When your child's financial future is on the line, you need clear answers and a lawyer who will fight for the right outcome. Whether you are establishing a new order, trying to modify an existing one, or struggling to collect payments the other parent refuses to make, understanding Texas child support law is the first step toward protecting your family.

Key Takeaways

Lopez Lawyers helps parents in Dallas, San Antonio, and across Texas handle every stage of child support - from initial orders to modifications and enforcement. David Lopez brings focused experience in family law to every case, so you always know where you stand.

• Texas child support is usually based on the noncustodial parent's net monthly income, using guideline percentages under the Texas Family Code, with room for judges to adjust based on additional factors like medical costs or special needs.

• Lopez Lawyers handles new child support cases, changes to existing child support orders, and enforcement when the other parent will not pay, with a focus on protecting the child's needs and the parent's rights.

• Parents in Dallas–Fort Worth, San Antonio, and surrounding counties can call (469) 399-0469 or message us online for a child support consultation.

• David Lopez's core practice areas are Divorce, Child Custody, Property Division, and Child Support - so clients can address all related family law issues with one firm.

• Child support obligations typically end when a child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever occurs later, but certain circumstances can extend or change that timeline.

Working With a Texas Child Support Lawyer to Protect Your Child

Texas child support laws exist to make sure minor children receive the financial support they need after parents separate or divorce. The system is designed to be fair, but the rules are detailed and the stakes are high. Without an experienced child support attorney, it is easy to agree to terms that hurt you or your child down the road.

A child support lawyer is essential for navigating complex cases involving high-asset income, self-employment, or disputes about what counts as income. Whether you are going through a divorce in Dallas County or Bexar County, need to establish child support because you and the other parent were never married, want to enforce unpaid support, or need to modify an old order that no longer fits current circumstances - professional legal guidance makes a real difference.

The goal is always to create a fair, realistic child support arrangement that covers basic needs like housing, food, clothing, health insurance, and childcare without crippling either parent financially. A qualified child support lawyer in Texas specializes in Texas family law and can help you pursue that balance.

If you are a parent in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Frisco, San Antonio, New Braunfels, or nearby areas, call (469) 399-0469 now for a consultation about your child support issue. You can also reach Lopez Lawyers quickly by sending a confidential message through our online contact page. Evening or flexible consultations may be available.

Our Commitment to Texas Families – Focus on Dallas & San Antonio

Lopez Lawyers is a Texas-based family law office with offices in both Dallas and San Antonio, representing clients throughout the state. The firm was built around four interconnected practice areas: Divorce, Child Custody, Property Division, and Child Support. Having all four under one roof means that when your divorce involves a dispute over both property division and child support, you do not need to coordinate between separate firms.

The firm prioritizes families in Dallas–Fort Worth (including Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and Dallas Counties) and San Antonio and surrounding counties (such as Bexar, Comal, and Guadalupe), while still serving clients statewide. Local attorneys understand local rules and procedures, and familiarity with local courts benefits child support cases in meaningful ways - from knowing which judges expect specific evidence for deviations to understanding how quickly enforcement motions move through a particular court.

Lopez Lawyers' approach blends compassionate guidance - listening, explaining legal options in clear language - with assertive courtroom advocacy when negotiations fail. Child support attorneys should possess strong negotiation and litigation skills, and that is exactly what David Lopez brings to every case.

Call (469) 399-0469 or contact us via our online form to talk with a child support lawyer about your specific Texas county and court.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas?

Texas uses child support guidelines set out in the Texas Family Code, based primarily on the non-custodial parent's net monthly resources and the number of children. The non-custodial parent pays child support in Texas, and the amount is calculated based on the non-custodial parent's income after specific deductions.

Gross income vs. net resources: Texas uses net monthly income to calculate child support obligations. Net resources are calculated after deducting Social Security taxes, federal income tax (figured as a single person filing with one exemption and standard deduction), the cost of health insurance for the child, and certain union dues or mandatory retirement contributions.

Here are the guideline percentages courts apply to calculate child support:

Number of Children	Percentage of Net Resources
1 child	20%
2 children	25%
3 children	30%
4 children	35%
5 or more children	40% or more

Child support is 20% of net income for one child, and support increases by 5% for each additional child. Guidelines apply to net resources up to $11,700 monthly. If the obligor's net resources exceed that cap, the court can order more money only if the custodial parent presents evidence of additional needs.

