Skip to content 
Ever tried negotiating bedtime with a five-year-old who just discovered the word “no”? Now imagine doing that while managing your ex’s texts about weekend schedules, bills, and who’s buying the next pack of soccer cleats. Parenthood after divorce isn’t for the faint of heart—and that’s exactly why a Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney can make all the difference. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we help parents turn chaos into clarity, ensuring every child’s needs are met and every parent knows where they stand.
Take Jake and Melissa, for example. When they divorced, their biggest argument wasn’t over who got the house—it was who would pay for their daughter’s dance lessons and asthma medication. Emotions ran high until they sat down with one of our attorneys, who helped them craft a clear, fair child support agreement that kept everyone accountable and eliminated the guesswork. Suddenly, weekends felt lighter, conversations calmer, and their daughter could just be a kid again—no courtroom tension required.
This article breaks down how Texas child support agreements really work—what’s fair, what’s enforceable, and what traps to avoid. You’ll discover legal insights most parents don’t know, practical steps you can take today, and stories from families who’ve found peace (and predictability) after divorce. We’ll also explain how courts handle income changes, why full financial disclosure matters, and how to modify agreements when life inevitably shifts.
Because at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, our mission is more than winning cases—it’s about helping Texas parents build stable futures for their families, one carefully written agreement at a time.
Key Takeaways
- Child support agreements in Texas prioritize the child’s welfare and must be fair, enforceable, and compliant with state laws, impacting housing, medical care, education, and childcare.
- The Texas Family Code Chapter 154 governs child support obligations, establishing guidelines for calculating support based on the non-custodial parent’s income and requires court approval for enforceability.
- Child support agreements should include provisions for future expenses, be regularly reviewed and modified in response to significant life changes, and involve complete financial disclosure to avoid potential disputes.
Your Family’s Future Starts Here
Don’t navigate your legal journey alone. Schedule a consultation now and get the clarity and support you deserve.
Understanding Child Support Agreements in Texas
A Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney plays a vital role in helping parents establish fair, enforceable, and legally compliant child support arrangements under the Texas Family Code Chapter 154, which governs support obligations and enforcement. These agreements ensure that children receive consistent financial support for essentials such as housing, healthcare, education, and childcare—regardless of parental conflict or separation. The law prioritizes the child’s welfare above all else, requiring both parents to contribute according to their financial resources and circumstances.
Under Texas Family Code §§ 154.001–154.309, courts calculate support using the noncustodial parent’s net resources and the number of children involved, but judges can deviate from these guidelines when special circumstances exist. A seasoned family law attorney can help parents tailor their agreements to account for factors like medical needs, school expenses, and future financial changes, ensuring long-term fairness and flexibility. Without professional guidance, parents risk drafting unenforceable or inequitable agreements that fail to protect their child’s best interests.
When one parent falls behind on payments, Texas law provides powerful enforcement tools—ranging from wage garnishment and property liens to license suspension and contempt proceedings—outlined in the Texas Family Code §§ 157.001–157.424. These mechanisms aren’t punitive; they’re designed to preserve a child’s financial stability and prevent disruptions to their standard of living. Having an attorney who understands the nuances of enforcement and modification can make the process smoother and less stressful for both parents.
At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, our attorneys combine compassion with deep legal knowledge to help families navigate child support challenges confidently. Whether you need to create, enforce, or modify an agreement, our firm focuses on protecting your child’s future while promoting cooperation and fairness. To learn more about maintaining legally sound family agreements, explore our related article on Amendments and Revocations of Postmarital Agreements.
Texas Family Code Chapter 154
The Texas Family Code Chapter 154 governs child support obligations and enforcement, providing a comprehensive legal framework. Parents in Texas are legally required to support their children financially, even without a court order.
Chapter 154 outlines the responsibilities of parents to support their children and the guidelines for calculating child support based on the parent’s income and the number of children. Official resources are available to assist parents in navigating the legal processes surrounding child support in Texas.
These child support guidelines help in determining child support obligations and ensure compliance with state laws.
