Child Support Lawyers in Bellaire, TX
Serving Parents in Houston & Harris County
In Texas, parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially. Child support payments are a way for both parents to share the cost of raising a child. However, child support can be complicated, with many factors determining how much you will pay (or receive) and many rules that must be followed.
At ALP Law Firm, our Bellaire child support attorneys are well-versed in the law and court procedures regarding this issue. We are well-equipped to assist if you face a pending divorce or post-divorce dispute over this mandated support. Our firm helps clients who are going through child support issues routinely. Our team has decades of knowledge upon which to draw in resolving these cases as favorably as possible.
You can consult with a Bellaire child support lawyer by calling ALP Law Firm at (346) 536-9842 or emailing us from our online contact page—Hablamos español.
When Is Child Supported Ordered in Texas?
Child support is designed to cover a variety of expenses necessary for the child’s upbringing, including but not limited to:
- Basic needs: Food, clothing, and shelter.
- Healthcare: Medical and dental expenses, including insurance premiums.
- Education: School tuition, supplies, and other education-related costs.
- Extracurricular activities: Costs associated with sports, hobbies, and other extracurricular activities.
- Additional costs: Childcare expenses and other essential needs.
A few common situations that result in court-ordered child support payments are divorce, family protective orders, or the establishment of paternity (in the case of an unmarried couple). When a married couple seeks a divorce, the judge usually includes child support provisions in the final divorce decree.
Child support also factors In cases where an order of protection is issued in a domestic violence situation. In that case, the court may order the parent subject to the order to pay child support as part of the protective order.
Which Parent Pays for Child Support?
The parent who does not have primary custody of the child is usually responsible for making child support payments to the custodial parent. The court may also require the non-custodial parent to include the child in his or her employer’s health insurance plan or otherwise enroll the child in a program such as Medicaid or CHIP.
Child support payments should follow the instructions in the child support order. This means payments are not usually made directly to the custodial parent but must go through the court registry or sometimes through the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit. Any material gifts for the child (toys, clothes, money) can be given directly to the custodial parent or the child but do not count towards child support payments.
Real Stories From Real People
Guiding Families Through the Legal Process With Compassion
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"I would not go to anyone other than ALP Law Firm for my needs."There are a lot of attorneys who say they will be on your side and when you hire them, they only want your money. This is not the case with Allecia. She made us feel like family and treated us with respect.- Travis L.
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"I will definitely recommend her to others."Allecia was able to handle my situation given that my now ex-husband is a narcissist. The more he prolong or delay the divorce process, Allecia was able to work around that behavior to ensure the completion and satisfaction of the divorce.- Jessica T.
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"If you want an ethical attorney with effective results, than I highly implore you to see her assistance."Mrs. Pottinger's attention to detail, application of wisdom, and "honorable" service and commitment saved me hundreds to several thousands of dollars.- Demetrius A.
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"Their professionalism, combined with a genuine commitment to their clients’ best interests, truly sets them apart in the legal community."I highly recommend ALP Law Firm and Attorney Allecia Pottinger to anyone seeking expert legal guidance in divorce, child custody, or family law matters in Houston.- Brian A.
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"The lawyers are great and I highly recommend this firm."ALP Law Firm was very knowledgeable and helpful in my divorce case. Although it was a little complicated, they helped explain things to me and put me at ease.- Chris V.
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"I would highly recommend their services as they are well capable of positioning your case."I’m very happy with everything here. This a a brutally honest team that will help you understand what is going to happen, as well as what is happening.- Gerald W.
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"I can’t say enough good things about Ms. Allecia!"She is kind, compassionate and fair. I had the pleasure of really getting to know her during my time with her in mediation and she is a beautiful soul, she truly loves what she does and fights hard and advocates for her clients.- Denise M.
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"I recommend her 100%."Ms. Allecia was a great help to me when it came to my divorce. I live in Wichita Falls, TX and my ex lived in Houston where he filed. I had to get a lawyer in the Houston area and communicated via email. We got it done.- Kim P.
The Calculation of Texas Child Support Payments
Child support payment amounts are initially determined using the official state guidelines, which are presumed to be in the child's best interests. Generally speaking, a non-custodial parent making a certain income is expected to allocate at least a portion of their monthly income to child support payments for one child.
This percentage increases proportionally to the number of children the payor has with the non-custodial parent. For example, a parent may pay 20% of their net income for one child and 25% for two children. The court can alter this amount if the payer supports children in another household.
How ALP Law Firm Can Help You in Child Support Matters
Disputes over child support can be tense and emotionally draining, but even when parents agree on the terms of a child support order, representing yourself is a risky proposition. With the help of our Bellaire child support lawyers and team, you have better chances of reaching an agreement that benefits your child and does not jeopardize your financial stability.
We can help with continuous legal support to address any changes in your circumstances or related issues, modifications and enforcement of child support orders, accurate calculation and negotiation, and representation in court.
Consult with a Bellaire child support attorney about your case by contacting us at (346) 536-9842 today—Hablamos español.
Our Commitment
What You Can Expect Working with ALP Law Firm
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Fierce AdvocacyOur attorneys are relentless in their pursuit of justice for you and your family, employing strategic legal tactics to achieve the best possible outcomes.
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Client-Centered ApproachYou're not just a case number to us. We prioritize your well-being and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
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Decades of Combined ExperienceOur team offers unparalleled experience and a deep understanding of family law, to provide you with the best possible representation.
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Empathetic GuidanceWith firsthand experience in navigating complex family law issues, our team offers empathetic guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
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Accessibility and ResponsivenessWe understand the importance of timely communication, and our team is readily available to address your questions and provide updates on your case.
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Providing Service in SpanishWe are dedicated to serving the diverse community in Houston and providing accessible, compassionate legal assistance to Spanish-speaking clients.