The process of trying to establish and collect child support can be trying and frustrating. This is why it’s important to speak with a Texas family law lawyer if you have any questions about how child support in Texas is handled. When providing information, lawyers will often refer clients to the Attorney General’s office to begin the using child support services.
Applying for Child Support Services
In Texas, the Child Support Division in the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) helps parents obtain child support. Their goal is to encourage parent negotiation and establish a reasonable child support order to provide each child with the support he or she needs. If an agreement cannot be reached, an attorney in family court will help devise a plan.
The OAG provides several helpful services such as:
- paternity testing;
- locating absentee parents;
- establishing court orders for child support; and
- enforcing child support orders.
For parents, both custodial and non-custodial, that want to open a case, you can start by requesting information from lawyers with experience in child support law. The OAG provides several ways to begin the application process.
To apply for services to receive child support in Texas, you can:
- use the Office of the Attorney General’s interactive and apply online;
- call 1-800-252-8014 to request an application; or
- visit a local office, such as the Dallas Northeast Unit at 10260 N Central Expressway.
After your case has been opened, they will schedule a conference at the office between you and your spouse, geared toward reaching a negotiation. If a reasonable agreement can’t be reached, an attorney in family court will have to assist the case. If you have questions regarding your child support case, or need legal counsel, contact a Texas family law lawyer before signing any legal documents you’re unclear about.
Calculating Child Support Payments
When requesting information from lawyers about child support in Texas, one of the first things you’ll want to know is exactly how much support you’re entitled to receive.
In Texas, child support payments are based on your net income as follows:
- 1 child – 20 percent of noncustodial parent’s net income;
- 2 children – 25 percent of noncustodial parent’s net income;
- 3 children – 30 percent of noncustodial parent’s net income;
- 4 children – 35 percent of noncustodial parent’s net income; and
- 5+ children – 40 percent of noncustodial parent’s net income.
It’s important to note that unemployment doesn’t exclude parents from paying child support. If your ex isn’t paying the child support that he was legally ordered to pay, you’ll need to contact your Texas family law lawyer, as well as the Child Support Division in the OAG.
Receiving Payments for Child Support in Texas
With some cases, if there’s already an established court order, the payments will begin quite quickly. In more complicated situations, where there’s:
- an absent parent;
- the need to first establish paternity; or
- the case goes to an attorney in family court, it may take longer to begin payments.
When court orders have been established, the paying parent can make payments in the following ways:
- paycheck – the simplest way to make child support payments is to have the employer take it directly out of the paying parent’s paycheck and send it to the State Disbursement Unit (SDU);
- mail – payments can be mailed to the SDU at PO Box 659791, San Antonio, TX 78265-9761; or
- online – payments can also be handled online through ExpertPay or E-ChildsPay.com.
Lawyers who are familiar with child support cases will be able to answer all your questions and help you find the resources you’re looking for. For questions specific to your case, it’s best to consult with a Texas family law lawyer who’ll be able to assess your unique circumstances and point you in the right direction.
Contacting a Texas Family Law Lawyer
The attorneys at Warren & Migliaccio have years of experience, and we’ll use that training to provide you peace of mind for the future, whatever the circumstances for your divorce or family law situation. From the initial consultation until the day your divorce is finalized, our Texas family law lawyer team at Warren & Migliaccio is here to advocate on behalf of you and your children.Contact our Dallas law firm today at 1-888-584-9614.