Raising a child is a shared responsibility, even after a divorce or separation. One of the most important legal tools to protect your child’s well-being is child support. These payments help ensure your child’s basic needs, such as food, shelter, education, and healthcare, are met consistently and fairly.
But understanding how child support works in Texas can be challenging, especially when your family is already going through emotional changes. Whether you’re seeking to establish, modify, or enforce a support order, the right legal support can help you protect your rights while doing what’s best for your child.
Why Child Support Matters
Child support provides essential resources to help cover a child’s daily needs — food, clothing, housing, school expenses, and healthcare. After a divorce or separation, it ensures that both parents continue to contribute financially, even if one isn’t the primary caregiver.
But not every case is simple. Conflicts may arise when one parent refuses to pay, disputes the amount owed, or experiences a change in income. In other situations, a parent might seek more support due to the growing needs of the child. Whatever the case may be, these situations require experienced legal help.
That’s why many families choose to work with a skilled Austin divorce lawyer who understands how child support fits within the broader context of divorce, custody, and property matters. An integrated legal strategy can help protect your rights and simplify the process.
Your Rights Under Texas Child Support Laws
Both custodial and noncustodial parents have rights under Texas child support laws. For the custodial parent, receiving timely and full payments helps provide a stable life for the child. For the noncustodial parent, it’s important to ensure that payments are fair and based on accurate financial information.
The state of Texas uses a formula that considers the paying parent’s net income and the number of children. However, issues such as undisclosed income, unemployment, or underemployment can complicate matters. A skilled attorney can help you file accurate documentation, present evidence to the court, and advocate for a fair support arrangement.
Understanding your rights under Texas child support laws also includes knowing when and how to request modifications if circumstances change, such as a job loss or a significant increase in income for either parent.
Modifying and Enforcing Child Support
Life circumstances can change quickly. A child support order that was fair two years ago may no longer be appropriate today. If you’ve experienced a major change in income, gained or lost custody, or if your child now has new medical or educational needs, you may be eligible to request a modification.
If a parent isn’t following a support order, such as missing payments, it’s a problem. You have the right to go to court and enforce the order. This may include wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension, or even legal penalties.
Our team is here to help you take the necessary legal steps to either update your order or hold the other party accountable. Don’t wait until the situation becomes more difficult — contact us to protect your child’s well-being and your legal rights.
Why Choose Sanchez & Flores, Attorneys at Law
At Sanchez & Flores, we focus on providing practical, compassionate legal solutions tailored to your family’s needs. With years of experience in family law, we know that no two cases are alike. That’s why we take the time to listen to your concerns, assess your situation, and create a legal strategy that fits your goals.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
- Honest, straightforward legal advice so you understand every step of the process
- Thorough attention to detail in gathering financial records, filing motions, and presenting your case
- Strong courtroom advocacy when negotiation isn’t enough
- Comprehensive support in related areas such as divorce, custody, modifications, and enforcement
We represent parents, guardians, and caregivers across Austin and surrounding areas who are committed to doing what’s best for their children. We’re proud to serve individuals from all backgrounds and are especially sensitive to the challenges families face when legal issues overlap with immigration or criminal law matters.
Start Building a Stronger Future for Your Family
Child support decisions can have a long-term impact on your child’s life—and on your family’s financial health. Don’t leave those decisions to chance. Whether you need to establish support, enforce an order, or request a modification, the experienced attorneys at Sanchez & Flores, Attorneys at Law are here to help. We’re committed to protecting your rights and ensuring your child receives the support they deserve. Let us be your legal partner during this critical time.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.