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When parents decide to separate, the law requires that the financial needs of the children be met. For couples choosing divorce mediation over traditional costly and time-consuming divorce litigation, child support must be established as part of the overall divorce agreement. In Texas Family Code Section 154.001. Child Support Guidelines establish the guidelines for the calculation of child support to ensure that the financial needs of the children are met following divorce.
In Texas, who pays child support?
Child support can be paid by either parent in Texas. However, in the majority of cases, the noncustodial parent will pay the child support to the custodial parent.
The person who has primary physical custody of the children is known as the custodial parent. Noncustodial parents spend the shortest amount of time with their child or children.
The reason for this is that the law presumes that the custodial parent will pay for the child's day-to-day expenses while the child is in their care. The idea is that the noncustodial parent does not cover all of the child's expenses, but rather contributes and pays a reasonable amount.
Determining Appropriate Child Support Arrangements Through Divorce Mediation
The professionally trained and experienced divorce mediators/lawyers at Triad Divorce Mediation are knowledgeable about the complexities and ever-changing provisions of Texas' child support laws. We can help residents of Austin understand the laws surrounding child support in Texas and will help you and your spouse arrive at a child support arrangement that is mutually agreeable to you and beneficial to your children. We will draft a legally binding divorce agreement that will ensure that your child support arrangement complies with Texas law and satisfies your particular needs and concerns.
Establishing Custodial Arrangements and the Effect on Child Support
How a Compassionate, Experienced Divorce Mediator/Lawyer Can Help
Impartial divorce mediators/lawyers can help you determine the best custodial arrangement for your children. We understand that following divorce, one spouse or both may be experiencing certain financial difficulties or concerns. We will help you calculate the appropriate amount of child support based on your particular circumstances and help you find a child support solution that suits your particular concerns and needs.
We will answer any questions you may have and address your particular concerns so that you can both move forward knowing that your children’s financial needs are being satisfied. It is our primary objective to help parents move through the divorce process without damaging their relationships with their children.
Establishing a support structure that is acceptable to both parents and that addresses everyone’s concerns is an essential step in this process. Divorce mediators/lawyers have the know-how to compassionately and effectively guide divorcing couples in Austin and around Central Texas through the complexities of child support and help you arrive at a mutually agreeable resolution to this important issue.
When Does Child Support Payments in Texas End?
Child support payments usually end when the child reaches the age of eighteen or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. They will also end automatically if a child who was once deemed disabled is no longer considered disabled, if the child marries, or if the child dies.
However, there are some circumstances in which child support can be ordered for an indefinite period. The reason for this is if the court determines that the child is physically or mentally disabled and thus requires long-term care past the age of adulthood.