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When parents separate or divorce, one of the most crucial aspects of the process is ensuring that their children’s financial needs are met. Child support plays a vital role in providing for a child’s everyday expenses, healthcare, and education. At the Law Office of Aimee Stritchko, we understand the importance of establishing fair and appropriate child support arrangements.
Our dedicated team of Kemah, TX child support attorneys is committed to helping families navigate this complex area of family law, prioritizing the best interests of the children involved. If you are a parent in Kemah, TX seeking guidance on child support issues, schedule a consultation with our legal team.
Under Texas Family Code Chapter 154, child support is defined as court-ordered payments made by one parent to the other for the financial support of their child. The purpose of child support is to ensure that children’s basic needs are met, including food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and educational expenses.
In Texas, a parent is eligible to receive child support if they have primary physical custody of the child or if the child resides with them for the majority of the time. The parent who is ordered to pay child support is typically the non-custodial parent, also known as the obligor.
Texas has established child support guidelines to help courts determine the appropriate amount of support based on the income of the obligor and the number of children involved. The guidelines take into account various factors, such as:
While the guidelines provide a starting point for calculating child support, the court may deviate from the guidelines when certain circumstances warrant it, such as when a child has special needs or when the obligor has a high income.
Establishing a child support order is a critical step in ensuring that your child receives the financial support they need. The process typically begins with one parent filing a petition with the court, requesting that child support be ordered.
If the parents can reach an agreement on child support, they can submit a proposed order to the court for approval. However, if the parents cannot agree, the court will hold a hearing to determine the appropriate amount of child support based on the Texas guidelines and any relevant factors.
Having an experienced Kemah, TX child support lawyer by your side during this process can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our attorneys will work diligently to present a strong case on your behalf, advocating for a child support order that protects your child’s best interests.
Once a child support order is in place, the obligor is legally required to make the specified payments. Failure to pay child support can result in serious consequences, including:
If your child’s other parent is not fulfilling their child support obligations, our Kemah, TX child support attorneys can help you enforce the order. We will work with the appropriate agencies and use the legal tools available to ensure that your child receives the financial support they are entitled to.
As children grow and circumstances change, it may become necessary to modify an existing child support order. In Texas, a child support order can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the order was originally put in place.
Some common reasons for seeking a child support modification include:
To request a modification, you must file a petition with the court and provide evidence of the substantial change in circumstances. Our skilled Kemah, TX child support lawyers can guide you through this process, helping you gather the necessary documentation and present a compelling case for modification.
In Texas, child support obligations generally continue until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, there are certain circumstances under which child support may be terminated earlier or extended beyond this point.
For example, if a child becomes emancipated before the age of 18 through marriage, joining the military, or a court order, child support may be terminated. On the other hand, if a child has a disability that prevents them from becoming self-supporting, child support may be extended indefinitely.
Child support and child custody are closely intertwined, as the amount of time each parent spends with the child can impact the calculation of child support. In general, the parent who has primary physical custody of the child will receive child support from the non-custodial parent.
When parents share custody of the child more equally, the child support calculation may be adjusted to account for the increased time the obligor spends with the child. It is essential to work with a knowledgeable Kemah, TX child support attorney to ensure that your child support order accurately reflects your custody arrangement and protects your child’s financial well-being.
In high-conflict divorce cases, child support can become a contentious issue. One parent may attempt to manipulate the child support system to gain an advantage over the other parent or to punish them financially.
Our experienced Kemah, TX family law attorneys understand the challenges of high-conflict child support cases. We employ effective strategies to minimize conflict, protect your child’s best interests, and work towards a fair resolution. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we will tirelessly advocate for your rights and your child’s financial security.
In today’s mobile society, it is not uncommon for parents to live in different states. When this occurs, establishing and enforcing child support orders can become more complicated.
The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) provides a framework for dealing with child support issues that cross state lines. Under UIFSA, states work together to establish, modify, and enforce child support orders, ensuring that children receive the support they need regardless of where their parents reside.
Our Kemah, TX child support lawyers have experience handling interstate child support cases. We can collaborate with attorneys in other states to ensure that your child support order is properly established and enforced, no matter where the other parent lives.
When a parent fails to make court-ordered child support payments, they can accumulate arrears or back pay. Arrears can have serious consequences for the obligor, including damage to their credit score, seizure of assets, and even criminal charges.
If you are owed child support arrears, our Kemah, TX child support attorneys can help you collect the back pay you are entitled to. We can also assist obligors in negotiating arrears payment plans and finding ways to manage their child support debt while still providing for their children’s needs.
At the Law Office of Aimee Stritchko, we are dedicated to helping Kemah, TX families navigate the complexities of child support law. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling a wide range of child support cases, from straightforward orders to high-conflict disputes.
We understand that every family’s situation is unique, which is why we provide personalized, compassionate legal guidance tailored to your specific needs. Our goal is to help you achieve a child support arrangement that protects your child’s financial well-being and sets them up for a bright future.
If you are facing child support issues in Kemah, TX, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Law Office of Aimee Stritchko for help. Schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable child support attorneys today, and let us fight for your child’s best interests.
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