Income used in child support calculations can include salary, overtime, self-employment income, bonuses, commissions, rental income, and in some cases unemployment benefits and retirement benefits. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not counted as part of net resources.

Judges can deviate from the texas guidelines if additional factors show that the guideline amount is unfair. A child support lawyer reviews income and deductions to ensure compliance with texas law and can present evidence to support a higher or lower amount of child support.

Key Terms: Custodial Parent, Noncustodial Parent, and Conservatorship

Texas uses its own terminology. Instead of "legal custody," Texas courts use "conservatorship." Instead of "custody" and "visitation," you will hear terms like "primary conservator" and "possession and access."

• The custodial parent (or primary joint managing conservator) is the parent with whom the child lives most of the time. The custodial parent receives child support payments.

• The noncustodial parent (or possessory conservator) is the parent who has court-ordered time with the child but does not have the child the majority of the time, and who usually pays child support.

Child custody (conservatorship and possession) and child support are related but separate legal issues. A parent cannot legally block visitation rights just because the other parent is behind on child support payments. Similarly, a parent cannot refuse to pay child support because the other parent is interfering with their visitation or possession time. These issues must be addressed through the courts.

Example: In a typical Dallas divorce case, one parent is named primary joint managing conservator, and the other parent receives a Standard Possession Order with visitation on the first, third, and fifth weekends and certain holidays. The parent with less time pays child support based on the guidelines. In a San Antonio case with the same setup, the framework is identical - the amount depends on the noncustodial parent's net resources, not on the county.

How Long Does Child Support Last in Texas?

In most Texas cases, child support ends when the child turns 18 years old or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. The child must be enrolled on a full-time basis in an accredited secondary school program for support to extend past the 18th birthday.

If a child has a disability that existed before age 18 and will not be able to support themselves, the court can order child support to continue indefinitely into adulthood. These cases require careful planning and may involve special needs trusts or other long-term financial arrangements.

Unpaid back child support (arrears) must still be paid even after the child turns 18 or parental rights are later terminated. Interest can accrue on unpaid amounts, and enforcement tools remain available to collect what is owed.

Example: A Dallas County parent ordered to pay support for a child who turns 18 in May but does not graduate until June will continue paying through graduation. In Bexar County, a parent whose adult child has a qualifying disability may pay support well beyond 18, and should discuss the specifics with a child support attorney.

Consult a child support lawyer at Lopez Lawyers to understand how long child support may apply in your specific situation.

What Counts as "Net Resources" for Child Support?

Under texas law, "net resources" is the income figure used to calculate child support payments after specific mandatory deductions. Texas uses net monthly income for child support calculations, not gross pay.

Typical income sources include:

• Wages, salary, and overtime

• Commissions and bonuses

• Self-employment income

• Rental income

• Certain government benefits (like Social Security Disability Income)

• Income from part-time jobs

• Unemployment benefits

Common deductions to arrive at net resources:

• Social Security taxes

• Federal income tax (single filer, standard deduction, one personal exemption)

• Mandatory union dues

• Cost of health and dental insurance for the child, if paid by the obligor

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is excluded from net resources. This matters in cases where a low-income or disabled obligor's only income is SSI - in those situations, the court cannot count that income toward child support.

Example: A Dallas noncustodial parent earns $6,000 per month gross. After deducting Social Security taxes (~$459), estimated federal income tax (~$450), and $200 for the child's health insurance premium, net resources come to roughly $4,891. For one child, 20% of that equals about $978 per month in guideline child support.

Common Additional Factors That Can Change Guideline Child Support

Judges may deviate from guideline child support when additional factors show that the guideline amount is not in the child's best interest. The guideline amount is presumptive, not mandatory.

Common additional factors include:

• High medical support or therapy costs for the child

• Special education needs or tutoring expenses

• Extraordinary travel expenses for visitation between cities

• Very high or very low incomes

• Other children the obligor supports in different households

• Excessive childcare costs in major metros like Dallas and San Antonio

Parents in Dallas and San Antonio might face higher childcare or housing costs that a judge can consider when deciding whether to stick with guideline child support. Lopez Lawyers can gather and present evidence - medical bills, school records, financial statements - to argue for an upward or downward deviation when appropriate.

