Child Support Attorney in McAllen, TX

As you navigate the divorce process with children, you and your former spouse will need to emotionally cope with the process and answer many practical questions about child custody. Who will the children live with primarily? Which holidays will be spent where? What schools will the children attend?

In addition to these questions about child custody, you will also have to answer important questions about child support. Determining the financial arrangements for the care of your children after a divorce may be a difficult and sensitive process.

No matter what your financial situation may be, a knowledgeable family law attorney can help. I am dedicated to fighting for my clients and I always strive to provide the best possible representation. At my firm, The Law Office of Aaron Fonseca, I proudly represent clients in Edinburg, Texas, as well as McAllen, Mission, and throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Understanding Child Support in Texas

It is important to understand the basics of child support in Texas before you begin the formal child support process. Child support involves payments made by either parent or both parents to financially support the child’s needs and expenses, which may include dental or medical insurance.

Many types of income are subject to child support withholding, including wages, overtime, tips, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, unemployment, VA pensions, Social Security retirement, and more.

Factors Considered in Determining Amount

The court will consider a variety of factors when determining the child support amount that you will be expected to pay each month. Primarily, the court looks at each parent’s net monthly income after taxes, union dues, and health insurance premiums.

Imputed income refers to the fringe benefits of employment enjoyed by either parent. This includes the personal use of a company vehicle, educational assistance, fitness incentives, and other similar fringe benefits.

If you are the recipient of imputed income in your current work role, that may affect how your child support amount is determined. Speak with a knowledgeable child support lawyer to learn more and discuss your specific situation.

Modifying an Existing Arrangement

One fact that is certain about life is that it will change, and your financial situation will change, too. If you currently have a child support arrangement in Texas and you need it to be altered, you can seek a child support modification.

To modify your existing child support order, you need to be able to prove that your circumstances or those of the other parent have changed. For instance, you must be able to show that a significant life change has occurred, such as losing a job or being responsible for more children after remarriage. You must demonstrate that the new circumstances have warranted the need to modify the existing child support order.

Termination of Child Support

Child support automatically ends in certain situations. If the child marries or passes away, then there would be a termination of child support.

Also, if there is a removal of the child’s disabilities for general purposes, child support will be terminated. If the court finds that the child has failed to comply with the enrollment or attendance requirements under Texas law, then child support will end.

Lastly, there will be a termination of child support when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.