El Paso Child Support Attorney
Helping Families Throughout El Paso
A child support case can cause emotional turmoil. Tensions may be high, and those involved in the case can become easily frazzled or frustrated. The Law Office of Erica P. Rios can help alleviate the stress by compassionately walking you through your case, helping you understand your options, and make the right choices for you and your child.
In many El Paso child support cases, people do not fully comprehend exactly what their rights are. Having a firm grasp on your legal rights is an important first step going into any child support case in El Paso and will help you make informed decisions along the way. That’s why you need a knowledgeable El Paso child support lawyer who can explain your rights as well as your potential responsibilities or obligations regarding your family or your child.
Are you going through a child support dispute? Call the Law Office of Erica P. Rios at (915) 255-3840 or contact us online to speak with our child support lawyer in El Paso!
How Does Child Support Work in Texas?
Every state handles child support issues differently. In Texas, the custodial parent (who has primary care of the child) receives child support payments from the noncustodial parent (who does not have primary care of the child). A parent’s obligation to pay child support depends on what the court determines is in the best interests of the child.
What Factors Does the Court Consider When Determining Child Support?
The child’s best interests are determined by the court’s consideration of several factors. These factors may include:
- The child’s physical and emotional needs
- Each parent’s plans for the child
- The relationship between the parents (divorced or not)
- The parenting skills and experience of both parents
- Who can be considered the child’s primary caregiver
- The child’s preference (if he or she is age 12 or older)
- Whether there are multiple children (siblings) involved
- Reports of child abuse
How is Child Support Calculated in Texas?
Like every state, Texas views child support as what will be enough to fit the child's best interests. To quickly calculate your average child support payment, you must determine your average monthly net resources.
To do this, follow these three steps:
- Analyze which amounts of income will be used and not be used when calculating annual gross income. Common sources that are not used include unpaid accounts receivable, forms of income earned by a new spouse, or payments to help provide foster care.
- Calculate your monthly income. This can be done by dividing your gross annual income by 12.
- Calculate average monthly net resources by subtracting the following from your avg. monthly income:
- All state income taxes
- Union dues
- Money paid for child's health support
- Social security taxes
- Federal income taxes
For further understanding of calculating your child support payments, do not hesitate to reach out to our child support attorney in El Paso, who can guide you through this process.
Understanding Child Support in El Paso: Local Insights and Resources
In El Paso, navigating the complexities of child support can be challenging, especially for families facing financial difficulties. Local resources, such as The Child Support Division of the Office of the Attorney General, provide essential information and assistance to help parents understand their rights and responsibilities. This office can guide you through the process of establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders, ensuring that your child's needs are met.
Many families in El Paso experience pain points related to job instability and fluctuating incomes, which can complicate child support payments. It's important to know that if your financial situation changes, you can seek a modification of your child support order. The local court system is equipped to handle these requests, but having a knowledgeable attorney can make the process smoother and more efficient.
Understanding the local cost of living in El Paso is crucial when calculating child support. With rising expenses in housing and childcare, ensuring that your child support payments reflect these realities is vital for the well-being of your child. Our team is familiar with the local economic landscape and can help you advocate for a fair child support arrangement that considers your unique circumstances.
At The Law Office of Erica P. Rios, we understand the specific challenges faced by families in El Paso regarding child support. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the support and legal representation you need to navigate this process effectively.
Timeline for Child Support Cases in El Paso
This will depend on the circumstances. After the child support forms are filled out, and the order is signed by the judge, it can take upwards of four to six weeks. There are many reasons for this, including waiting for the payroll department of the spouse to deduct money from his or her check every month. Our child support attorney in El Paso can guide you step-by-step through this process.
Understanding When Child Support Ends in Texas
Typically, child support will end once the child turns 18 years old. However, this can be extended if the child is still in high school or has special needs that prevent them from living alone or taking care of themselves physically.
Get Help With Child Support in El Paso
With our El Paso family law attorney fighting on your behalf, you increase your chances of positively resolving your El Paso child support dispute in a way that benefits you and your child. See why El Paso families trust The Law Office of Erica P. Rios, as we work respectfully and efficiently with other attorneys and judges to effectively represent your case.
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Contact The Law Office of Erica P. Rios