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Houston Child Support Attorney

“I am so happy that my case is over. I couldn’t have found a better attorney to represent me in my case. I’m finally able to see my kids. Thank you for everything.” – E. M. on Feb 11, 2013.

What Is Child Support?

All parents have a duty to support their children; an obligation that begins at birth. Child support is a court ordered payment by one parent to another for the purposes of caring for their child.

How Much Child Support Must Be Paid?

Child support is calculated using guidelines promulgated by the Texas legislature that require that a certain percentage of a parent’s net monthly income goes to support of the child. If you work with a child support attorney from Ramos Law Group, they will assist you in handling your child support case.

The Texas Family Code has guideline percentages which apply to the first $9,200 of the non-custodial parent’s monthly net resources. If the child has additional proven needs, then additional support may be warranted.

Call the Specialists in Houston – Child Support Lawyers in the Ramos Family Law Group

The family law experts at Ramos Law Group can help ensure that child support amounts are set fairly during divorce. Give our divorce lawyers a call, and together we’ll make an action plan for bringing about the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Call (713) 597-7295 or contact Ramos Law Group online to schedule your consultation.

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New Texas Child Support Changes | Effective 09/01/2013

Effective September 1, 2013, the Texas Child Support Division of the Attorney General increased the cap on net resources for child support calculations. The cap increased from the current $7,500 to $8,550. The increase will affect any child support case filed or pending after September 1, 2013. Be sure to ask your Ramos Law Group child support attorney for further details.

Sample Comparison | Support Obligation

Effective DateCap*# of ChildrenMonthly
On or Before 08/31/2013$7,5002$1,875
On or Before 08/31/2019$8,5502$2,137.50
09/01/2019$9,2002$2,300

*Net income using AG’s tax charts

What are the guideline percentages?

The following percentages are presumed to be appropriate under the Texas Family Code:

Number of ChildrenPercentage
120% of the obligor’s net resources
225% of the obligor’s net resource
330% of the obligor’s net resources
435% of the obligor’s net resources
540% of the obligor’s net resources
6 or moreNot less than 40% of the obligor’s net resources

 

When It Comes to Child Support, How Does the Court Calculate Net Resources?

The Texas Courts use the total amount of money received by the person obligated to pay child support from all of the sources listed above and then subtracts social security taxes and federal taxes (using one deduction), state income tax (if any), union dues, and the cost of the health insurance for the child. The Court will only look at the first $8,550 net monthly resources for purposes of calculating support. If you have more detailed questions, talk to your child support attorney to learn more about the technicalities.

What if the Person Who Should Pay Child Support Is not Working?

The Texas Court will still order a minimum amount of child support to be paid each month. One of the child support lawyers at Ramos Law Group can ensure that the correct directive is given.

Will the Court Waive the Child Support Requirement if My Spouse Agrees to It?

Some courts will not allow the parties to waive child support requirement even if the parties are in agreement. Generally, the right to “waive” the support is construed to belong to the child and not to the parent with whom the child lives. Since the child is not competent to make this kind of decision, the Court is very reluctant to allow child support to be waived.

What Is a Wage Withholding Order?

As your child support attorney will explain, a wage withholding order is an order provided to the obligor’s employer which results in an automatic deduction of the child support from the obligor’s paycheck. That money is then forwarded to the Texas State Disbursement Unit in San Antonio, which sends the payments to the obligee.

How Is Child Support Enforced?

The decree of divorce must have specific language on the amount of child support to be paid, who is to pay the support, to whom the support is payable, where and how it is to be paid, and when it is to be paid. Your child support attorney should review the language and guidelines to ensure that they’re in your best interest and in the best interest of your child.

If specific language is not contained in your decree, you will have to file an enforcement action with the court if your former spouse is delinquent on child support payments. It is advised to have your child support attorney write your decree to guarantee correct language. The court has the authority to issue a wage-withholding order (if one has not already been issued by the court) to deduct child support from the obligor’s earnings.

Will the Court Order Back Child Support?

If you qualify for retroactive child support, the Texas Courts may sign an order specifying the amount, interest rate and total time for the obligor to pay back the past due amount. If you think you may be required to pay child support, even if there is no order in place, start setting aside child support now, or sending the other parent a clearly labeled check every month for the support of the child.

Your child support lawyer can clarify further details, and you can also read more here: Retroactive Child Support in Texas.

Case Study

I have two children from my previous marriage for which I am currently paying child support; does the court take that into consideration when setting the amount of child support that I have to pay for my child with my soon-to-be ex-wife?

Yes. Instead of using the regular percentages, the Texas Court may reduce the amount of child support by giving consideration to the number of children before the Court and the number of other children for whom the obligor has a duty of support. Ask your child support attorney for a review of your specific case.

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Our Client Testimonials

Superb Law Firm

The decision to end my 25-year marriage was not an easy one, but hiring the Ramos Law Group was. From the initial consultation to the execution of the Divorce Decree everyone at the firm displayed the utmost professionalism and I was treated as if I was their only client. My attorney Lindsey, always provided precise legal guidance, was usually one step ahead of the opposing counsel, and had a superb understanding of how things would play out in the court room. Additionally, whenever my case needed a little extra horsepower, Mary provided that "surge" to keep things on track.

Worth Every Penny

"Ms. Ramos and her entire staff worked with professionalism and compassion to guide me through the most difficult time of my life and to an outcome that was best for my family and myself. Ramos Law is incredible and I highly, highly recommend their services."

Custody case won

"I was recommended to see Mary Ramos for my on coming custody case,it was the best thing I could've done honestly.The Ramos law group was quick with emailed responses and telephone calls,informative with ANY questions I had and they also took action with what they thought would work,which it did,I had money troubles and they were still willing to help they sent me with a younger lawyer Lindsey Lewis to help save some money and she was the best!She knew what she was doing and Mary was still on my case to make sure things went smoothly and to catch any details Lindsey and I might have missed.All in all I am a very satisfied client and if I ever needed a family lawyer again I would come back.My case was won as I received primary for my daughter which is exactly what I asked for.If you're willing to listen to what they have to say and follow their guidance they're definitely worth hiring.I thought I wanted sole custody for my daughter and they explained that wasn't in the best interest for her and honestly they were right,they speak to you on a professional level and also a real level of how things are actually going to work and what could happen if you take a certain action.They definitely care about their clients and make their own bond with you,you're not just money in their pockets you turn into family. "

Divorce Attorney

"I received excellent advice and representation from Ms. Lindsey Lewis. She kept me updated at every step of the process, and I never felt as if my case was set aside. I would hire The Ramos Law Group in the future. "

Highly recommend

"I started my divorce with a lawyer who was not very responsive. My divorce case was complicated and needed more laborious scrutiny. Since the case was not moving forward I had to switch lawyers. Made the switch to Ramos Law group. Since the very first day Mary and her team have been very efficient and meticulous. Since the case was complicated the team had to go through myriads of pages in discovery. I was pleased with the legal team that helped us handle the paperwork in a very timely manner. All my questions were answered very promptly. The relay of information was easy with their software system. We finally had a law firm that we could trust. My divorce was finalized and I only have Mary and her team to thank for going through a difficult divorce. I would highly recommend the Ramos law group for their help and support for getting my life back on track. "

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