Helotes Child Support Attorney
Child support is an essential element of raising a child when both parents don’t live in the same household. From birth, having a child is a financial commitment.
While financial needs can change as the child grows, that commitment remains. Texas family courts ensure that parents continue to meet the financial needs of a child even when they aren’t together anymore.
However, some events can terminate child support. If you have questions about them, an experienced child support attorney from Fiegel Law is an excellent source of information who can serve as your trusted advocate.
Why Choose Fiegel Law?
Attorney Beauregard Fiegel is a renowned advocate for those facing child support matters, especially for fathers’ rights in child support matters. His extensive experience in family law, coupled with a passion for this field, sets him apart.
Child support issues are one of the most challenging and complex matters parents will face when trying to raise children while not in a relationship.
At Fiegel Law, we understand the many legal intricacies and emotional considerations you face. Our team is dedicated to empowering you with knowledge of your rights and ensuring you can assert them. Whatever your goals are in this process, we’re here to assist you. We have the experience and compassion to guide you through this challenging time. Reach out to us for help today.
Our family law office is conveniently located near the northwest corner of the intersection of Bandera Road and West Loop 1604 North, east of the Sandra Day O’Connor High School and across the street from the Methodist ER Helotes at:
12274 Bandera Road
STE 104
Helotes, Texas 78023
How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas?
Child support is one of the most contentious issues when parents divorce or if they were never married and are no longer involved in a relationship. Individuals naturally have strong feelings and opinions about their finances and their children.
If you are a parent paying child support, you want to ensure that you are paying enough to provide for them and that the money goes towards their needs. However, you don’t want to overpay.
If you are a parent receiving child support, you want to ensure you receive what you are legally entitled to for their care and well-being. Parents struggling on either end of this spectrum can find help by consulting a skilled Helotes child support lawyer.
Monthly child support in Texas is income-based. The guideline uses the noncustodial parent’s average monthly net resources to determine how much the parent should pay.
Other factors the court might consider when deciding on child support matters include:
- Any special medical or educational needs of the child(ren)
- Each parent’s earning potential
- How many children are involved
- The amount of time each child spends living with each parent
Typically, income involves net resources or your total earnings, not including taxes for Social Security, income tax for a single party, and dependent health insurance.
Net resources do not include:
- Temporary assistance benefits
- Foster care payments
- Return of principal or capital
- Accounts receivable for your business
Events That Can Terminate Child Support
When family courts order child support, the orders are permanent. Parents can’t return to the courts frequently to request changes to the child support orders.
However, in some circumstances, a change is warranted. In fact, several events can terminate the court’s child support orders.
Are Child Support Orders Permanent?
Child support orders should be viewed as permanent while your child is still legally considered a child. You can’t go back to the court regularly and ask for an adjustment due to minor financial changes in your life, your child’s life, or the other parent’s life.
However, Texas family courts do recognize that there are times when a change is valid and necessary. For instance, a raise, job loss, an increase in insurance premiums for the child, or a change in child custody may warrant a change.
A Helotes child support lawyer can help if you believe the court should change your child support orders to reflect these or other relevant changes.
Child Support Terminating Events
In addition to the potential to modify child support orders, several situations call for the termination of child support. The court still must order the termination of child support. The paying parent can’t decide on their own that a termination event has occurred and stop paying. Don’t assume these obligations end on their own; instead, consult with a knowledgeable Helotes child support attorney.
Terminating events in Texas can include:
- The child becomes an emancipated minor through marriage, removal of the disabilities of the minor, or another operation of the law.
- The child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school —whichever event takes place later.
- The child passes away.
Under Texas law, these are generally the only events that warrant the termination of child support. If you think you have extenuating circumstances, be sure to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
Can I Stop Paying Child Support if I Lose My Job?
Whatever your circumstances, do not simply stop paying child support. You can face serious legal consequences for doing so, even if it’s because you are no longer employed or have had a substantial reduction in pay.
Instead, consult an experienced attorney who can request the modification of your child support orders, considering your change in circumstances. We can explore legal options aside from cutting off support, which can only create greater problems in the future.
Seek the Assistance of a Knowledgeable Helotes Child Support Lawyer Today
Child support is an integral part of life if a child’s parents aren’t living together. Whether you are on the paying or receiving end of child support, it’s crucial to understand your rights and obligations. Not doing so can have severe financial and legal consequences.
Contact Fiegel Law today at (210) 699-7291 or online for your consultation with our experience Helotes family law lawyer, and learn more about Texas child support laws.
“Beau is great to work with and I highly recommend him for any legal needs that you may have!“
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