Even in the midst of a divorce or separation, parents have the responsibility to provide for the financial needs of their children. As a way to ensure that the children’s needs are being met by both parents, the court will usually order the noncustodial parent, or parent who spends less time with the child, to pay some form of child support. Hiring a Dallas child support lawyer helps ensure that the financial interests of both you and your children are adequately protected.
Why Choose Our Dallas Child Support Lawyers?
At the Law Offices of Lisa G. Garza, P.C., our Dallas family lawyers can assist with any child support matter, whether it is one involving a pending divorce, paternity case, or an issue that has arisen after a court order has been established.
Our head attorney Lisa G. Garza, who is Board Certified in family law, offers her extensive expertise and profound knowledge of the complexities inherent in these sensitive cases. She can ensure that your specific needs are conveyed to the court.
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“Lisa is highly knowledgable about the law and very attentive to details. Her attention to details is second to none. She shows compassion to your needs and tells you exactly the way it is without embellishment to the facts. A straight shooter and hard worker! I would highly recommend Lisa to anyone out there.”
-Jim
What Are Child Support Basics in Texas?
The state of Texas expects parents to financially provide for their children until those children turn 18 or graduate from high school. To facilitate the matter of financial support, the state provides child support guidelines to be used for the calculation of support payments that a divorced or unmarried parent is expected to pay. The calculation takes into consideration several factors that are used to produce a monthly payment amount.
Factors Involved in Child Support Payments
- Parental net income after deductions have been applied, such as taxes, union dues, or health insurance premiums
- The number of children being supported
- The number of children from previous relationships that are being supported
The courts presume that the calculation of child support payments per a mechanical application of the guidelines will result in a payment that is fair and reasonable. However, this may not always be the case, and the courts have the authority to adjust payments depending on the circumstances of the case.
The courts will look at many factors when deviations from the calculated payment are on the table. This can include how much time the child spends with each parent, parental ability to pay, the age and needs of the child and if special needs exist, whether spousal maintenance is a factor for either parent, whether a parent is paying for a child’s college education, the financial resources of the custodial parent, and more. When the court is asked to deviate from the amount calculated by the guidelines, it must back up its decision in writing.
The Importance of Hiring a Local Dallas Child Support Attorney
Hiring a child support attorney in Dallas can be crucial for several reasons:
- Knowledge of Local Laws: Laws regarding child support can vary significantly from state to state or even within different counties. A local attorney will be familiar with the specific laws and regulations in your area, ensuring that your case is handled correctly.
- Familiarity with Local Courts: Local attorneys are likely to have experience working with the judges and court staff in your area. This can be beneficial in understanding the nuances of how cases are typically handled and how to best present your case.
- Accessibility: A local attorney is more accessible for meetings, consultations, and court appearances. This can be important for timely communication and updates on your case.
- Understanding of Local Practices: Every court system has its own practices and procedures. A local attorney will know how things work in your area, which can help navigate the legal process more efficiently.
- Personalized Attention: Local attorneys often provide more personalized attention to your case, as they are typically handling fewer cases than larger, national firms. This can lead to a more tailored and focused approach to your specific situation.
- Community Connections: Local attorneys often have connections within the community, such as with social services, mediators, or other professionals who may be able to assist with your case.
- Cost-Effective: While the cost of legal representation is always a consideration, hiring a local attorney can often be more cost-effective in the long run, as they are generally more familiar with local practices and can work more efficiently on your behalf.
Child support can be a contentious matter wherein parents may disagree or contest the payment that is required through the application of Texas child support guidelines. Other issues that can arise are the need for enforcement or modification of child support court orders.
Overall, hiring a local child support attorney can provide you with the knowledge, experience, and personalized attention you need to navigate the child support process effectively.
Contact a Dallas Child Support Attorney Today
At the Law Offices of Lisa G. Garza, P.C., we are dedicated to providing personalized legal solutions tailored to your unique situation. Whether you are dealing with issues of child support, custody, or other family law matters, our team is here to help.
Discuss your concerns in a confidential consultation. Contact the Law Offices of Lisa G. Garza, P.C. or call (214) 373-6556 to get started on securing the best possible outcome for you and your family.