If you’re divorcing or unmarried in Texas, it’s crucial to understand child support challenges regulations. Both parents are obligated to support their child, with payments varying by circumstance. Paternity establishment, payment enforcement, and penalties for non-payment are crucial elements. Seek modification if you can’t meet obligations due to job loss. Speak with a family law attorney if you’re unhappy with the support amount to seek court approval for a modification.

A single mother might have to establish paternity in order to receive payments. This should be done as soon as possible so that the child can benefit from the child support. If the father dies suddenly, paternity must have been established before a child can receive Social Security benefits.

Parents should have the child support payments go through the state Child Support Division. This creates a record of payments made, and it also provides a way for a parent to have child support payments enforced. Parents who do not pay their court-ordered child support may have their wages or income tax refund garnished. Further penalties might include driver’s license suspension and fines.

If a parent loses his or her job and cannot meet child support obligations, then he or she must go to court and seek a modification to the child support order. The parent still remains responsible for the full amount until there has been a change in the legal agreement.

While there is a formula for determining child support payments, other factors might be considered as well. A parent who is unhappy with the amount of support they are paying or receiving may want to speak with a lawyer. A family law attorney might be able to aid a parent with seeking approval for a child support order modification from the court.

Related Posts: When disabled parents pay child support, What child support is used for, Why parents may seek a DNA test, Overdue child support and homeownership