Texas family courts have their own way of determining child support. A divorce court might order one parent or the other to pay support for a child until the child turns 18.
The Texas court orders the support until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, marries, dies or is emancipated by court order, a rather typical determination from state to state.
In Texas, the court generally assumes that the man is the father of the child if he is married to the mother. In other cases, the court relies on DNA test results. So, even before things get complicated, you need an experienced divorce lawyer in Fort Worth (DFW).
Who Determines the Child Support
Typically, the family court decides to pay support to the parent with whom the child lives. To make it simple, but not irrevocable, the court calculates the child support payment as a percentage or the other parent’s annual income.
For example, if there is one child, the monthly income would be 20 percent of the obligee parent’s net resources. For each child under the decision, that payment would increase by five percent to 40 percent or more.
When you are the party affected, you must have a Fort Worth (DFW) family law attorney in your corner.
How is Support Paid?
A Texas family court issues an Income Withholding for Support Order (IWSO) that mandates the parent’s employer to withhold the determined amount from the employee’s pay. The withholding is transmitted to the to Texas Attorney General Child Support division which disburses the money to the parent with care of duty for the child. And, because any bureaucracy will make mistakes, you want representation by an experienced Fort Worth divorce lawyer.
When is it Over?
The supporting parent may petition the family court for a change in the payment amount if the parent’s wages have changed significantly. Or, if the conservatorship decision changes in time or because of circumstances, the court may modify the support payment.
The support generally continues until the child reaches 18-years of age. But, in certain cases, the family court will respond to appeals that would terminate child support payments.
Your Total Obligation
When the court determines the amount of child support, you still have complicate obligations. You have a duty of care for the child and a voice in their care. You are expected to treat the child to pizza, movies, and other Fort Worth attractions.
You’ll notice parents like yourself with children in your temporary care visiting the Water Gardens, sharing burgers at Sundance Square, or joining the Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure.
But, any parent considering divorce must approach Tarrant County family court with the best and expert support, in part, because the cost to the parties involved can be great!
Texas has a commons sense mandate that divorcing parties complete a parenting plan. The plan is a working document where the parents work out and commit to decisions on where the child or children will live and attend school. The plan clarifies the rights and duties of each parent and formalizes the child support payments and process.
But, in Tarrant County, this is not something you can or would do on your own!
The Law Office of Wendy L. Hart
Wendy L. Hart understands divorce is one of life’s most trying experiences. As one of the Fort Worth area’s most experienced divorce lawyers, Wendy provides her clients with the facts needed to make informed decisions. She zealously defends the rights of her clients and shepherds people experiencing a divorce in Texas through the emotionally tumultuous process. If you have questions regarding divorce or conservatorship in Texas, reach The Law Office of Wendy L. Hart through our website or by calling (817) 842-2336.