If you are dealing with child support—whether you are the parent paying or receiving—it can feel overwhelming. Between the financial pressure, the legal forms, and figuring out how Texas law applies to your situation, it is a lot. That is where we come in. At Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, our child support lawyers in West Lake Hills, TX, help parents understand everything and confidently move forward.
If you are ready to talk it through with a legal team who gets it, reach out to our West Lake Hills child support attorneys today at (512) 957-3450 or contact us online.
How Child Support Works in Texas
In Texas, child support is all about making sure your child has what they need—regardless of which parent they live with. The law says it is the child’s right, not the parent’s. So when the court gets involved, it is trying to look out for the kid’s best interests.
The calculation can seem straightforward on the surface, but there are always details that complicate things. Rest assured, our team knows the ins and outs of Texas child support laws and how they apply in real life.
What Does Child Support Cover?
Many parents ask this upfront, and it is a good question. In Texas, child support usually covers:
- Everyday essentials such as food, clothing, and housing
- Health insurance and medical expenses
- School costs
- Childcare if both parents work
- Sometimes, extracurriculars or special needs
It does not necessarily cover everything a child needs but is meant to keep the child comfortable and safe. A child support attorney in West Lake Hills, TX, can help you understand precisely what is included in your case.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas?
Under Texas Family Code Section 154, courts typically begin with a standard formula to calculate child support. This formula is primarily based on the paying parent’s net income and the number of supported children. For example:
- 1 child = 20% of monthly net income
- 2 children = 25%
- 3 children = 30%
- 4 children = 35%
- 5 children = 40%
- 6 or more children = not less than 40%
But that is just the starting point. Other factors, including medical expenses, other kids from different relationships, or exceptional circumstances, can change the final number. A West Lake Hills child support lawyer can review the financials with you and make sure nothing is overlooked.
We have had cases where a parent’s income was inconsistent—for example, freelancers or business owners—and the court had to average income over time. We have also helped parents show why the guideline amount was not suitable for their situation. These situations are more common than you think.
How Does Custody Affect Child Support?
Here is where it gets a little tangled. Custody and support are different, but they affect each other.
If one parent has primary custody, the other usually pays support. But if you split time more evenly, the court might adjust how much is paid—or if it is paid at all. We help clients:
- Balance support with co-parenting schedules
- Make adjustments if custody changes
- Dealing with disagreements
When one parent is not following the schedule, it is not always a clean 50/50 situation. A custody and child support lawyer can help smooth the math and the emotions.
Child Support Agreements: Doing It Right the First Time
Some parents think they can just write something up and avoid going through the legal system. That might work in the short term, but if there is a disagreement or someone stops paying, an informal agreement will not help much.
Our child support agreement lawyers can help you:
- Put together a legally sound child support plan
- Make sure it works with your custody agreement
- Adjust it later if your family’s needs change
- Avoid vague language that causes issues later on
It is easier to have a clear plan from the start. The court is more likely to approve a stable and fair agreement.
What If the Other Parent Stops Paying?
Unfortunately, missed child support payments happen more often than they should. Sometimes, it’s because a parent lost their job—other times, it’s a deliberate choice to avoid responsibility. Either way, not paying child support is taken seriously in Texas, and legal options are available to help you recover what’s owed. If you’re the receiving parent and support payments have stopped, our team can enforce the order and get things moving again.
We can pursue several enforcement actions, including wage garnishment, license suspensions (namely a driver’s or hunting license), contempt of court proceedings, property liens, and even seizing tax refunds. In some situations, we can ask the court to tack on interest to the unpaid amount, which adds up faster than most expect.
Changing an Existing Child Support Order
People’s lives change. Maybe one parent gets a higher-paying job, or someone must cut back on hours. Maybe your child suddenly needs more medical care or tutoring. You might need to update your child support order for whatever reason.
Texas allows child support modifications when circumstances have changed materially and substantially.
We have worked with parents who:
- Lost their job and could not keep up with payments
- Started making a lot more, and the other parent wanted an increase
- Had a change in custody that shifted who should be paying
If that sounds like your situation, our child support modification lawyers can explain what is possible and help you gather the paperwork to support it.
Can You Get Back Child Support in Texas?
Yes. Retroactive child support is possible in certain situations. Usually, this happens when:
- No child support was ordered before, but one parent still owed it
- Paternity was just legally established
- A parent did not support the child for years, and now the other parent wants to catch up
Texas courts generally only go back four years, but if you can show the other parent purposely avoided their responsibility, it could go back further. Our firm’s paternity and child support lawyer can dig into the details and tell you what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions: Child Support in Texas
When it comes to child support in Texas, parents tend to have a lot of questions—and for good reason. This is not just a financial matter—it affects your child’s future, your peace of mind, and sometimes your ability to co-parent effectively. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from parents in West Lake Hills.
How long do I have to pay child support?
In most cases, until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school—whichever comes later. However, if your child has a disability that prevents them from becoming self-supporting, payments could continue indefinitely. A child support lawyer can walk you through what applies to your situation.
Can we agree on the amount of our child support?
Yes, but it is not as simple as just signing off on a number. The court must approve the agreement, which must be fair and serve the child’s best interest. If your proposed amount does not follow Texas guidelines, you will need a solid reason to back it up.
What happens if I lose my job and can’t pay?
Do not stop paying. Failure to do so can result in fines, license suspensions, and even jail time. File for a modification immediately and contact a child support attorney in West Lake Hills for help.
Can I still get child support if we were never married?
Yes—but legal paternity must be established first. After that, the court can issue a support order.
What if my ex is hiding income?
Legal tools to uncover hidden assets and income include subpoenas and forensic accountants.
Do you still have questions? Reach out to our team—we are here to help.
Why Smith & Bledsoe Family Law?
Because we get it. We know these situations are emotional, complicated, and overwhelming. And we also know how to help you move through them. At Smith & Bledsoe, we:
- Focus only on family law, so this is what we do all day, every day
- Know how to deal with local courts in West Lake Hills
- Do not make you feel like just another case number
- Break it all down in plain language
We have helped overwhelmed parents get well-defined child support orders in place. We have helped enforce unpaid support and helped people modify orders that no longer made sense. Whatever side you are on, we will work to get you where you need to be.
Ready to Talk to a Child Support Lawyer in West Lake Hills, TX?
Child support does not have to be a never-ending headache. Whether you are establishing a first-time order, updating one that no longer fits your life, or dealing with unpaid support, having the right legal support can make all the difference. At Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, we help parents in West Lake Hills navigate these situations with clarity and confidence. If you are facing child support questions or roadblocks, do not wait. Reach out to our team today—we will discuss your situation and help you figure out what makes sense for you and your child. Use Google Maps to find our office and see client testimonials.