Collin County Child Support Lawyer
Attorney for Child Support Orders Between Divorced and Unmarried Parents in Plano, TX
Most parents understand that providing financial support for their children is one of their most important responsibilities. However, in Texas family court cases, there is often confusion and uncertainty surrounding a parent's obligations because of the complexities of the state's child support laws. In some cases, this can lead to resentment and animosity between parents, leaving the children to bear the brunt of the effects.
For any legal matter in which child support is a factor, it is crucial that you are represented by an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and obligations. At the Law Office of Brian Bagley, we have served Texas families for 10 years, and we strive to listen to our clients' stories and understand their concerns. We can help you work toward a child support order that protects your financial interests, and most importantly, ensures that your children have the resources they need.
When is Child Support Ordered in Texas?
Child support is a common element in many Texas divorce cases, particularly when the spouses share a child who is under the age of 18. Because the parents will no longer be living in the same household and sharing financial resources, one parent will typically be ordered to make regular child support payments to the other. Child support may also be ordered for children above the age of 18 who have not yet graduated from high school, or who have disabilities that prevent them from providing for themselves.
Child support is also ordered when a child is born to parents who are not married. In order to secure child support in this case, the child's legal paternity must be established first. Usually, this means that both parents will need to sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, or one of the parents will need to petition for adjudication of paternity in court, which often involves DNA testing to confirm that a man is the child's biological father.
Determining the Details of a Texas Child Support Order
In either of the above cases, the non-custodial parent, meaning the parent with the smaller percentage of physical custody (also known as possessory conservatorship) will have the obligation to pay. Typically, the paying parent will have a portion of their income periodically withheld and transferred to the Child Support Division within the Texas Office of the Attorney General, who will disburse the payments to the receiving parent. However, figuring out the appropriate amount to withhold can be quite complicated.
The most important factor in calculating child support is the paying parent's monthly net resources. This parent will need to provide the court with information about a wide variety of income sources, including wages, business or self-employment income, rental income, interest, capital gains, and certain types of benefits. The court will then subtract the parent's tax obligations and other qualifying expenses from their gross income to determine the resources they have available for child support.
Five-Star Client Reviews
Hear From Our Clients in Their Own Words
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"Brian Bagley is the best family law attorney I have ever worked with. He explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand."
Brian Bagley is the best family law attorney I have ever worked with. From our first online meeting, he explained everything ...
Ken H. -
"Brian has gone ABOVE and BEYOND in making sure my kids have their father in their lives. These guys are parents as well and they stand for what’s right."
This legal team in my opinion, is elite. I can’t say enough good about them. Brian has gone ABOVE and BEYOND in making sure ...
Riko S. -
"The most personable attorney you will find. Brian and Kristen will make you feel like you and your case matter."
The most personable attorney you will find. Brian and Kristen will make you feel like you and your case matter.
Former Client -
"Although I didn't get the exact result I was hoping for, I got the results that I needed! Brian and his team were more than helpful to me."
Although I didn't get the exact result I was hoping for, I got the results that I needed! Brian and his team were more than ...
Lyndell B. -
"Brian has been amazing, to say the least. He is very responsive, easy to talk to, strategic, and a rockstar in the courtroom during litigation."
If you're in need of a Rockstar Divorce Attorney, I highly recommend The Law Office of Brian Bagley! I’ve worked with Brian ...
Former Client -
"If I could give them 10 stars I would, HANDS DOWN!! He came in, took over my case from a previous lawyer, did EXACTLY what he said he would do & got my case closed!!"
If I could give this young man 10 stars I would HANDS DOWN!! He came in, took over my case from a previous lawyer, did ...
Faithful A. -
"I had the best experience with Brian and his staff. So professional, and timely and kept me calm as they guided me through the process."
I had the best experience with Brian and his staff at Bagley Law Firm. So professional, and timely and kept me calm as they ...
Tina B. -
"This team is the absolute best! Professional, speedy, and gets the job done. I love working with them and they make me feel like family."
This team is the absolute best! Professional, speedy and gets the job done. Kristen is quick to respond and get what you need ...
Kristan C.