Dallas Child Support Lawyer

Dallas Child Support Attorney

Concerns over child support are one of the most common sources of stress and contention during custody cases. Most custody cases involve the establishment of child support, which ensures a child receives the financial resources they need. A Dallas child support lawyer can help negotiate a fair and reasonable child support arrangement, whether you are facing divorce or have a standalone custody case.

At Young Law Firm, our team has decades of experience advocating for parents and their children. Our knowledge of Texas child support laws can help ensure your concerns are met with careful consideration and that your child’s best interests are at the center of our legal strategy.

Texas Child Support Laws and Modifications

In Texas, parents are legally required to support their children until they turn 18 or graduate from high school, and even longer if the child is disabled. Statutes in the Texas Family Code govern this requirement. These statutes can be complex, but a qualified family law attorney in Dallas can review the details of your situation and help you come before the courts with the tools you need to ensure a fair child support hearing.

All child support and custody cases are heard at one of seven Dallas County Family District courthouses. Child support hearings rarely proceed to a trial setting. Most arrangements are resolved through negotiation and mediation.

Modifications to child support orders also fall under the purview of the family courts, and are relatively common, with many child support orders eventually being modified. An attorney can review your current child support order to determine whether it qualifies for modification in Texas, which requires three years between modification orders.

Factors That Impact Child Support Awards

Child support throughout Texas, including the Dallas area, is usually the responsibility of the parent who does not have primary residential possession of the child, but when parents share 50/50 joint possession, support will be the responsibility of the parent with greater financial resources.

Some of the factors the courts consider when determining the amount of support awarded:

• Which party has primary or sole conservatorship
• The needs and age of the child
• Any spousal support being paid
• Higher education expenses
• Child care expenses
• Medical expenses
• Travel costs for the noncustodial parent
• Financial resources available for the child

Even if you were never married to your child’s other parent, the courts can determine paternity and assign child support, and child support can also be obtained retroactively. In Texas alone, over $19 billion is owed in unpaid child support, creating an unfair financial burden on single parents raising their children alone.

If your child is disabled, even if they are over the age of 18, they may also qualify for support payments. It’s vital to seek legal advice to determine whether your family’s situation warrants pursuing a child support order or modifying an existing agreement.

Starting a Child Support Case in Dallas

Most child support cases begin when a parent files paperwork with the Dallas County Family District Courts. Court staff will review the submitted paperwork, serve the opposing party, and begin the process of scheduling a hearing on the family court docket. If the parties cannot reach an agreement during the hearing, the case will go before a judge, who will resolve the dispute.

An attorney with knowledge of Texas child support laws can help you gather financial records, catalog child-related expenses, and negotiate with the courts on your behalf at hearings. While the thought of taking legal action can be daunting, at Young Law Firm, we can ensure that your documentation and paperwork will meet all the legal requirements in Dallas County, increasing your chances of receiving a favorable outcome for your child.

FAQs

How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost in Texas?

The cost of hiring a child support lawyer depends on the attorney’s experience, how much time your case requires, and the complexity of your case. Most family law firms offer affordable initial consultations where they disclose fees and answer any questions you may have about the cost of your case. At Young Law Firm, our initial consultations are free.

Do You Need a Child Support Lawyer in Texas?

While it’s possible to file paperwork with the Texas courts to initiate a child support case without an attorney, it’s not advisable. Child custody and support laws in Texas are complex, and legislation concerning family law is subject to change. A knowledgeable lawyer can create a legally sound child support case and advocate on your behalf with the courts, saving you time and stress, while increasing your chances of a favorable decision.

How Much Child Support Will I Pay if I Make $1,000 a Week?

Child support in Texas is determined by a percentage schedule that takes into account the net resources of both parties and the number of children and expenses involved. Therefore, income is only one factor in the court’s determination of child support amounts. Sharing the details of your situation with your attorney can help give you an idea of the amount you will owe.

What Should I Not Say at a Child Support Hearing?

It’s important for both parties to be polite, cooperative, and non-confrontational during child support hearings. Judges and mediators will not tolerate rude, disrespectful, and aggressive rhetoric or behavior. Respond honestly and respectfully to the questions being asked of you, and do not make negative statements about the other parent, as this undermines your credibility.

Need to Hire a Child Support Lawyer? Young Law Firm Can Help

At Young Law Firm, LLC, we have decades of experience helping parents receive a fair child support decision. We know how important your children are to you, and we’re here to listen to your situation with compassion, offering over 40 years of respected knowledge and skilled legal representation when you need it most. Contact us online today or call us at 770-824-9553 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation and hire a Dallas child support attorney. We accept all major credit cards.