While raising a child is a highly rewarding experience, it is also extremely expensive. Therefore, Texas law makes sure that each parent is required to share the financial burden, regardless of whether they are living together. If you or someone you love is navigating issues with child support, a dedicated Dallas child support lawyer from the Law Office of Michael P. Granata can work with you to make sure your arrangements are fair, accurate, and enforceable.
At the Law Office of Michael P. Granata, our local and empathetic team of legal professionals understands the economic challenges of raising a family in Dallas. We are eager to leverage our knowledge and understanding of the law to make sure your child gets the support they are entitled to.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Dallas?
In the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area, where the median household income is $86,860, and 13% of children under 18 live below the poverty line, child support plays a key role in making sure that children get access to housing, food, education, and health care they need.
In Texas, including Dallas County, child support is determined using a formula that takes into account the net monthly income of the paying parent, otherwise known as the obligor. Standard guideline percentages are as follows:
- 20% for one child
- 25% for two children
- 30% for three children
- 35% for four children
- 40% for five children
The maximum percentage of the net monthly income of a parent is 40%. The courts allow for deductions of Social Security, federal income tax, and the cost of health insurance for children when calculating what they determine to be net income. It’s important to note, however, that certain deductions like loan repayments and 401(K) contributions are not taken into account.
Should the obligor have financial obligations under the law to provide support for other children, these guidelines may be adjusted accordingly.
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What Happens if Child Support Isn’t Paid?
If child support is not paid, the consequences under Texas law can be serious. Penalties could include seizure of tax refunds, garnished wages, court fines, legal fees, suspension of a driver’s license, property liens, and even jail time. Even if the paying parent moves out of state or remarries, they are still required to pay child support.
Our dedicated and skilled law firm can assist you with enforcing child support orders by directly representing you in court and handling custody and divorce matters. A Dallas child support lawyer from our firm is eager to provide you with a personalized, innovative legal approach to ensure your child gets the support they deserve.
Why Legal Representation From the Law Office of Michael P. Granata Matters
With a per capita income of $45,000 and the cost of raising a child steadily increasing, it is essential to ensure an accurate and enforceable child support order. Whether you need support establishing a first-time order or need to modify an existing one, a Dallas child support lawyer from the Law Office of Michael P. Granata can help you right away. Call 214-977-9050 or fill out our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.
