Child support laws provide financial assistance for children after a divorce or separation. The goal is to ensure the child’s basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, education and medical care are met. A child support lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process. They are knowledgeable about Texas child support laws and can calculate fair payments based on income, expenses and state guidelines. They can also assist in modifying existing support orders and enforcing payments from noncustodial parents who fail to pay.
When hiring a Child Support Lawyer in Waco Texas, it is important to find one who can listen and understand your unique situation. The attorney should be experienced in handling family law cases and have a track record of success. A good child support attorney will make you feel comfortable and be able to explain your rights and options in clear terms. They will also take the time to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.
To determine the correct amount of child support, the court will look at both parent’s monthly incomes. The first step is to calculate the annual net resources of each parent by dividing the total by 12. This includes all wages and salary, bonuses, interest, dividends, royalty income, self-employment income, worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, pensions, social security benefits, disability benefits and alimony. After determining the net resources, the court will subtract all applicable federal and state taxes and union dues. The court will then add the obligor’s and obligee’s net resources together to calculate the base support obligation.
The judge can deviate from the standard guidelines if either party requests it. However, the court must first prove that the deviation is necessary to meet the child’s needs. The court will then consider all relevant factors such as special needs, extra healthcare costs, and the obligor’s current lifestyle. The judge will also look at any other assets that may be available to both parties such as investment accounts, property, real estate, vehicles, and other investments.
In addition to assisting with child support matters, the attorneys at Ryan Law handle other family law issues such as spousal maintenance and adoptions. They have more than three decades of combined experience. Their clients have a variety of backgrounds and include couples going through a divorce or facing another type of family law issue. They have a bilingual staff and provide consultations in English and Spanish.
It was not long ago that child custody laws favored mothers over fathers. While laws have since changed to treat both parents equally, many judges still favor mothers when deciding child custody and child support matters. A good child support attorney can help you overcome this bias and get the fair results you deserve.