What happens next
- Identify the parents, children covered, existing orders and what you need the court to establish, change or enforce.
- Calculate monthly net resources using income and allowable deductions. Review other children the paying parent has a duty to support, healthcare costs and any reasons to depart from the guideline amount.
- Ask how payments will be withheld and credited, how coverage will be provided and how to document reimbursement requests. Get a copy of the signed order.
Timing and deadlines
If circumstances change, request a review promptly. One route depends on a material and substantial change. Another generally requires three years since the order was made or modified and a guideline difference of at least 20% or $100 a month. Exceptions apply, including some agreed orders.
Costs and payment
Ask for separate estimates for legal fees and for what the proposed order would require each month, including medical and dental costs. The Attorney General’s calculator gives a starting estimate for a single income source.
How to prepare
- Bring several pay stubs, tax records, benefit letters and proof of premiums attributable to the children. If self-employed, bring records of receipts and ordinary business expenses.
- Gather the official payment history, signed orders and records of any claimed payments that appear missing.
Questions and answers
I lost my job. Can I reduce the next payment myself?
The existing amount remains due until changed through the legal process. Bring evidence of the job loss and current income and ask promptly what modification may be available and when it could take effect.
Does the calculator show my exact payment?
The calculator estimates guideline support from the figures you enter. Multiple income streams, low net resources, children in other households or evidence of special needs can affect the court’s calculation.
Who pays for medical bills that insurance does not cover?
Read the section on uninsured expenses, each parent’s share and the procedure for requesting reimbursement. Bring the bill, the insurer’s explanation of benefits, proof of payment and any dated requests when a charge is disputed.
How is support estimated if one parent runs a business?
Texas considers income and benefits from self-employment and ordinary, necessary expenses of producing that income. A tax deduction can receive different treatment in the support calculation. Bring returns, profit-and-loss reports, bank statements and documents explaining major expenses.
I made a payment that does not appear on the official record. How should I raise it?
Identify the date, amount, recipient and payment route. Bring the receipt or transaction record and the order directing where to pay. Counsel can check the credit procedure and help distinguish a missing posted payment from a disputed direct payment.
Let’s talk about your next step.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Talk with Angel’s office about your concerns, upcoming dates and how the team can help.