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Carrollton Child Support Lawyer

Protecting the Best Interests of Your Children in Collin and Denton Counties

In Texas, all parents have a legal duty to financially support their children. During a divorce, difficult decisions must be made to determine the amount of support required from each parent. Traditionally, the non-custodial parent is required to pay the custodial parent child support in an amount deemed appropriate to support the needs of the child.

Call Malik & Associates, PLLC, today at (214) 881-2100 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our child support attorney in Carrollton, TX.

What is Child Support?

Child support is a legal obligation that requires one parent to contribute financially to the upbringing of their child. The purpose of child support is to ensure that children have the financial resources necessary to satisfy their basic needs, including housing, education, and healthcare. In the state of Texas, child support is generally calculated based on the income of the noncustodial parent and other relevant factors.

Texas Child Support Guidelines

The amount of child support you will receive for your children can either be determined by a judge or through an agreement by both parents. The courts rely on the guidelines set forth in the Texas Family Code, which lays out exact amounts owed based on the payor’s net income and the number of children the payor must support.

The standard guideline support calls for a parent of one child to pay support in the amount equal to 20% of his or her net income. This amount increases to 25% for two children and 30% for three children and continues to increase for each additional child, with a limit placed at 40% for five children or more. The support amount will deviate from this standard if the paying parent also supports additional children from another relationship.

While the guidelines are in place to help determine an appropriate amount of support, it is alternatively within your rights to come to an acceptable agreement of an amount outside of the guidelines. If you and your spouse cannot agree, the court may issue an order establishing child support in your case.

What Factors Are Considered For Child Support in Texas?

Our skilled and knowledgeable Collin and Denton County child support attorneys will help you find the best answer for you. If guideline support is not appropriate, we will come up with a creative solution tailored to your family.

Here are a few things to consider when parents deviate from the guidelines:

  • The age and needs of the child
  • The parent's financial resources and ability to pay support
  • The amount of time the child spends with each parent
  • Conservatorship of the child
  • Any financial resources that are available to help support the child
  • The cost of childcare for either parent in order to continue their employment
  • The amount of spousal support paid to or received by either parent
  • Any special needs of the child

Can Parents Agree to No Child Support in Texas?

It is often possible for parents to accept that no child support is needed. Child support is ordered for a variety of purposes. The court wants to keep parents responsible for raising their children, and if no child support is ordered, a parent might not be doing enough.

When the parents claim that no assistance is needed, a judge will consider comparing the parties' incomes. If the incomes are comparable, it can be shown that both parents can fairly afford and split all of the child's expenses.

What Age Do You Stop Paying Child Support in Texas?

Child support obligations in Texas typically end when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If the child has a disability that requires ongoing support, child support could continue beyond the age of 18. At Malik & Associates, PLLC can deliver guidance on the specific circumstances surrounding your case and ensure that child support obligations are accurately determined.

Contact Our Carrollton Child Support Attorney Today

Whether you are requesting child support or are being asked to pay it, our dedicated Collin and Denton County child support lawyers at Malik & Associates, PLLC, will be in your corner with the experience and knowledge to get you a fair outcome.

Contact our Carrollton, TX child support lawyer today at (214) 881-2100 to set up a consultation and to find out where to go for child support assistance.

Why Should You Hire Us?

  • Transparency

    You'll be informed of every step in the case before we proceed.

  • Accessibility

    We typically respond within the hour or that same day.

  • Creative Solutions

    We look at the law differently to achieve your goals and the best outcome.

  • Educational & Empowering

    We inform our clients about the various outcomes and let them decide.