Navigating child support issues can feel overwhelming, especially when your child’s well-being and financial future are on the line. At Melone Hatley, P.C., our mission is to protect your child’s stability while safeguarding your parental rights. Whether you are trying to establish support, seek a modification, or enforce an existing support order, our experienced Laredo child support attorneys are here to help.
Why Child Support Matters
Child support is a legal obligation that both parents share in the everyday costs of raising their child, even if they no longer live together.
At its core, child support ensures both parents shoulder the financial responsibilities toward their child. Research shows that reliable support improves housing security, nutrition, and educational outcomes while reducing child poverty rates. Texas law recognizes the importance of these contributions, and its public program aims to ensure that every child receives the support they need to succeed in life.
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Texas Child Support Guidelines
Texas uses a straightforward formula to calculate child support based on a percentage of the paying parent’s monthly “net resources.” These guidelines were designed to provide consistency and fairness across the board, while still giving courts discretion in unique situations.
These net resources include:
- Wages and salaries, including bonuses and commissions
- Self-employment income
- Rental income, dividends, and interest
- Unemployment benefits and certain disability or retirement benefits
Certain deductions may be taken from gross income before applying the guidelines formula. These include:
- Federal income tax (calculated at a single-person rate)
- Social Security taxes
- Union dues
- The cost of health and dental insurance for the child
As of 2025, guideline support is calculated using the following percentages:
- 1 child – 20% of net resources
- 2 children – 25% of net resources
- 3 children – 30% of net resources
- 4 children – 35% of net resource
- 5 or more children – 40% of net resources
This percentage is applied to the first $9,200 of monthly net resources.
These guidelines provide a helpful starting point, but judges have the discretion to adjust the final figure if circumstances warrant it, considering the special needs of the child, educational expenses, visitation travel costs, or other financial resources available to the child.
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Temporary Child Support
When a divorce or custody case is pending, families can face a gap in financial stability. Temporary child support helps bridge that gap by ensuring a child’s basic needs are met as the legal proceedings unfold. Either parent can request temporary support by filing a motion with the court.
Temporary child support is calculated using the same guidelines as those used for permanent orders. Texas courts typically schedule hearings for temporary orders quickly to minimize disruption to the child’s well-being, and support remains in effect until a final order is issued, or the court modifies the temporary order.
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Can Existing Child Support Orders Be Changed?
Life rarely stays the same, and neither do the needs of children or the finances of parents. Because of this, Texas courts allow support orders to be modified, but only under certain conditions:
The Three-Year Rule
- At least three years have passed since the existing order was issued or last changed
- The difference between the existing amount and what the guideline would currently require is $100 or 20%.
A Material and Substantial Change
This includes significant changes in circumstances, including
- A parent’s job loss or significant raise
- A change in custody or parenting time
- New medical needs or an increase in the cost of living
- The birth of another child to either parent
Child support orders are not set in stone. As families grow and circumstances change, the law provides a fair path to revisit support and adjust orders to better reflect the family’s new realities.
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When Does Child Support End in Texas?
Child support obligations don’t last forever. In Texas, child support obligations end when
- The child turns 18 years old or graduates from high school, whichever comes later
- The child is emancipated by marriage or court order
- The child passes away
Texas law does allow for extended child support in certain situations. For example, if a child has physical or mental special needs that prevent them from becoming self-supporting, the court may order one or both parents to continue providing financial assistance indefinitely.
How is Child Support Enforced in Texas?
When the paying parent fails to comply with support orders, it can cause serious financial hardship for the receiving household and harm the child’s financial stability. Consequently, Texas offers strong tools for child support enforcement, including:
- Wage garnishment
- Suspension of licenses, including driver’s, professional, hunting, and fishing licenses
- Seizure of tax refunds or state lottery winnings
- Liens on bank accounts and property
- Passport denials when arrears reach $2,500
- Contempt of court charges, which can result in fines, court costs, or even jail time in extreme cases
Getting the Guidance of an Experienced Laredo Child Support Attorney
Child support is one of the most important aspects of ensuring a child’s long-term stability after a separation or divorce. Understanding your rights and obligations is essential.
At Melone Hatley, P.C., we are committed to helping parents protect the financial stability of what matters most – their children. If you have questions about a child support matter in Laredo, call us at 956-691-0005 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation with one of our Client Services Coordinators.
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