Child Support

Whenever a divorce occurs with a family with children, it can be a heartbreaking circumstance which involves major changes in their environment and potential stability. In such a situation, each child's education, welfare, custody and child support must be sorted out to result in adequate arrangements. Support is one of the main items that will typically be looked at by the court. Whether sole or joint custody is awarded, both parents can be held financially responsible for the daily needs of the child. Under Texas Family Code §§154.001-154.309, the terms of child support in the state are given.

Support can be ordered from one or both parents until the child is 18 or has graduated from high school, is emancipated by marrying, is adopted, if they are significantly disabled or if a death of the child occurs. Payment may be done in a lump sum, periodically or through other means that are established in the order. No two cases are identical and the court takes this into consideration. The specifics of a divorce will be thoroughly examined to determine if support needs to be awarded.

Determining the Amount of Support

It is essential that fair and just child support payments are worked out and that the court ordered amounts do get paid so your children have what they need. There are a number of things which are considered when child support amounts are determined, such as:

• The gross income of both parents
• Any business income and business deductions of either parent
• Day care costs paid by either parent
• The number of children to be supported
• The amount of cost for health insurance coverage for the children

Modifications

Modifications are often sought after terms have already been established if it is believed that the support payment should be either raised or lowered. Circumstances arise which can bring the necessity to change child support payment amounts, such as a loss of job or an increase in the child's financial needs. There are also regrettable instances where the court ordered payment amounts are not paid on time as ordered, thus necessitating an attorney's help in the matter. Your children are the most important members of your family. Getting a divorce means that you must take the extra care to ensure their future is not threatened by the life-size changes to their home and daily routines.