Angela Faye Brown & Associates, PLLC

Your Child’s Best Interests Are Our Main Focus

Wells Branch Child Support Lawyer

Child support is one of the most divisive issues dealt with by an experienced family attorney. Each parent has an obligation to provide financially for their child, and—if necessary—a judge may determine what is owed.

Child support issues can arise during the course of divorce proceedings, but they are prevalent in disputes between unmarried parents as well. If you are in the midst of one of these disagreements, a Wells Branch child support lawyer at Angela Faye Brown & Associates could provide valuable assistance.

Calculating Child Support in Wells Branch

There are official guidelines that are used to calculate a non-custodial parent’s child support obligation. These guidelines take into account many relevant factors and then determine a proposed amount of monthly support to be paid to the custodial parent. It is important to note the amount set by the guidelines is a recommendation, and the courts have the power to deviate from this amount. A Wells Branch child support attorney could help a parent understand what it takes to deviate from these guidelines.

The guidelines begin with each parent’s net monthly income. This is the total amount of money they bring in each month after subtracting certain types of income like social security benefits or workers’ compensation claims. Once the net income is determined, the guidelines will consider other factors like the number of children the parent has.

It is possible for a judge to diverge from the amount proposed by the guidelines in different ways. A judge could award less or more than what is recommended. Factors like the special needs of a child could serve as grounds for a deviation.

The Consequences of Not Paying Child Support

There are consequences that come with disregarding any court order, and that includes an order to pay child support. While a child support lawyer in Wells Branch might be able to resolve disputes in certain instances, there are times when court intervention is necessary.

Though, there is a reason that attorneys will usually work to resolve late child support payments on their own before pursuing legal action. Enforcement through the court can be time-consuming, especially compared to working out a mutual agreement with the other parent. The courts have several enforcement options, including:

Wage Garnishment

Employers could be required by court order to withhold a portion of a parent’s wages. This garnishment process could prevent that parent from ever seeing those wages, as they would instead be funneled to the custodial parent straight from a person’s paycheck.

Tax Returns

The court also has the power to intercept tax refunds and credits intended for the parent that is behind on their child support. This money could be used to satisfy their child support obligations.

License Suspension

One of the ways that the state can put leverage on a parent who has not paid their child support is by suspending their driving privileges. This suspension could remain in place until they pay what is owed.

Call a Wells Branch Child Support Attorney Right Away

Child support issues can dominate divorce and custody proceedings. It can be a difficult balance to ensure your children are provided for while also protecting yourself from unreasonable support orders.

A Wells Branch child support lawyer at Angela Faye Brown & Associates could help you secure a fair outcome at your hearing. Call for a private consultation as soon as possible. Call our Houston office at 281-975-0307 or our Austin office at 512-572-1207.