Child Support Attorney in Odessa, TX
We Are Here for You and Your Family
If you and your child’s other parent are no longer together, typically, one parent will be responsible for paying child support. The goal is to ensure that your child will have everything they need to thrive while in both households. However, it can be challenging to determine what the right amount is for everyone involved. That is where our expert Odessa, Texas, child support lawyers come in. Whether you are the parent paying child support or the parent who is receiving it, we will do everything we can to take care of what matters most--doing what is in the best interest of your child or children. Give us a call today to work with a determined child support lawyer in Odessa, Texas.
Overview of Child Support Laws in Texas
In Texas, the parent who the child spends the most time with typically receives child support. There are state guidelines for calculating child support, but it is up to the judge's discretion to determine the final amount.
How Child Support Is Calculated in Texas
Child support is based on the income of the parent who is paying support. The judge will first determine the paying parent's total income. Then the judge will deduct certain expenses, including taxes and medical insurance for the child, if the parent paying child support is responsible for providing it. The amount that is left over after these expenses have been deducted is the net income. Child support is based on a percentage of that income. The parent receiving support may get 20% of the other parent's net income for one child, 25% for two children, 30% for three children, and so on.
Additional Considerations and Expenses
There are times when child support may be higher or lower than the guidelines listed above. The judge may factor in medical expenses outside what insurance covers. He may also factor in tuition, childcare expenses, the amount of time both parents spend with the child, and more.
Considerations for Medical Insurance
If the parent paying child support is responsible for the child’s medical coverage, the cost will be deducted from his or her gross income. This will lower their payment. However, if the parent receiving support is responsible for health insurance, that will also be factored in.
Retroactive Child Support
A judge may award retroactive child support to the parent receiving if they have not received financial support before the child support case is settled. This can be a relief to parents who are struggling without adequate assistance during this time.
Unpaid Child Support
Failing to pay child support is a serious offense and can result in the responsible parent being charged with contempt of court. The state of Texas takes this seriously and may impose additional fines or even jail time. That is why it is essential to make sure you reach an agreement that both parties can afford and is in the best interest of the child or children.
How Long Is Child Support Owed?
The parent paying child support will be responsible for child support until the child or children graduate high school or turn eighteen, whichever is later. However, if a child was born with a disability or became disabled before his or her eighteenth birthday and is unable to care for themselves, the parent providing child support may be responsible for paying support indefinitely.
How Our Odessa Texas Child Support Attorneys Can Help
The laws and guidelines surrounding child support are complex, and many of the guidelines are subject to a judge’s discretion. That is why it is so important to hire the right custody lawyer. Our team will work tirelessly for you and your children. It is in the child's best interest that both parents are financially stable if possible. That is why we are so determined to come to the right settlement for everyone.
How Our Child Support Attorneys in Odessa, Texas Work
Step 1: Free Consultation
In our first meeting, we will go over your case, discuss your best outcome and what you can realistically expect. This will give you a clear path forward, so you will know what to do next.
Step 2: Let Us Build Your Case
Whether you are the parent paying support or the parent receiving it, it is important that both you and your children are financially stable. We will help you determine how much support you need or should be paying, depending on your circumstances.
Step 3: Let Us Fight for You
In child support cases, the judge has the final say. While we hope to come to a peaceful resolution quickly, we will do everything in our power to present our case clearly. We will support it with hard evidence, so the judge is more likely to understand your needs.
Step 4: Provide Quality Care for Your Children
At the end of the day, child support is meant to ensure that your children have everything they need to grow up happy and healthy. When you choose the Law Offices of Laura A. Carpenter, you get peace of mind knowing that we are here to fight for your kids.
How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer in Odessa, TX Cost?
Our team will protect the best interests of your family. That is why we are committed to offering competitive rates on our services. Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation and get a quote.
Our Child Support Attorneys in Odessa, TX Are Here for You
If you are negotiating child support and need the guidance of a tough family lawyer, we are here to help. Give us a call today to give your family the best chance of financial security.
