Your Legal Allies In Child Support Arrangements
Navigating child support issues can be one of the most challenging aspects of a separation or divorce. Ensuring that your children have a stable financial future is paramount, and at The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, our child support lawyers understand the emotional and financial stakes involved. We are here to provide the compassionate professional guidance you need to protect your children’s well-being and your financial interests.
For over 15 years, our attorneys at The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, have been helping clients in San Antonio with their child support cases, building a strong track record of success. We are attentive, caring and dedicated to simplifying complex situations and making them more bearable for our clients. We are experienced litigators who are skilled in and out of the courtroom, having represented hundreds of clients in various trials. Our lawyers pride themselves on direct client interactions, prompt responses to questions, and commitment to educating and empowering our clients. We will take an efficient approach that will be tailored to meet the needs of your family.
Navigating Child Support: Your Guide To Financial Stability For Your Children
Child support is a legal obligation mandated by the court to provide financial assistance for the upbringing of a child following a divorce or separation. In Texas, child support may be awarded to ensure that both parents contribute to the costs of raising their children.
Factors that determine child support payments in Texas include:
- Each parent’s income and financial resources
- The child’s age and specific needs
- Any special educational or health care needs of the child
- Either the amount of time each parent spends with the child or the custody arrangement
- Child care expenses necessary for the custodial parent’s employment
When facing child support negotiations, having an experienced attorney is crucial. Child support decisions will have long-term effects on your life and the life of your child. Our lawyers will work diligently to try to ensure that the outcome of your child support case reflects the best interests of your child and also protects your financial stability. We will aim to achieve a fair and equitable resolution, ensuring that all parties fulfill their responsibilities toward the welfare of your child.
Understanding Texas Child Support Guidelines
Texas law sets out child support guidelines for family court judges to help them determine what percentage of the noncustodial parent’s monthly net resources they should pay for their children’s upkeep. These percentages are per the number of minor children the parents have together:
- One child: 20 percent
- Two children: 25 percent
- Three children: 30 percent
- Four children: 35 percent
- Five children: 40 percent
- Six or more children: not less than the amount for five children
Monthly net income is calculated by taking the noncustodial parent’s monthly income and subtracting expenses like income taxes, Social Security taxes and, in some cases, health care costs for the children and union dues. Note that the judge in your case is allowed to order higher or lower child support payments if they believe it is necessary based on the evidence. We can build a case that reflects your children’s needs as well as your own.
Benefit Of Legal Representation In Child Support Matters
As we discussed above, setting the amount of child support in a divorce or separation is not automatic. If your co-parent is working with an attorney and you are not, you will be at a serious disadvantage. You need to know your rights and obligations under the law so you can develop a legal strategy for settling a custody dispute or taking the matter to trial. This is only possible with an experienced family law attorney by your side. We can help make sure the support order is fair and reasonable for everyone involved.
The Legal Support You And Your Family Need
The outcome of child support decisions can greatly impact your life and your children’s future. Do not take a chance when you have so much at stake. Contact The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC today at 210-740-0281 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Let our experienced lawyers help you secure a favorable outcome for you and your children.