Court Approval Process
To be valid, a child support agreement must be properly documented and presented within a formal order. Courts approve all agreements to ensure they serve the child’s best interest and align with their needs and welfare.
Filing the signed child support agreement with the court makes it legally enforceable. Legal guidance can help parents navigate this process and avoid potential pitfalls.
Creating Fair Child Support Agreements
Creating a fair child support agreement is about more than dividing financial responsibilities—it’s about securing your child’s future with clarity, consistency, and compassion. A Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC helps parents establish agreements that are both fair and enforceable under Texas Family Code Chapter 154, which governs how support is calculated, paid, and modified. This section of the law emphasizes the best interests of the child, requiring both parents to contribute based on their financial capacity while ensuring that essential needs—such as housing, medical care, education, and childcare—are fully addressed.
Each agreement must follow the statutory framework outlined in Texas Family Code §§ 154.001–154.309, which includes income-based guidelines for determining payment amounts, provisions for medical and dental support, and mechanisms for enforcement. Courts also consider unique factors like a child’s special educational or healthcare needs, allowing flexibility where strict guideline calculations may not suffice. An attorney’s role is to help parents craft a balanced plan that anticipates these nuances while remaining compliant with Texas law, reducing the risk of disputes or enforcement issues later on.
Working with an experienced attorney ensures your agreement is not only comprehensive but adaptable. Legal counsel can include provisions for future expenses, such as extracurricular activities or college savings, and guide parents on how to handle modifications when life circumstances change—something explicitly permitted under Texas Family Code § 156.401. This proactive approach prevents misunderstandings, promotes cooperation, and provides a stable foundation for your child’s financial well-being.
At the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, our team combines empathy with deep legal knowledge to help families navigate child support matters with confidence. We also encourage parents to stay informed about related legal protections and planning tools, such as those discussed in our article on How to Write a Great Post-Nuptial Agreement. Whether you’re drafting, reviewing, or modifying a child support agreement, our firm’s mission remains the same: to educate families, protect futures, and ensure every decision supports your child’s best interests.
Calculating Child Support
Texas child support calculation involves the following steps:
- Determine the non-custodial parent’s income and the number of children.
- Texas calculate child support based on a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s net monthly income.
- Ensure the net monthly income includes accurate income and deductions to comply with state guidelines.
- Collect records of income, expenses for childcare, and health insurance, as these can significantly impact the outcome of a child support agreement. Additionally, understanding how child support calculated can help clarify expectations.
Complete and ongoing financial disclosure is essential for accurate child support calculations. Failing to disclose all income sources, including freelance work or bonuses, can negatively affect the calculations.
The Texas Office of the Attorney General provides resources such as child support calculators and guidelines for establishing paternity, which can be valuable tools in this process. Ensuring guideline compliance before filing agreements is essential to avoid legal complications.
Including Provisions for Expenses
Including various child-related expenses in the support agreement ensures comprehensive coverage for all the child’s needs. Parents should keep records of all child-related expenses, including daycare and medical costs, to negotiate effectively. Planning for potential medical care or extracurricular activities ensures the agreements address the child’s evolving needs.
Anticipating future educational expenses, like tuition for private school or college, is crucial. Including provisions for health insurance, childcare, and extracurricular expenses ensures the agreement is robust and caters to the child’s long-term well-being. Considering future expenses keeps the agreement relevant and fair over time.
Reviewing and Modifying Child Support Agreements
Child support agreements aren’t set in stone. As life evolves—through job changes, income fluctuations, or adjustments to custody arrangements—these agreements may need to be revisited to ensure they remain fair and aligned with the child’s best interests. A Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, can help parents navigate this process with clarity, compassion, and precision, ensuring compliance with the latest updates to the Texas Family Code.
Under Texas Family Code §156.401, a child support order may be modified if there has been a “material and substantial change” in circumstances since the last order was established. Common examples include a parent losing or changing employment, a shift in income, or a significant change in the child’s living situation. Regular reviews and updates to child support arrangements ensure that the agreement continues to serve the financial needs of the child without placing undue strain on either parent.
