Child Support FAQs

Working with an experienced child support lawyer in McAllen, TX can help parents navigate child support and custody matters under Texas law with confidence. Child support cases in Hidalgo County involve detailed financial guidelines, court procedures, and long-term responsibilities that directly affect a child’s well-being. Whether you are seeking support, modifying an order, or responding to enforcement, understanding your rights is essential. A knowledgeable McAllen child support lawyer can help ensure court orders are fair, accurate, and enforceable.

  • How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost in Texas?

    The cost of a child support lawyer in Texas depends on the complexity of the case. In McAllen, attorneys may charge hourly rates or flat fees for straightforward child support matters. Cases involving enforcement, modification, or disputed custody can increase legal costs. Speaking with a child support lawyer in McAllen, TX can help you understand potential fees upfront.

  • What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Custody Battle?

    One of the biggest mistakes in a Texas custody battle is allowing emotions to guide decisions instead of focusing on the child’s best interests. Hidalgo County judges prioritize stability, cooperation, and a parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. Actions such as withholding visitation or speaking negatively about the other parent can harm your case. A child support lawyer in McAllen, TX can help you avoid costly missteps.

  • Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Support in Texas?

    Texas law does not require parents to hire a lawyer for child support cases. However, working with a child support lawyer in McAllen, TX can be extremely beneficial, especially in contested or modification cases. An attorney helps ensure accurate income calculations and proper application of Texas guidelines. At Barrera Sanchez & Associates, we protect your parental and financial rights.

  • How Much Child Support Will I Pay If I Make $1,000 a Week?

    Texas child support guidelines generally require 20% of net income for one child. If you earn approximately $1,000 per week, the guideline amount will depend on your net resources after deductions. Hidalgo County courts may adjust the amount based on additional children or special circumstances. A child support lawyer in McAllen, TX can provide a more precise estimate.

  • Does the court decide which parent pays for the child’s college education?

    In Texas, courts generally do not require parents to pay for a child’s college education as part of child support. Hidalgo County judges follow Texas law, which limits support obligations to minor children in most cases. Parents may voluntarily agree to cover college expenses, but courts generally cannot impose such a requirement. A child support lawyer in McAllen, TX can review whether such agreements are enforceable.

  • Texas courts do not have the authority to determine which of the two parents, or if both, will provide compensation for a child’s college expenses. However, both parents may agree to allocate payment of such expenses during their divorce in a divorce decree.

  • How is child support determined during the divorce process?

    In McAllen divorces, child support is calculated under Texas statutory guidelines based on the paying parent’s net income. Courts consider factors such as health insurance costs and the number of children involved. Hidalgo County judges may deviate from guidelines if special circumstances exist. A child support lawyer in McAllen, TX can help ensure the calculation is accurate.

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    Child support is determined by the income of the obligor (the parent to provide support) as well as the number of children to be supported. Example; under the Texas Child Support Guidelines, if an obligor is to support a single child, he/she would be required to pay 20% of their net disposable income. The higher the number of children to be supported, the higher the percentage of child support to be paid. The maximum net disposable income is $7,500.

    However, the stipulations are not determined entirely by the Texas Child Support Guidelines. These may also come into play:

    • Guidelines agreed to by both parties or ordered by the court
    • Finances of both parties
    • Specific needs of the child or children

    Always discuss the guidelines with your attorney to ensure both parties are in agreement.

  • What can I do if my ex-spouse is spending my child support payments on anything but my child?

    Texas courts generally assume child support payments are used for the child’s benefit. In Hidalgo County, judges rarely require parents to account for specific spending. However, if misuse of funds affects the child’s health or safety, legal action may be possible. A child support lawyer in McAllen, TX can advise whether modification or enforcement is appropriate.

  • The biggest misconception about child support not going to the child is that the ex-spouse is spending it on themselves. One must take into account the utilities used to care for the child, such as food and medical care, that the ex-spouse uses child support to pay for. If you suspect the ex-spouse is using the payments on him/herself, you can consult an attorney in requesting the receipts for the expenses as proof.

  • Is temporary child support available?

  • Yes, Texas courts may order temporary child support while a divorce or custody case is pending. In McAllen, temporary orders help ensure a child’s financial needs are met during the legal process. These orders remain in effect until a final court order is issued. A child support lawyer in McAllen, TX can request temporary support early in the case.

  • Read More How Family Law Attorneys Help Couples In McAllen:

    During the divorce process, there are a variety of situations that can lead the court into making the decision of selecting one spouse to primary temporary custody and select the other for payments through primary child support.