Phone: 806-744-4000

1506 Main Street, Lubbock Texas

Child Support Basics

Child support in the State of Texas is determined by guidelines set forth in the Texas Family Code.  Usually the party who does not have custody of the child/children is the party obligated to pay child support. 

The party who does not have custody of the children is called a “noncustodial parent.”  Parties can agree on an amount that the noncustodial parent pays, even agreeing that no child support is paid.  In the absence of an agreement however, the court will apply the following guidelines in order to determine an appropriate amount for child support: 

1 child                                                20% of net resources

2 children                                           25% of net resources

3 children                                           30% of net resources

4 children                                           35% of net resources

5 children                                           40% of net resources

6 or more children                              Not less than 40% of net resources

Notwithstanding the above guidelines, a court can vary (up or down) from the guideline support and consider the following factors in deviating from guideline support:

1. Age of the child, the child’s needs and special expenses;
2. Parents financial ability, income, assets and resources;
3. Child care expenses;
4. Other child support expenses and custody care;
5. Any current alimony expenses;
6. Medical and health care expenses and insurance;
7. Educational expenses including college;
8. Employer benefits;
9. Debts or other financial obligations of parents;
10. Wage deductions;
11. Travel costs associated with child visitation;
12. Income or expenses relating to assets of parent; and
13. Automobile, mortgage or lease payments.

There are also special rules the court will consider where there is split child custody situation or a joint child custody household. There are also special rules if you have children from other relationships. 

A court can also modify child support if the noncustodial parent’s income has increased or decreased since the last child support order.

Child support, child custody and child visitation issues are complicated and emotional for all parties concerned.  Choosing an experienced and skilled family law attorney is extremely important because the choices you make now will affect you and your child for many years ahead. 

With, decades of family law experience and representing clients in Lubbock and surrounding South Plains counties on child custody and child support issues, the Lopez Law Firm stands by ready to assist you and your family.

We care about you and your family.  The Lopez Law Firm is here to explain the child support, child custody and child visitation process and answer your questions.  

We understand that child support, child custody and child visitation issues are very emotional and stressful for our clients.

Quick Tip:

All payments for Texas child support should go through the State Disbursement Unit.
The SDU is required by law to process payments within two days of receipt. Child support payments directed to the SDU should be mailed to the SDU address:
      Texas State Disbursement Unit
      P.O. Box 659791
      San Antonio, Texas 78265-9791Be sure to include:
Your 10-digit case number (OAG Number)
Your cause number
The noncustodial parent’s name
The custodial parent’s name
Still have questions? contact us.

Call 806-744-4000
Email: jaime@thelopezlawfirm.com

Other Types of Family Law we can help with:

• Marriage
• Divorce
• Separation
• Child Custody And Visitation
• Division Of Property And Debt
• Child Support during divorce
• Modification Of Child Support, Child Custody And Visitation after divorce
• Adoption
• Enforcement Of Orders
• Grandparent's Right
• Spousal Support And Alimony
• Paternity
• Termination of Parental Rights
• Mediation And Arbitration
• Collaborative Law
• Domestic Violence
• Protective Orders

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We cover all of Texas. Primary locations include Lubbock, Hale (Plainview), Floyd (Floydada), Crosby (Crosbyton), Garza (Post), Dawson (Lamesa), Terry (Brownfield), Hockley (Levelland), Lamb (Littlefield), Bailey (Muleshoe). We can also help with cases in Midland, Odessa, Abilene, Snyder, Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, San Antonio, Houston. We focus on providing help with family law (divorce, custody, child support), criminal defense (assault, controlled substance, theft, DWI, probation revocations), and personal injury cases.