When modification becomes necessary, the process typically begins by filing a motion to modify the existing order in the same court that issued it. The court then reviews the evidence of changed circumstances and determines whether an adjustment is warranted. Working with an experienced Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney helps ensure the modification process follows proper legal procedure and protects your rights every step of the way.
For a deeper understanding of how Texas courts evaluate changes in financial circumstances and parental duties, visit our comprehensive Texas Child Support Resource. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, our team is committed to helping families find stability and fairness in child support arrangements—because protecting your child’s future starts with creating agreements that adapt to life’s changes.
Regular Reviews
Regular reviews ensure child support agreements remain fair and relevant to both parents’ circumstances. Agreements should specify which expenses require prior consent from both parents.
A non-custodial parent can contest the child support amount if their income changes. Reviewing agreements before submission helps meet court approval and avoid future child support disputes.
Modifications
A child support order can be modified due to:
- Significant changes in circumstances, such as income shifts or changes in custody.
- The passage of three years since it was established.
- The amount significantly deviating from the guidelines.
The Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division provides services for filing modifications and enforcing child support orders in cases of Texas divorce. Only a court hearing or the Child Support Review Process can officially change a child support order.
Enforcing Child Support Agreements
Child support enforcement ensures that every child in Texas receives the financial care they deserve, even when one parent fails to meet court-ordered obligations. When payments fall behind, custodial parents have the right to seek court intervention to enforce the existing order. A Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney from The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC can guide families through this process with professionalism and compassion, ensuring that enforcement actions align with the Texas Family Code and protect the child’s best interests.
Under Texas Family Code §§157.001–157.008, a parent may request the court to enforce a child support order through various remedies, including income withholding, license suspension, liens on property, or even contempt proceedings when payments are willfully withheld. These enforcement measures are designed to compel compliance and safeguard a child’s right to consistent financial support. The Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) also provides assistance by locating non-paying parents, establishing arrears, and coordinating payment recovery through its Child Support Division.
However, not every enforcement case requires escalating conflict. Sometimes, a skilled legal advocate can help resolve payment issues through negotiation or structured repayment plans before severe penalties occur. That’s where a Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney becomes essential—ensuring every enforcement effort is legally sound and strategically focused on the child’s long-term well-being.
For parents seeking more insight into how Texas courts handle nonpayment and enforcement proceedings, visit our Texas Child Support Enforcement Resource. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, our attorneys are dedicated to helping families uphold the integrity of their child support agreements—protecting both your rights and your child’s financial future through every stage of enforcement.
Legal Enforcement Actions
When child support payments fall behind, Texas law provides several powerful tools to help parents enforce existing court orders and protect their children’s financial well-being. A Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney from The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC can guide parents through these enforcement measures with skill and compassion, ensuring every action complies with the Texas Family Code and serves the best interests of the child.
Under Texas Family Code §§157.001–157.008, courts may use various enforcement mechanisms to collect unpaid support, including wage garnishment, property liens, license suspension, and contempt of court proceedings. In serious cases, willful non-payment can even lead to jail time or criminal charges. These remedies exist to hold non-custodial parents accountable and ensure that children continue to receive the financial support they deserve, regardless of changing circumstances.
Enforcement can be complex and emotionally taxing, but experienced legal counsel can make all the difference. An attorney can prepare the required filings, represent you in court, and coordinate with the Texas Office of the Attorney General when necessary. More importantly, they can help you explore strategic solutions—such as negotiated repayment plans or modifications under Texas Family Code §156.401—to resolve payment disputes efficiently and minimize long-term conflict.
For detailed insight into effective ways to secure overdue payments and protect your child’s financial future, read our in-depth guide on Effective Strategies for Enforcing Child Support Agreements in Texas. You can also visit our Texas Child Support Resource for additional guidance. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping Texas families enforce their rights with professionalism, empathy, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Role of the Texas Attorney General’s Office
The Texas Attorney General’s Office enforces child support by pursuing legal actions against non-compliant parents. Actions such as wage garnishment and contempt enforce unpaid agreements, especially when a parent pays child support.
