A Seasoned Advocate For Parents Facing Child Support Issues

Child support is often a stressful topic for parents. You and your child’s other parent may find it hard to reach an agreement on payment amounts and schedules. When that happens, it is often necessary to take the matter to court.

At McNeill Law Firm, I have helped many parents with child support cases throughout Parker County. I know the Weatherford family law courts and the local judges who decide these cases. Whether you are the parent paying or receiving support, I work to establish arrangements that are fair for your family.

How Is Child Support Calculated In Texas?

The first question most people have is how much the payments will be. In Texas, child support starts with a formula found in the Family Code. Usually, the parent who spends less time with the child pays a percentage of their “net resources” to the other parent.

To give you an idea of how the math works, these guidelines apply to the first $11,700 of your monthly net resources. For one child, the amount is typically 20% of that net income; for two children, it is 25%. If a parent earns more than that cap, the court stays at that maximum baseline unless I can show that the child’s proven needs require additional support.

However, a monthly check is only the beginning. To make sure your child is truly taken care of, I look at the extra costs that are part of every child’s life.

Beyond The Monthly Check: Covering Your Child’s Total Needs

In Texas, medical and dental support are mandatory additions to monthly child support. Here are the common ways these costs are handled:

• Health and dental insurance coverage: Usually, the parent paying support must provide health and dental coverage if it is available at a reasonable cost through their job. If the other parent has better access to insurance, the court may order the paying parent to reimburse those premiums instead.
• Splitting uninsured medical bills: Standard orders typically require parents to split “unreimbursed” costs 50/50. This covers the out-of-pocket expenses that insurance doesn’t pay for, such as co-pays, deductibles and prescriptions. While many courts use this even split, a judge has the power to divide these expenses differently if one parent has a significantly higher ability to pay.
• Vision and orthodontics: Dental and medical support also cover vision care and braces. Because these costs can add up quickly, I can help you draft specific language in the order that explains exactly how you and the other parent will manage these bills.
• Daycare and childcare: While the basic formula does not automatically include daycare, I can ask the court to add these costs to the support order if you need childcare to work or attend school.

As for extra expenses, costs for sports, school activities and travel for visitation are not always part of the standard math. I will work to ensure the court addresses these “hidden” costs of parenting so you don’t end up footing the entire bill alone.

What Happens When Parents Do Not Pay Child Support?

If a judge orders you to pay child support and you do not make payments, you can be held in contempt of court. A warrant may be put out for your arrest. However, do not lose hope. You have the right to representation at the hearing. You can explain your side of the story and the reason you did not request a modification if you could not pay.

As your lawyer, I will gather concrete evidence to prove that you were not in a financial position to make payments. The judge will reach a decision after reviewing the evidence. They may order you to serve jail time or make the missed payments.

They may also put a lien on your property or request that you post a cash bond to ensure you comply with the order. I will do what I can to generate a fair verdict and obtain the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support In Texas

Many of my clients have questions that I often hear during our first meeting. I have compiled some of the most common concerns below to help you understand how these laws might apply to your specific situation.

What factors do courts consider when setting child support?

While Texas law uses a specific percentage of your “net resources” as a starting point, a judge can look at several factors to decide if that amount is actually fair. I often help my clients present evidence regarding:

• The specific educational and medical needs of the child.
• The cost of childcare or daycare needed for a parent to work.
• Any extraordinary expenses, such as travel costs for visitation or specialized tutoring.
• The overall financial resources and debts of both parents.

As a team, you and I can review these details to build a clear case for a support amount that truly fits your child’s life.

Do I have to pay child support if we have 50/50 custody?

It is a common misconception that equal time means no one pays support. In Texas, the court’s goal is to make sure the child’s needs are met in both homes. If there is a large gap between what you and the other parent earn, the court may still order an “offset” payment. I work to calculate these offsets correctly so that the support order does not unfairly strain either parent and the child’s standard of living remains consistent.

How can a lawyer in Parker County help me?

Whether you are the parent paying support or the one receiving it, having an advocate who knows the local Weatherford courts is vital due to these reasons:

• For the parent receiving support: I make sure all sources of income are identified — including bonuses, commissions and overtime — so your child gets the full amount they deserve.
• For the parent paying support: I work to verify that the court calculates your net resources accurately so you don’t overpay due to math errors or a misunderstanding of your finances.

Using my experience in local courts, I will guide you through the process and work toward a result that protects your rights and your child’s future.

Call A Leading Weatherford Child Support Attorney Before Going To Court

Tell me about your case at a initial consultation, and I will tell you what I can do to help you. Call 817-381-9333 or email me today to request an appointment. Financial arrangements are made upon request.