A skilled child support lawyer can often negotiate a fair agreement based on these factors before a court hearing, saving both parties time and stress.

What If the Other Parent Has Children in Another Household?

Texas child support guidelines adjust for obligors who have a legal duty to support additional children in more than one household. The guideline percentage for the current case is typically reduced when the noncustodial parent is already supporting other minor children, whether by court order or by legal duty to children living with them.

The Texas Family Code's "multiple family" adjustments use a sliding scale. For example, if an obligor already pays support for one child from a prior relationship and is now going through a new custody and support case in San Antonio, the percentage for the new child may drop from 20% to approximately 17.5%. The exact numbers depend on how many children are in each household.

These calculations can get complicated fast. Professional calculations matter because missing even one prior obligation can lead to overpayment or avoidable conflict.

If you have multiple-family child support disputes, call (469) 399-0469 or contact Lopez Lawyers online to review your exact numbers.

Can Child Support Be Changed? Texas Modification Options

Child support orders are not automatically adjusted with every life change. Parents must usually file a formal modification to change the amount, and a court must approve any child support modification request.

Common reasons the court may consider a modification include:

• A significant change in income (job loss, promotion, business downturn)

• A new child in another relationship

• Major changes in the child's medical or education needs

• Changes in custody or possession schedules

• Incarceration of the obligor for 180 days or more

Texas allows modifications if income changes by 20% or $100, whichever is greater, between the current order and a new guideline calculation. Modifications can also be requested three years after the original order, as long as the recalculated guideline amount differs by at least that threshold. Child support modifications may be necessary after significant life changes, and private attorneys are crucial for modifying child support orders when significant changes occur.

Lopez Lawyers represents both paying and receiving parents in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Bexar, and surrounding counties who want to seek or contest a child support modification.

Ready to find out if your order qualifies for a change? Call (469) 399-0469 or use our online message form to schedule a review of your existing child support order.

Enforcing a Texas Child Support Order When Payments Stop

Missed child support payments can create immediate stress over rent, groceries, and childcare - especially for a single parent relying on those payments to provide financial support for the child. If you are not receiving what the court order requires, you have legal options.

Failure to pay court-ordered child support is a serious matter in Texas. Enforcement proceedings can be initiated if the other parent fails to pay child support, and texas courts have strong tools available:

• Wage garnishment - Texas law allows wage garnishment for unpaid child support, deducting payments directly from the obligor's paycheck

• Tax refund interception - federal and state refunds can be redirected to cover arrears

• Property liens - a court can impose property liens for child support nonpayment

• License suspension - driver's licenses, professional license, and occupational licenses can be suspended for failure to pay child support

• Contempt of court - in severe cases, civil or criminal contempt may result in fines or jail time

Legal actions can be pursued for unpaid child support, including wage withholding, even if the Office of the Attorney General's child support division is involved or slow to act. Parents can file enforcement actions through the Office of the Attorney General, but a private attorney like Lopez Lawyers can often move faster and apply more pressure.

If you have not received full child support payments in Dallas, San Antonio, or nearby areas, contact Lopez Lawyers at (469) 399-0469 to discuss your enforcement options and protect your children's financial stability.

What If the Paying Parent Is Unemployed, Underemployed, or Incarcerated?

Texas courts do not automatically eliminate child support obligations just because the obligor is unemployed or earning less than they could. Child support obligations continue even if the obligor is incarcerated - with limited exceptions.

Judges can base child support on at least minimum wage or on the parent's earning potential if they believe a person is intentionally unemployed or underemployed to avoid paying support. Courts look at work history, education, skills, and the local job market to determine what the obligor could reasonably earn.

When a parent is incarcerated for an extended period (at least 180 days), Texas law may allow for review or adjustment of support, except in certain circumstances such as incarceration for nonpayment of child support or specific family-violence offenses.

Lopez Lawyers can assist both paying and receiving parents in these complicated situations - filing for modification when a genuine job loss occurs or challenging attempts to avoid payment.

Example: A Bexar County parent loses their job due to a company-wide layoff. Their income drops from $5,000 to $1,200 per month in unemployment benefits. They file for modification, and the court recalculates child support based on the new, lower net resources. The child's needs are still considered, and the court may set a temporary order until the parent finds comparable employment.

