Whether you’re going through a divorce, establishing paternity, or modifying an existing order, understanding your rights and obligations in Texas is essential. At Tessmer Law Firm, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your child’s financial needs are met and your legal rights are protected.
Navigating the complexities of child support can be one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce or family law case. At Tessmer Law Firm, PLLC, our team of dedicated and compassionate San Antonio child support lawyers understands the emotional and financial stress you may be facing. We are committed to providing the expert legal guidance you need to secure a fair and just outcome for you and your child.
The Texas Family Code outlines a guideline formula used to calculate monthly support:
Net income includes wages, bonuses, commissions, and other sources of income, minus taxes, Social Security, union dues, and health insurance costs for the child.
Our attorneys can help ensure that all income is properly disclosed and that the amount ordered is fair and accurate.
In the complex area of family law, the San Antonio child support lawyer handling your case matters. Our team is locally committed to serving families across San Antonio and the greater Bexar County area. We don’t just know Texas law; we know the local courts, the local standing orders, and the judges who preside over your case.
We believe the most powerful asset we bring to your case is our direct experience within the San Antonio court system.
Support payments are meant to contribute to the child’s:
The custodial parent is not required to provide receipts or account for how every dollar is spent, but the funds must be used to support the child’s well-being.
Life circumstances change. If you’ve experienced a significant shift in income, employment, or the needs of your child, you may qualify for a child support modification. Common reasons for modifying support include:
We assist both paying and receiving parents in filing a modification request that accurately reflects current circumstances.
You may file a motion to modify an existing child support order at any time, but the court generally requires a material and substantial change in circumstances. In most cases, courts will grant a review if the order is at least three years old and the monthly amount would change by 20% or $100, whichever is less, based on the current guidelines.
Yes, judges in Texas can order retroactive child support (payments covering the time period before the court order was established). While the Texas Family Code allows for support going back four years, the judge has discretion to consider the circumstances, including whether the non-paying parent knew they were the parent and whether they intentionally avoided the obligation.
No. In Texas, child support is calculated based solely on the net resources of the obligor (the parent ordered to pay). The income or resources of a new spouse (of either the obligor or the recipient) are not considered when determining the standard guidelines support amount.
If the paying parent loses their job or experiences a significant decrease in income, they must immediately file a Petition to Modify the child support order with the Bexar County court. Payments remain due at the old amount until a new order is signed by the judge. Our firm can help file the modification quickly and request that the new calculation reflect the reduced income.
Child support generally terminates in Texas on the first of the following dates to occur:
The child turns 18 years old.
The child graduates from high school (whichever occurs later than their 18th birthday).
The child is emancipated by marriage or court order.
The child dies.
