Trusted Child Support Lawyers In Gatesville, Texas
Last updated on April 9, 2025
Child support issues can be highly contentious for couples in Gatesville, Texas. The goal of child support is to help divide the cost of raising a child between parents. But there can be conflicts on either side regarding how much should be paid, when payments should be made and more. In some cases, paternity may be called into question.
When facing these issues, it can help to work with an experienced child support lawyer, so it’s time to contact us at Barnhill Law Firm. We got our start in 1999, and our team has decades of combined experience. Our attorneys are known for putting our clients first and working tirelessly on their behalf.
How Is Child Support Calculated In Texas?
To calculate child support, the court will look at a variety of different factors. Some of these include:
- The monthly income of both parents
- The expected standard of living
- The necessary costs of raising the child such as housing
- Which parent has primary physical custody
In addition, there are some guidelines that courts may follow, largely based on the number of children. First, they calculate a person’s net monthly income and then determine what percentage should be paid in child support, as follows:
- One child: 20%
- Two children: 25%
- Three children: 30%
- Four children: 35%
- Five children: 40%
- Six or more children: at least 40%
If the person has other children outside of the relationship, this may also be factored in. For instance, a father may have three other children with a new partner and also needs to support this family with the same net monthly income.
Frequently Asked Child Support Questions
Our team knows that you may have significant questions about child support in Gatesville, so here are a few of the questions we see most often:
What happens if a parent fails to pay child support in Texas?
The court can take various steps to enforce the order. They may threaten to remove a person’s custody rights or garnish their wages to collect the missing payments.
How does remarriage or having additional children affect child support obligations?
Remarriage or having additional children, as noted above, can be a factor in child support calculations. If a child support order already exists, it may be used as a reason to request a modification.
What should I do if I suspect a child support payment is not being used for my child’s needs?
It is imperative that the other parent uses the child support payment for the child’s needs. If this is not happening, while it’s still important to continue paying support, legal action may be necessary.
Setting Up A Consultation
If you’d like to set up a consultation, we have offices in Gatesville, Belton and Woodway. Just give us a call at 254-379-9224 or use the online contact form today.