Child Support, Child Custody, and Visitation – How They Fit Together

Texas courts usually decide child custody (conservatorship and possession), child support, and sometimes medical support and dental support within the same family law case. These issues are interconnected but legally distinct.

Child support is about financial responsibility. Child custody and visitation focus on where the child lives and how much time each parent spends with the child. One parent cannot legally withhold possession or access to the child because the other parent is behind on support. These disputes must be addressed through the courts, not through self-help actions.

David Lopez's combined experience in Divorce, Child Custody, Property Division, and Child Support allows Lopez Lawyers to craft comprehensive parenting plans that coordinate support amounts with practical possession schedules. The parent child relationship is central to every decision the court makes.

Example: In a Collin County case with a 50/50 time-sharing arrangement, one parent earns $9,000 per month and the other earns $3,500. Despite equal parenting time, the higher-earning parent may still owe child support because the income disparity means the child would have a significantly different lifestyle in each home without support to balance things out. This is one reason parents with equal time should still discuss child support arrangements with a lawyer.

How Lopez Lawyers Handles Child Support Cases Step by Step

From the first phone call through the final order, Lopez Lawyers prioritizes communication and transparency so you always know what to expect.

1. Initial Consultation: We gather basic facts - your county, any existing orders, income levels, number of children - and identify your goals. Do you need to establish child support, modify an existing order, or enforce one? We explain likely legal options and realistic timelines.

2. Investigation & Preparation: We collect pay stubs, tax returns, medical and childcare receipts, and any existing child support orders. We then calculate potential guideline support under texas child support guidelines to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

3. Negotiation & Mediation: Where appropriate, we try to reach an agreed child support order or modification that both parties can accept. This avoids lengthy contested hearings, saves money, and often produces outcomes both parents can live with.

4. Courtroom Advocacy: When negotiation fails, we present testimony, financial evidence, and legal arguments to the judge in Dallas County, Bexar County, or other Texas courts to secure a fair court order.

Child support lawyers provide tailored advice and representation in court at every stage, and our process is designed to give you confidence from start to finish.

Why Work With a Private Texas Child Support Lawyer Instead of Only the OAG?

The Texas Attorney General's Office (OAG) Child Support Division can establish child support and enforce orders, but the Texas Attorney General's Office does not represent individuals in child support cases. OAG attorneys represent the state's interest in collecting support - not your personal interests as a parent.

A private child support attorney like David Lopez owes duties specifically to their client. A private attorney can provide personal advocacy in child support matters, spend more time understanding your situation, and push harder for results tailored to your family. Public resources may suffice for simple child support cases, but private lawyers are needed for complex issues - self-employment, multiple families, high incomes, special needs children, establishing paternity, or disputes about retroactive child support.

Lopez Lawyers can move faster in some cases, pursue detailed discovery on income, and request modifications or enforcement actions even when OAG caseloads cause delays.

If you feel your concerns are not being fully addressed through the OAG alone, call (469) 399-0469 or reach out via our online contact form to discuss your case with a private lawyer who works for you.

Preparing for Your Child Support Consultation

Bringing the right documents to your first meeting helps the lawyer estimate child support and recommend strategies more accurately. Here is what we recommend:

• Recent pay stubs (at least 3 months)

• Last 2 years of federal tax returns

• Proof of other income (rental income, side business, social security income, etc.)

• Proof of health insurance costs for the child

• Childcare invoices or receipts

• Any existing court orders or divorce decree

• OAG correspondence, if applicable

Write down your main questions in advance. Examples include: "How much child support could I pay or receive?" "Can child support be changed in my case?" "How does my parenting time schedule affect support?"

If you cannot gather everything before the first meeting, Lopez Lawyers can still start with what you have and help you identify the rest. Establishing paternity is essential for initial child support orders if the parents were never married, so bring any relevant documents about paternity as well.

Schedule your consultation by calling (469) 399-0469 or using our secure web form. Be sure to mention any upcoming court dates or deadlines.

Serving Dallas, San Antonio, and Communities Across Texas

Lopez Lawyers maintains offices in both Dallas and San Antonio to make in-person meetings easier for clients across Texas. The firm regularly appears in courts across Dallas–Fort Worth (Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton counties) and the greater San Antonio area (Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, and nearby counties), and can handle cases elsewhere in Texas as needed.

Phone and video consultations are available for clients who live outside the metro areas or have demanding schedules. You still receive Texas-specific legal advice tailored to your county and court.

