Navigating the complexities of family law can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding child support in Texas.
Since 1973, Turner-Monahan, PLLC has guided families through these complex issues, protecting their rights and interests.
In this blog, we delve into the specifics of what child support covers, underpinned by our commitment to integrity, dedication, and personalized legal strategies.
For personalized advice, please contact Attorney Tyler Monahan, partner at Turner-Monahan, PLLC, to discuss your case.
What is Child Support?
Child support is a mandatory payment made by a non-custodial parent to support the financial needs of their children following a divorce or separation. In Texas, these payments are crucial for covering a range of expenses to ensure the well-being of the child.
Texas Family Code on Child Support
According to the Texas Family Code, particularly in Sections 154.001 to 154.309, child support is designed to provide for the child’s basic needs and includes a variety of specific expenses. Key aspects covered by the Texas Family Code include:
Basic Necessities: This encompasses food, clothing, and shelter. The law ensures that children maintain a standard of living that they would have enjoyed had the family remained intact.
Health Care Needs: Section 154.182 of the Texas Family Code mandates health insurance coverage, typically provided by the non-custodial parent. This includes medical, dental, and vision expenses.
Education Expenses: While not explicitly outlined in the Family Code, educational costs such as school fees, uniforms, and supplies are often considered essential and can be included in child support agreements.
Childcare Expenses: For working parents, child support may cover childcare expenses, enabling the custodial parent to maintain employment.
Special Needs and Extracurricular Activities: If the child has special needs or is involved in extracurricular activities, these expenses can also be factored into the child support amount.
Calculating Child Support in Texas
The state of Texas employs a formula to determine the amount of child support, which is primarily based on the non-custodial parent’s income and the number of children they are responsible for supporting. The Texas Family Code provides guidelines for these calculations, ensuring fairness and adequacy in support.
Click here to read “How is Child Support Determined in Texas?”
Adjustments and Modifications
Life circumstances change, and so do financial situations. The Texas Family Code allows for modifications to child support orders if there is a significant change in either parent’s situation or the needs of the child.
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Turner-Monahan, PLLC – Your Trusted Guide
At Turner-Monahan, PLLC, our extensive experience in family law, coupled with our deep understanding of the Texas Family Code, positions us uniquely to assist you in matters of child support.
Whether you are initiating a child support order, seeking modification, or requiring enforcement, our team, led by partner Tyler Monahan, is dedicated to navigating you through these processes with personalized legal strategies tailored to your specific situation.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with attorney Tyler Monahan to discuss the details.
Disclaimer
The commentary and opinions are for informational and educational purposes only and not to provide legal advice. You should contact an attorney in your state to obtain legal advice concerning any particular issue or problem. You can become a client and enter the attorney-client privilege only after hiring Turner-Monahan, PPLC, by signing a written retainer agreement.
