YOUR CHILD SUPPORT, OUR PRIORITY
Child support payments are made from the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent, for the specific purpose of caring for the needs and well-being of the child that they had when a couple. Having been married is not required to be obligated or entitled to a child support payment.
While most parents have no problem paying child support if they know it will help the children, suspicions may arise—particularly in bitter breakups. Our mission at Davis, Ermis & Roberts, P.C. is to ensure a fair and reasonable outcome for our clients on these matters.
WHY CHILD SUPPORT IS NECESSARY
As a custodial parent, you’re responsible for most of the child’s physical and emotional needs. You’re with them at every moment of the day or night. You see them at their worst, and stand alongside them at their best. When they’re sick, you’re the one who takes off work. When there are unplanned emergency expenses, you usually must spring for them.
Factors like these affect the earning power of the custodial parent, and add to the overall stress level that parent faces. Child support helps navigate these issues for both the parent and child.
HOW IT’S VIEWED IN TEXAS
The state of Texas takes a parent’s responsibility to contribute to their child’s well-being very seriously. The Lone Star State uses a rare “percentage of income” model to help calculate what the non-custodial parent will pay in child support. It usually begins at around 25% for a single child, and goes up gradually for any additional children.
Using the one-child example, a parent of one earning $5,000 per month in net income (after taxes) would have to pay $1,250 in monthly child support payments.
That may not seem fair, but when you consider that a child’s expenses are usually 25% of a household budget, the custodial parent is most likely contributing the same. Additionally, if the contributions aren’t exactly equal, it means there may be time or educational factors that keep the spouse from earning enough to pay more.
IF YOU FAIL TO PAY
Unfortunately, for many children, a non-custodial parent may either refuse to pay or simply cannot afford to. As a result, payments can be irregular or nonexistent, creating a financial hardship—and more stress—on a child who is already trying to adjust to not having their other parent around.
Failing to pay also can create problems for the non-custodial parent, who can expect additional monetary damages and, in some cases, jail time. Typically, a court will not send you to jail if you’re behind on a payment or two—but it is possible.
At Davis, Ermis & Roberts, P.C., we work hard to ensure payments are fair and equitable. This reduces the likelihood of hiccups, and it ensures the child’s needs are taken care of long-term; and if you can’t afford payments due to a life change or something unexpected, we can help with…
MODIFYING A CHILD SUPPORT ORDER
Paying too much? We have experience with modifying an order that has become too burdensome. Davis, Ermis & Roberts, P.C. does this by showing all financial obligations against post-tax dollars. Not getting the money your child is owed? We can help you present that to a court of law, and we will even fight for retroactive child support if your ex is underreporting earnings.
GETTING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
To avoid any nasty surprises—whether as a custodial or non-custodial parent—it’s important you are honest, open, and upfront. At Davis, Ermis & Roberts, P.C., we work hard to ensure fairness, regardless if we’re representing the side of childcare expenses or child support. Contact us today to learn how we can help you receive the child support outcome your child deserves.