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Child Support Manutención

Child Support Attorney in Houston

Child Support Attorneys Serving Harris County, TX. Hablamos Español.

In Texas, parents have a legal duty to provide financial support for their children, regardless of whether they are married, divorced, or have never married. Texas law sets out specific guidelines for calculating these payments, usually based on the paying parent’s net income. Calculating net income can be complex, particularly if there are multiple income sources or allowable deductions. In certain cases, courts may consider a payment amount outside the guidelines when strict application would be unfair or inappropriate. 

Due to these complexities, many people seek help from a Houston family law attorney who understands how to pursue fair child support arrangements while serving the child’s best interests. At The Mora Law Firm, clients work with La Abogada de la Comunidad Mayra Mora, who is dedicated to serving the Hispanic community in Houston and throughout the surrounding area. Attorney Mora prioritizes clear, direct communication and one-on-one support throughout the process. 

The Harris County Family Law Center in downtown Houston handles a significant volume of child support cases each year. Understanding the local process, court preferences, and required documentation can help parents avoid unnecessary delays. Those living in or around Houston benefit from working with a lawyer familiar with these procedures, enabling smoother progress from filing to final resolution.


To speak to our experienced child support attorney, contact us online or call (832) 346-6330 today to schedule your consultation!


Child Support Modification & Enforcement in Houston

Sometimes, events like a sudden job loss, new employment, major medical costs, or a parent moving to a different area require updates to an existing child support order. In Houston and Harris County, either parent can request that the court review the current child support amount. Courts expect a material and ongoing change in circumstances before considering any modification. This process involves submitting updated financial documents and, often, appearing at a court hearing. If a parent falls behind on payments, local authorities may seek enforcement using wage withholding or other legal tools. Keeping organized records and quickly responding to notices from the court or the Texas Attorney General’s Office is the best way to address support changes or enforcement issues.

Navigating Harris County Family Courts

Families in Houston attend hearings and conferences for child support matters at the Harris County Family Law Center or other nearby district courts. These courts may use in-person appointments or remote hearings, depending on current guidelines. Before a hearing, the court may encourage mediation or settlement to resolve issues without a trial. Parents should bring all relevant financial documents, written communications, and records to clearly present their situation. Harris County courts make the child’s best interests their top priority. Punctuality, preparation, and organization support each case from start to finish. Spanish language services help families who prefer to communicate in Spanish at every step in the process.

How Long Does Child Support Last in Texas?

Child support generally lasts until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school. If the child has a disability, these payments may continue indefinitely.

Once you know the monthly net income, the amount paid depends on how many children are involved. For example, support is usually 20 percent of net income for one child. Each additional child adds five percent, up to the maximum for five or more children. When noncustodial parents earn far less or more than the state threshold, the court may raise or lower the percentages based on individual situations. 

Adjustments to Child Support in Texas 

The courts assume that the payment based on guideline calculations is correct. However, in some cases, the courts may adjust payment amounts based on various circumstances, such as a parent’s ability to pay, whether children from other relationships are being supported, whether higher education is being paid for, and other conditions. 

Judges in Harris County carefully review each family's unique financial details before approving a child support amount that differs from state guidelines. Circumstances such as a sudden change in employment, major medical expenses, or new parenting arrangements can impact the final calculation. Local courts require thorough documentation and reliable evidence, so accurate records are important. Houston parents who prepare well for court requirements and expectations can better protect their interests at every stage.

You and your spouse can agree on a support payment and submit it to the court for approval. However, if it falls below guideline amounts, you must present valid evidence to justify it and, even then, the judge may not approve if it is not in the child's best interest. Our Houston child support attorney, Mayra Mora can represent you before the court in these matters. 

If one parent’s circumstances change later, such as a new job, job loss, or significant change in income, that parent can ask the Houston courts to review and possibly adjust the support order. Requesting a modification in Harris County involves filing required documents and, if needed, attending a court hearing. It’s important to respond quickly to notices from the court or the Texas Attorney General’s Office to avoid complications during the process.

Texas Child Support Basics

In Texas, the parent who spends the least time with the child under custody arrangements is called the “noncustodial” parent. That parent pays child support to the other parent (the custodial parent). Courts recognize that the custodial parent already covers the child’s daily expenses, including:

  • Housing expenses
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • And more

The Texas Attorney General’s Office provides a monthly child support calculator, but it only works for cases with a single source of income. If your income comes from more than one source, or you are self-employed, the calculation is more complicated. You must count every source of income and subtract allowable deductions to determine net income. 

Houston families navigating child support issues where parents have multiple income sources, self-employment, or irregular wages should prepare extra documentation. Courts in Harris County expect detailed records such as pay stubs, tax returns, and other supporting information. Preparation helps clarify calculations, giving the court an accurate picture when determining support amounts.

FAQs

Can I request a child support modification if I recently lost my job?

Yes. In Houston and throughout Texas, parents facing a significant change in income, like job loss, may ask the court to review and adjust their child support order. Courts require up-to-date financial information to assess whether a modification is justified.

How does the court enforce unpaid child support in Harris County?

The court can enforce child support through methods like wage withholding, property liens, or license suspension. The enforcement approach depends on individual circumstances and the overdue balance. Responding promptly to court notices helps keep the process efficient.

Where are child support hearings held in Houston?

Most child support hearings in Houston occur at the Harris County Family Law Center or another designated district court. The location for your hearing depends on the case assignment. You’ll receive details about the date, time, and place after filing or when notified of a hearing.


Contact us online or call (832) 346-6330 to speak to our experienced Houston child support attorney today!


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