The firm has experience navigating the local rules and tendencies of various Texas family courts, which can impact how child support disputes are handled in practice. Whether your case is in downtown Dallas or a rural county outside San Antonio, Lopez Lawyers can help.

Call (469) 399-0469 or contact Lopez Lawyers online for help with any Texas child support question.

Why Choose Lopez Lawyers for Your Texas Child Support Case?

Lopez Lawyers brings focused experience in child support, child custody, divorce, and property division - four interconnected practice areas that help clients resolve entire family law disputes in one place. When your child support case overlaps with custody or property issues, having one firm that understands every angle saves time, reduces costs, and protects your interests.

Key advantages include:

• Deep understanding of texas child support guidelines and the Texas Family Code

• Hands-on experience in Dallas and San Antonio family courts

• Personalized strategies based on your income, family structure, and goals

• Clear communication at every step - no surprises

• A balance of negotiation skills and courtroom toughness

The firm focuses on practical, cost-effective solutions, including pursuing agreed orders or mediation when possible to avoid unnecessary legal expenses and delays. Lopez Lawyers aims to keep clients informed about timelines, expected outcomes, and potential risks throughout the process.

Call (469) 399-0469 today or send a message through our online contact page to schedule a consultation about your Texas child support matter.

Schedule a Texas Child Support Consultation

Do not wait if you believe current or potential child support orders are unfair, unmanageable, or not meeting your child's needs. Early legal guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes, missed deadlines, or agreements that are difficult to modify later - especially when signing child support orders as part of a divorce or custody settlement.

Call Lopez Lawyers at (469) 399-0469 to speak with someone about scheduling a child support consultation in Dallas or San Antonio.

If you prefer online communication, send a confidential message through our secure contact form, mentioning your county and any upcoming court dates.

Whether you need to establish support, change an old order, or enforce missed payments, Lopez Lawyers is ready to help you understand your legal options under Texas law.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Child Support

Can we make our own child support agreement without going to court?

Parents can agree on a new child support amount, but those terms must be submitted to a Texas court and signed by a judge to become an enforceable child support order. The judge must find the agreement to be in the best interest of the child and consistent with texas child support guidelines - or supported by valid reasons to deviate. Parents can agree on a new child support amount, subject to court approval. Lopez Lawyers can review any proposed agreement before it is signed to help avoid unfair terms or future modification problems. Contact us online or call (469) 399-0469 for guidance.

Do I still have to pay child support if we have 50/50 custody?

Even with equal time-sharing (50/50 possession), Texas courts may still order child support when one parent earns significantly more money than the other. In equal-time child support arrangements, judges focus on balancing the child's lifestyle and ensuring both homes can meet the child's needs rather than automatically eliminating support. If you have or are seeking a 50/50 schedule in Dallas or San Antonio, talk with Lopez Lawyers to estimate possible child support scenarios based on both parents' incomes.

Can child support cover college or trade school in Texas?

Texas law generally does not require child support to continue past age 18 or high school graduation for college or trade school. However, parents can voluntarily agree to pay for college expenses in a divorce decree or settlement. These agreements can include contributions to tuition, books, or housing and can be included in a court-approved order. Discuss these options with Lopez Lawyers during divorce or modification negotiations so expectations are clear and enforceable. Clients should also consult an attorney to understand tax and financial implications of different college-support arrangements.

What happens if my income goes up and I don't report it?

Child support orders remain in effect until they are modified by a court. The other parent can seek a modification - and possibly retroactive child support - if they later discover a substantial change in your income. Failing to disclose higher income in court can damage your credibility and may result in an order adjusting payments and addressing any underpayment. Parents whose income has changed should be proactive and consult Lopez Lawyers about whether to seek a modification instead of waiting for the other parent or the attorney general to take enforcement steps.

Can grandparents or other relatives be involved in child support cases?

Child support in Texas usually involves the child's legal parents, but grandparents or other relatives who have custody or are caring for the child can sometimes be designated to receive child support payments. Relatives may also be involved in conservatorship cases, and support orders can direct payments to whomever the court names as the child's primary conservator. Grandparents or relatives caring for children in Dallas, San Antonio, or elsewhere in Texas should contact Lopez Lawyers at (469) 399-0469 or through our contact page to explore whether they can obtain a child support order.