Reliable Guidance From A Friendswood Child Support Attorney

Protecting your children’s financial future is a primary concern during any family transition. In Texas, child support serves as a critical tool to maintain the child’s quality of life. As a Friendswood family law attorney with over 25 years of experience, I provide straightforward support to reach fair, sustainable arrangements.

Since 1999, I have worked with parents throughout Galveston County to manage the technical details of support calculations. Whether you seek support or expect to pay, I offer the persistent advocacy you need. I adjust my strategy to fit your family’s unique circumstances, making sure the final agreement reflects the true needs of your children.

Calculating Fair Support Under Texas Guidelines

Texas law follows specific statutory guidelines to determine support amounts. Generally, the court looks at the net resources of the parent paying support.

When determining the final amount, the court considers:

• The number of children: The percentage starts at 20% for one child and increases by 5% for each additional child.
• Other support obligations: If a parent pays support for children from a previous relationship, the court may reduce these percentages.
• Child-specific costs: Expenses for health and dental insurance premiums are factored into the calculation.
• Proven needs: In high-income cases, the court may look beyond standard percentages to cover extraordinary educational or medical needs.

The court’s primary goal is always to act in the best interest of the child.

Enforcing Your Rights And Holding Parties Accountable

Failing to pay court-ordered child support carries severe legal consequences. If a parent falls behind, the other parent can file a Motion for Enforcement to recover what is owed. As a Galveston child support attorney, I help clients hold nonpaying parents accountable or defend those facing enforcement actions.

Enforcement tools used by the state include:

• Wage garnishment: The court can order an employer to take support directly from a paycheck.
• License suspension: The state may suspend driver’s, professional or even hunting and fishing licenses.
• Financial liens: Liens can be placed on property, bank accounts or future retirement distributions.
• Contempt of court: Willful nonpayment can lead to fines and jail time.

Addressing payment issues immediately is better than stopping payments or letting debt accumulate.

Updating Your Order To Reflect Life Changes

You can request a modification if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances. This often occurs if a parent’s income significantly increases or decreases.

Common reasons to seek an update include:

• Income shifts: A job loss, a new higher paying role or a significant change in business revenue
• Medical or educational needs: New health conditions or school requirements that increase the child’s expenses
• The three-year rule: If your order is three years old and the amount would change by 20% or $100 under the new guidelines

As your Friendswood divorce attorney, I help you file the necessary petitions to keep your order fair.

Take The Next Step Toward Financial Stability

You do not have to handle the complexities of child support in Texas alone. As your lawyer, I am ready to provide the clear, honest communication you deserve. Whether you live in Friendswood, Galveston or Houston, I will fight to protect your rights and your children’s well-being.

Call my office at 281-984-4425 or contact me online to schedule your free consultation. Let’s create a straightforward plan for your family’s future.