Austin Child Support Lawyer

As a child support lawyer, Clifford Swayze prides himself on honesty and integrity. He is here to protect your interests during and after the divorce, as well as during child support mediation. Whether you are paying or receiving child support, Clifford Swayze may be able help you. If you are from Austin, Williamson County, or Travis County, and have questions about child support, call today at 512-335-5245to schedule a consultation.

About Child Support

The Texas Legislature has set up guidelines to determine the proper amount of child support to be paid. Unless the parties agree to some other amount of child support, these guidelines will be applied. Whatever amount the parties agree to will be subject to the court's approvial.

The factors used by a Texas Court to calculate the level of child support payments are:

• statutory guidelines
• the child's needs
• the ability of the parents to contribute to the child's support
• financial resources available to support the child
• the amount of access the parties have to the child
• possession of the child by the parties

The legislature has set forth a Fixed Percentage of Net Resources that is dependent on the number of children the parties have together. A child support order set in accordance with these guidelines creates a rebuttalable presumption that the child support amount is in the best interest of the child. The following is a list of the percentages set up in the guidelines:

• One Child: 20% of obligor's net resources.
• Two Children: 25% of obligor's net resources.
• Three Children: 30% of obligor's net resources.
• Four Children: 35% of obligor's net resources.
• Five Children: 40% of obligor's net resources.

If the parties have more than five children, the amount cannot be less then the amount of money set for five children.

Non-Payment of Child Support

A person that fails to pay their child support may suffer serious consequences. These punishments include, but are not limited to:

• the person may be held in contempt of court
• the person can be required to stay in jail until the child support is paid
• the person owing child support may get his or her personal or professional licenses suspended
• a lien can be filed against the person's personal or real property

This list of possible consequences for failure to pay child support is not all-inclusive. There are other options available to enforce a child support order.

Child Support Expertise You Can Trust

If you are unable to afford child support payments due to a decrease in income, if you feel your child deserves more child support, or if your ex-spouse is not paying child support, contact child support lawyer Clifford Swayze to discuss your options. Serving Austin, Travis County, and Williamson County, Clifford Swayze has the expertise to assist you with all aspects of child support. Call today at 512-335-5245 for a consultation.