Sugar Land Child Support Lawyer

Sugar Land Child Support Attorney

Child support was created to help children receive the financial support they need to thrive after their parents divorce or legally separate. If you are in the middle of leaving someone you share children with, this is an important part of the process to figure out. Whether you need to negotiate an initial agreement or modify one that already exists, hiring a Sugar Land child support lawyer can help you achieve the outcome you’re looking for.

At D Marie Family Law, our experienced attorney, Donnica Marie Blackful, is fully dedicated to helping families like yours navigate the complexities of child support. She has a strong appreciation for how sensitive these matters can be, especially when dealing with another party that has a vastly different opinion on how your child should be raised.

Regardless of what challenges you face in this space, D Marie Family Law is here to help you cross the finish line and move forward with peace.

What Factors into a Final Child Support Payment Calculation?

Child support payments are determined using many different factors to ensure the final calculation is enough. It’s important to understand the considerations below, as they can all play a role in how much the higher-earning or non-custodial spouse may end up paying.

Parental Income

The income of both parents is one of the first items the courts will look at when determining if child support is necessary. The courts will typically review each party’s gross income, including all wages, bonuses, commissions, and if they had any other self-employment earnings. After taking away any deductions, like taxes and health insurance premiums, the court will use these net income figures as the basis for calculating the final child support payment.

Number of Children Involved

The total number of children you have that need financial support also plays a huge role in the final figure. Texas manages this by operating under a percentage system to help calculate payments. A set percentage of the paying parent’s net income is allocated to child support. For example, one child will typically require 20% of that parent’s net income, while two children will increase that number to 25%.

Custody and Visitation Arrangements

How much time each parent spends with their child can also influence the final child support amount. If one parent has been awarded sole custody, the non-custodial parent will generally be responsible for making these payments. Because the children will never fully be in their possession, their child support payments are likely to be higher since there are limited opportunities for these parents to spend their money directly on the child.

Child’s Specific Needs

The courts in Texas will also consider if a child has any special needs that should be factored into the final calculation. For example, they may have a certain medical diagnosis that needs ongoing treatment, or they may need extra money to participate in extracurricular activities for their education. Taking these items into consideration ensures that the support amount reflects the actual cost of raising the child.

Adjustments for Deviations

While Texas has a set of general guidelines to help the courts make appropriate child support allocations, the courts also have the authority to deviate from these guidelines under certain circumstances. For example, if one parent has an extraordinarily high income, the court may choose to award an above-average child support payment. This is especially true if the child grew accustomed to a certain lifestyle while their parents were still married.

Modifications Due to Changes in Circumstances

It’s important to remember that not all original child support orders will be set in stone. When changes happen, there is a path to request a modification. This is common in scenarios where a parent needs to relocate, a parent has had a change in their work schedule and availability, or the child’s needs have changed. Being able to modify an order ensures that the child’s needs will always be considered and tended to, regardless of changing circumstances.

FAQs About Sugar Land, TX Child Support Laws

Contact D Marie Family Law Today

If you need legal representation to help supervise the process of securing child support, contact our firm today. Our family attorney, Donnica Marie Blackful, would be honored to learn more about your situation and find strategies that can help balance your child’s needs with each parent’s desire for a fair financial arrangement.