If you are a parent who is seeking joint custody of your children in Houston, you may be wondering how a child support attorney can help you. This article will explain the role of a child support attorney in joint custody cases and how they can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your family.
If you are a non-custodial parent, you might have to pay child support to the custodial parent. In a joint custody arrangement, both parents share custody of the child and usually have a 50-50 parenting time schedule.
What Is Child Support?
Child support is the sum of money that a court requires a parent, or both parents, to pay each month to assist in covering the child’s support and living costs. In other terms, child support is a court-ordered payment made by one parent to the other parent for the support of their child or children.
In Texas, child support is typically ordered when one parent has been awarded primary custody of the child or children, and the other parent has been ordered to pay a percentage of their income to the custodial parent.
In the State of Texas, child support is calculated by using a formula that takes into account both the income of the parents and the number of children involved. The amount of child support that is ordered by the court will be based on this calculation.
In cases where parents share joint custody of their child or children, child support may still be ordered if one parent earns significantly more money than the other. In these cases, the court will order the higher-earning parent to pay a certain amount of their income to the other parent for the support of the shared child or children.
Child support payments are typically made on a monthly basis, and are paid directly to the custodial parent or through a state-run child support enforcement agency. The payments are intended to help cover the costs of raising a child, which can include food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and education.
There are a few different ways that child support can be paid. The non-custodial parent can make direct payments to the custodial parent, or the payments can be made through the Office of the Attorney General.
If you are a non-custodial parent in Texas who has been ordered to pay child support, it is important that you make your payments on time and in full each month. If you fail to do so, you may be subject to enforcement action by the state, which can include wage garnishment, seizure of assets, and even jail time.
What Can A Child Support Attorney Do?
If you are seeking joint custody of your child in Houston, then you may need to enlist the help of a child support attorney. A child support attorney can provide valuable assistance and guidance throughout the process, helping to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have a fair chance at obtaining joint custody.
The first thing that a child support attorney can do is help you to understand the laws surrounding joint custody in Houston. These laws can be complex and confusing, and it is important to have someone on your side who can explain them to you in plain language. A child support attorney can also help you to navigate the legal system, ensuring that you take all the necessary steps to pursue joint custody.
Another way that a child support attorney can help is by providing advice and guidance throughout the process. This includes helping you to gather evidence and witnesses, preparing for court hearings, and representing you in court if necessary. A child support attorney can also help you to negotiate with the other parent, mediators, and attorneys, ensuring that your interests are represented.
Finally, a child support attorney can provide emotional support throughout the process. Pursuing joint custody can be stressful and emotional, and it is important to have someone on your side who can offer you moral support and encouragement. A child support attorney can provide this support, as well as help you to stay focused and motivated throughout the process.
What Is the Difference Between Joint Custody And Sole Custody In Houston, Texas?
When it comes to child custody arrangements in Houston, Texas, there are two main types: joint custody and sole custody.
So, what’s the difference between these two types of custody arrangements? Here’s a look at some key points to keep in mind:
Joint Custody:
- Both parents have equal rights and responsibilities when it comes to making decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.
- The child lives with both parents on a rotating basis, or they may live primarily with one parent and have visitation with the other parent according to a schedule.
- Both parents are financially responsible for supporting the child.
Sole Custody:
- Only one parent has legal and physical custody of the child.
- The child lives with the custodial parent full-time.
- The non-custodial parent usually has visitation rights according to a schedule set by the court.
- The custodial parent is primarily
Who Pays Child Support In Joint Custody In Texas?
When you have joint custody of your children in Texas, the general rule is that the parent who has the higher income pays child support to the parent with the lower income. This is because both parents are considered to be equally responsible for supporting their children financially.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, if one parent has primary custody of the child, then that parent may be required to pay child support to the other parent even if they have a lower income. Additionally, the court may order one parent to pay a higher percentage of their income in child support if they have a significantly higher income than the other parent.
If you are seeking joint custody of your children in Texas, it is important to consult with an experienced child support attorney who can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the appropriate amount of child support.
How Is Child Support Calculated In Joint Custody?
In Texas, child support is calculated by using a specific formula that takes into account the following factors:
- The net monthly incomes of both parents;
- The number of children shared by the parents;
- The amount of time each parent spends with their children (known as the parenting schedule); and,
- Certain deductions from each parent’s income such as taxes, health insurance premiums, and certain work-related expenses.
It is important to note that this formula only applies when both parents have a combined net monthly income of $8,550 or less. If a couple has a combined net monthly income of more than $8,550 per month, then child support will be calculated using a different method. Additionally, if one parent has primary custody of their child or children, then child support may be calculated differently than it would be for joint custody.
What Happens If Child Support Isn’t Being Paid In Texas?
If you have joint custody of your child in Texas and the other parent isn’t paying their child support, you may be wondering what you can do. First, it’s important to understand that child support is a legal obligation. The non-custodial parent is required to pay child support to the custodial parent in order to help with the expenses of raising the child.
If the non-custodial parent isn’t paying their court-ordered child support, there are a few things that can happen. The first is that the custodial parent can file a contempt of court action against the non-custodial parent. This means that the non-custodial parent will have to go to court and explain why they haven’t been paying their child support. If the court finds that the non-custodial parent has willfully failed to pay their child support, they could be held in contempt of court. This could result in a fine, jail time, or both.
Another option is for the custodial parent to file a motion for enforcement with the court. This asks the court to order the non-custodial parent to pay overdue child support, as well as any interest that has accrued. The court can also order the non-custodial parent to pay the custodial parent’s attorney’s fees and court costs.
If the non-custodial parent still doesn’t pay their child support, the court can take several actions to enforce the order. The court can garnish the non-custodial parent’s wages, put a lien on their property, or suspend their driver’s license. The court can also report the non-custodial parent to credit agencies, which could damage their credit score.
Child Support Calculation In Texas
If you are seeking child support in a joint custody arrangement in Houston, your first step is to calculate the support amount. The state of Texas has specific guidelines for calculating child support, which take into account the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child.
Once you have calculated the child support amount, you will need to file a petition with the court. The court will then review the petition and set a hearing date. At the hearing, both parents will have an opportunity to present their case. The court will then make a decision on the child support amount.
If you are having difficulty calculating child support or if you have any other questions about child support in Houston, you should contact a child support attorney. An attorney can help you understand the child support process and ensure that your rights are protected.