El Paso Child Support attorney
Like most states, the child support guidelines in Texas are based on set guidelines that take into account several different factors in determining the financial obligations of the non-custodial parent. These can include the number of children in the family, whether there are special needs that require financial support beyond guidelines, whether the paying party is required to support other children from a prior marriage, or support beyond graduation from high school.
However, in some cases, one parent or the other will have a case for raising or lowering the guideline's figure. Some of the factors that might lead a parent to seek a variance from the standard guidelines amounts include:
- Seasonal income
- Undisclosed or underreported income, as with self-employed parents
- Unusual additional expenses for the parent expected to pay, such as child support for children of another marriage or relationship
- Special medical, educational, or behavioral needs on the part of one or more children
While family court judges have the discretion to adjust child support payments up or down, they won't usually do so unless you and your attorney can justify the request with specific evidence. Even an agreement between the parents for a lower payment than the guidelines call for won't be approved without justification since the right to child support is regarded as belonging to the child, and parents are not free to negotiate those rights away.
The experienced El Paso divorce attorneys at Ellis & Ortega and the Ortega Law Group have been helping guide families in Texas through the child support process to help eliminate some of the stress and anxiety. Contact our office today to speak with a skilled El Paso divorce lawyer to get a solid understanding of your rights and responsibilities on child support issues.
