit, which transfers the funds to the custodial parent. This provision eliminates the need for direct financial exchanges between parents.
For parents responsible for paying child support, it’s important to stay current on your obligations, and maintaining proper documentation is important. Working with a Texas child support attorney can help ensure that you’re meeting your responsibilities fairly and that the amount you pay aligns with your financial situation.
Child support is not intended as a punishment nor tied to the quality of parenting or visitation rights. It also isn’t meant to fund the custodial parent’s personal expenses. Instead, it ensures that both parents do their part for their children’s well-being and daily needs.
No matter the circumstances between parents, we believe that every parent wants their child to thrive. Contributing financially through child support is one way noncustodial parents can help their children grow and succeed. If you need assistance setting up, modifying, or enforcing a child support agreement, contact a knowledgeable Texas child support lawyer today.
Our team is ready to assist you in Houston, Tomball, Katy, Sugar Land, and other nearby cities.
