Child Support
Kerrville Child Support Lawyer
Reliable Child Support Representation in Texas
In most cases, the parent that is granted primary custody of a child is the one to receive child support. Our child support attorneys in Kerrville offer quality representation and superior personal service. We are available when you need it and promptly return your call. If you have questions concerning child support, reach out to us for more information.
To speak to an experienced Kerrville child support lawyer, contact us online or give us a call at (830) 331-5977.
Understanding Child Support in Texas
Child support is court-ordered payments aimed at providing financial assistance to take care of shared children. In Texas, child support is generally awarded based on the non-custodial parent’s income and the number of children that they are responsible for.
Factors Influencing Child Support Calculations
- Age of the child
- Child care expenses
- Health insurance costs
- Income of the custodial parent
- Specific needs of the child
- Time spent with every parent
- Travel costs
The biggest concern of the Texas court is the best interest of the child. At The Law Office of Patrick O’Fiel, P.C., our Kerrville child support lawyer can guide you to a successful verdict in your case. A fair child support order is important for both parents. Our Kerrville child support attorney helps to ensure that you are not taken advantage of by a parent.
How is Child Support Determined?
Whether you have been granted custody of your children or not, it is important that you understand how child support is determined, and what factors the court will consider when granting child support, In Texas, as in many states, either party may be ordered to pay child support. In some rare instances, both parties may be ordered to pay support.
To determine whether child support should be paid and the amount of child support, the courts will examine a wide range of issues.
Key Considerations:
- the age and needs of the children
- the ability of both parents to contribute to the support of the child
- the financial resources each parent has available to support the child
- who has physical custody and how much access each parent has to the child
- whether there are necessary child care expenses
- whether the child needs health insurance coverage and who is paying for it
- any special educational needs the child may have, including college expenses
- whether the non-custodial parent has other children for whom child support is paid
- any unique or other special needs of the child
How Is Child Support Calculated?
To determine the amount of child support to be paid by a non-custodial parent, the court first conducts a net income calculation. The court will take into account all sources of income, including:
- wages
- commissions
- overtime
- bonuses
- disability payments
- investment or royalty income
- retirement income
- gifts
- alimony from a prior marriage.
The Texas court will then deduct income and Social Security taxes, as well as union dues and health insurance premium or medical expenses for the children.
Once net income has been established, the amount of support paid is determined by multiplying by a specific rate, based on the number of children for who support is paid.
Child Support Percentage Guidelines in Texas
- One child-20%
- Two children-25%
- Three children-30%
- Four children-35%
- Five or more children-40%
Contact Our Kerrville Child Support Attorney Today
It is a common misconception that an attorney is unable to help during a child support case in Texas. While it is true that there are standardized elements that judges oftentimes follow, working with a Kerrville child support lawyer ensures that your individual interests are protected. With a reputation for attention to detail, our family attorneys ensure that nothing is overlooked. When your family does not fit into a formula, you cannot expect your child support payments to fit into a guideline. The Kerrville child support lawyers at our firm stand up for what your child deserves.
The Law Office of Patrick O’Fiel, P.C. is a top-notch law firm with over 20 years of experience. Our founding attorney, Patrick O’Fiel, is a fifth-generation lawyer who understands the complexities of child support and family law.