Texas child support: Legal guidelines and modifications

In Texas, parents who file for divorce must establish child support for their minor children. This court order helps ensure that their kids can continue to grow in a stable environment where their basic needs are met.

What is child support?

When parents with children divorce in Texas, they will either have to agree on a custody arrangement or have the courts determine it for them. In most cases, their children will live with one parent majority of the time. This parent is known as the “custodial” parent.

The other “non-custodial” parent (NCP) will have visitation rights with their children. In this instance, the NCP will carry the obligations for child support. This financial duty helps provide their children with basic living expenses, such as:

• Housing
• Food
• Daycare
• Clothing
• Education

Once the couple’s divorce case is fully settled in court, the judge will sign their final divorce decree, which includes orders for child custody, child support and a parenting plan agreement.

How long does child support last?

The NCP will pay child support until their youngest child turns 18 or finishes high school, with some exceptions. For example, if one of their children has a disability, their child support may continue for as long as their child needs it.

On the other hand, if one of their minor children gets married, the NCP’s child support obligation for them automatically ends.

When can parents update their child support order?

Either parent can ask the court for an increase or decrease in their child support amount. To pursue this change, their existing child support order must be at least three years old, or they are going through a notable change in circumstances; such as an involuntary job loss or a relocation.

If their children need a higher expense for their medical and educational costs, the parents may also ask the court for a modification of their child support order.

Children deserve the best from their parents

By learning about the state’s child support guidelines and conditions for modification, parents can ensure that their divorce agreements are fair and aimed towards their children’s best interests.

When this happens, they can both move on with their lives while staying committed to their parental duties for their children.