Denton County Child Support Attorneys
Experienced Legal Guidance for Child Support Agreements in Collin County & Tarrant County
Child support cases involve two very sensitive issues: family and finances. While both parents may want what's best for their child, there are often disputes regarding a parent's ability to pay and the amount of support requested.
Our Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County child support attorneys understand how important it is that your children receive the financial support that they deserve. We work closely with you to help make the process as stress-free as possible and to ensure that your case receives a favorable outcome.
If your paperwork is submitted incorrectly or is incomplete, it can easily get lost in the system. Leave all the legal details to us, including paperwork and documents! Our child support attorneys in Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County can help to make sure all documents and paperwork are filed correctly and in a timely manner.
Make sure you have the best possible chance of getting the outcome you need. Call (940) 293-2313 to speak with a child support attorney!
We have helped families just like yours through all types of divorce and family law-related matters. Find out how one of our Board-Certified Family Law Specialists can help you.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas?
In Texas, the amount of child support is determined by the court based on specific factors. When parents do not live together—either following a divorce or because they're separated or not married—the non-custodial parent is required to make ongoing child support payments until the child turns 18 years old.
Child support in TX can be determined based on, but not limited to:
- The number of children involved
- The net income of the non-custodial parent
- Basic living expenses for the child/children
- Expenses for the child/children's health care
- Expenses for the child/children's educational needs
Net resources include, but are not limited to:
- Spousal maintenance
- Self-employment income
- Social Security or disability benefits
- Worker's compensation
- Retirement benefits
- All wage and salary income (including tips and overtime)
Social security taxes, federal income taxes, state income taxes, union dues, and the cost of health insurance or cash medical support are deducted from the Obligor's resources to determine the Obligor's net resources. These deductions are calculated using the Texas Attorney General’s Tax Charts.
Do I Have to Pay Child Support if I'm Unemployed?
It is a common misconception that if the Obligor (the person paying child support) does not have a job, then they cannot be ordered to pay child support. If the Obligor is unemployed, then the court can order child support based on minimum wage. The amount will be calculated the same way as if the Obligor was employed.
If you have lost your job and have court-ordered child support payments, then the court needs to be made aware of your situation, even if you and your ex-spouse have reached an agreement. Your child support attorney can help you file for a modification of child support to either put it on hold or greatly reduce the amount while you remain unemployed.
This modified order is temporary until you find a new job. Once you find new employment, you will have to modify the order once again to reflect your new income.
You should also note that the court will not allow an indefinite amount of time to not pay any child support while hunting for a new job. Be sure to keep extremely accurate and detailed records regarding your job hunt process, as you may need to submit them to the judge as proof that you are indeed searching for a job and not putting off paying child support.
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Shelby Hart was my lawyer during my divorce. During one of the hardest parts of my life, Shelby was nothing short of kind and professional. He was supportive and honest with me throughout the entire process, and always made me feel comfortable/well informed of every option available to me. Everyone at Coker Legal was easy to talk to and easy to trust. I'm so glad that I was recommended to Coker, and lucky enough to have Shelby as my lawyer. If you're in need of a compassionate law firm/lawyer, this is the place to go!- Kristie H.
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My legal matters were challenging. The team at Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers was compassionate, they took the time to listen, and helped guide me through the process. I would definitely recommend.- Anne L.
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This firm is rock solid. They give you swift and clear advice and react appropriately and professionally to all the ups and downs throughout the tough process. Ashley Covert and her paralegal Ashley Leverett handled my divorce and they did a wonderful job.- Jamie
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STOP SEARCHING! Hire Coker, Robb & Cannon! Words will never express how I feel about all of the hard work they put in for me & my daughter. Sheba, Shelby, Rachel, & Kelly were PERFECT. In time I may find the words that convey to everyone how truly great this team is, but for now I will simply say if you need family law attorneys, HIRE THEM NOW!- Joshua N.
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- Joshua
STOP SEARCHING! Hire Coker, Robb & Cannon! Words will never express how I feel about all of the hard work they put in for me & my daughter. Sheba, Shelby, Rachel, & Kelly were PERFECT. In time I may find the words that convey to everyone how truly great this team is, but for now I will simply say if you need family law attorneys, HIRE THEM NOW!
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My case was handled in a timely manner. Great communication and understanding. My attorney, Sheba George, was great.- SJ V.
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It is with enthusiasm that I recommend Shelby Hart for any family law situation you may have. From the moment I had my consultation, Shelby and his entire team took care of every element of my divorce. His extreme professionalism combined with his sheer intelligence, talent and compassion makes him a force to be reckoned with.- Lindsay
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- Aekta A.
I’m not sure what your family law needs are, but I am sure that Coker, Robb & Cannon can help you. And if you’re looking for a divorce lawyer that won’t add to the stress and anxiety of the situation, then definitely go with Shelby Hart, I couldn’t be more grateful for how he helped me.
I reached out online, and they got back to me the same day. I think it was Rachel that reached out and interviewed me and after discussing my situation she paired me with Shelby, who was also a new parent, and that was amazing! I don’t know if this is standard practice, but it should be. It should also be mentioned that Rachel worked with me throughout the process: on my case as a paralegal, to help me schedule time and figure out documents, and she was incredibly kind, patient and thoughtful in every interaction.
Shelby was invaluable, in that he not only made me feel less stressed out about getting divorced, he also gave me advice on what the different outcomes would be depending on the path I chose. He helped me negotiate a decree that would not only be in the best interest of my child and myself, but one that would stand up in court. His advice kept me grounded, and he tailored his approach to my now ex-husband perfectly. That may not seem important on the surface, but when you are living with the person you are divorcing, it makes a huge difference in your day-to-day life and interactions with that person.
I was fully divorced within 3 months of contacting Coker, Rob & Cannon, and I plan on using them for my will and any other family law needs I may have in the future. Shelby, sincerely, I appreciate everything you did and cannot thank you enough.
When Does Child Support End in Texas?
A common question about child support is "Does child support automatically end at 18?" In Texas, child support ends when the child is emancipated, which happens automatically when the child turns 18 years old. In some rare cases, a child can be emancipated at a younger age, such as by getting a full-time job or joining the military.
Do you need legal counsel for a child support case? Reach out to our team for guidance! The team at Coker, Robb & Cannon has been delivering effective child support solutions to families for over 20 years. Our Denton child support lawyers are committed to helping you resolve your child support matter as promptly and as effectively as possible. We have offices in Denton, Frisco, and Fort Worth to better serve you. We offer financing to help with retainer fees. Click here to see your options.
Is Child Support Tax Deductible in Texas?
No, child support is not tax deductible because it is not considered income. If you are paying child support, then you will not be able to deduct those expenses from your taxes. While you can deduct items such as alimony and other costs related to the care of your child, child support is not considered income and cannot be taxed in that way.
If you are going through a divorce, are seeking to establish child support, or would like to request a review of your existing child support obligations, Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers can help. We've been working with clients across Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County since 1998.
Recommended Reading on Child Support Law:
- Child Support and Taxes
- How Can I Change a Child Support Order?
- How to Get an Up-to-Date Record of Your Texas Child Support Account
Call us today at (940) 293-2313 to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers?
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Video Consultations & Meetings Available
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Voted Best Family Law Firm & Best Law Firm in Denton County
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Working Hard to Achieve the Best Results Possible
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Deeply Committed to Listening & Helping You