The Texas Office of the Attorney General offers assistance in obtaining child support and provides online resources for legal help. Contact the Child Support Division for assistance at (800) 255-8014.
Common Mistakes in Child Support Agreements
When creating or modifying a child support agreement in Texas, honesty and transparency are crucial. Under Texas Family Code §154.062, both parents must fully disclose their income, deductions, and financial resources so that child support aligns with state guidelines. Incomplete or inaccurate financial disclosure can lead to future disputes or court intervention. Working with a Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney ensures your financial documentation is accurate, protecting both parents and the child’s best interests.
Delaying legal help until issues escalate is one of the most common mistakes parents make. Once a support order is finalized, modifying it can be challenging without proof of a “material and substantial change in circumstances,” as required by Texas Family Code §156.401. By seeking counsel early, parents can avoid pitfalls such as agreeing to payments outside guideline ranges or overlooking key financial details that may affect long-term stability.
It’s equally important to keep meticulous records of payments, communications, and any missed obligations. Ignoring delinquent payments or relying on informal arrangements can make enforcement difficult later. A proactive attorney can help you ensure your child support agreement remains enforceable, fair, and compliant with Texas law.
For parents looking to resolve financial disagreements efficiently, the firm’s guide on using TRCP 11 agreements to resolve disputes in Texas divorces offers valuable insight into formalizing agreements and avoiding unnecessary litigation. You can also explore our Texas Child Support Resource for additional tools and guidance. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC remains dedicated to helping families build fair, durable support arrangements that protect their children’s futures.
Failing to Disclose All Income
Avoid failing to disclose all income when drafting child support agreements. Complete and ongoing financial disclosure is essential for accurate child support obligations.
Failure to disclose all sources of income, including freelance work or bonuses, can negatively affect child support calculations and net income.
Relying on Verbal Agreements
Do not rely on verbal agreements. Ensure all child support agreements are formally documented and filed with the court to make them legally enforceable.
Use specific language in child support agreements to prevent misunderstandings and disputes.
Personalized Legal Support from Bryan Fagan PLLC
Navigating a child support agreement can feel daunting, but with the right legal guidance, the process becomes clear and manageable. A Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney from The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC provides compassionate, personalized support to help parents understand their rights and responsibilities under the Texas Family Code. According to Texas Family Code §154.001, parents have a legal duty to financially support their children, and establishing a clear, enforceable agreement ensures that obligation is met fairly and consistently.
Early involvement of an attorney can prevent costly complications later. Child support cases often require precise calculations based on both parents’ financial circumstances, as outlined in Texas Family Code §154.125, which defines the state’s percentage guidelines. A skilled attorney can identify factors—such as special needs, medical expenses, or shared custody arrangements—that may justify deviations from standard calculations, ensuring the outcome reflects your child’s real-life needs.
The family law team at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan is dedicated to creating balanced, legally sound agreements that adapt to your family’s changing circumstances. Whether you’re negotiating an initial agreement or seeking modification due to significant life changes, professional legal guidance safeguards your rights while keeping the focus on your child’s best interests.
To learn more about your rights and options, explore our Texas Child Support Resource or visit our Comprehensive Guide to Child Support in Texas. The attorneys at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC combine deep legal knowledge with empathy and practical strategies—helping parents across Texas build stable financial foundations for their children’s futures.
Customized Legal Guidance
Experienced legal counsel helps parents create, review, and enforce fair child support agreements under the Texas Family Code. Family law child support attorneys guide parents through the challenges of child support cases, especially during divorce or custody disagreements. Private attorneys advise on legal rights and advocate for their clients in court, ensuring fair agreements.
Parents should understand their rights and obligations before consulting an attorney.
Case Studies and Testimonials
Anonymized case studies and testimonials showcase the effectiveness of legal services in family law. One case study involves a family that successfully worked with the Law Office of Bryan Fagan PLLC to reach a fair and balanced child support agreement.
Through personalized advocacy, the firm helped the family achieve a resolution that prioritized the child’s needs and financial stability.
Checklist for Parents Seeking a Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney
Preparing for a consultation with a Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney is one of the most effective ways to ensure your case proceeds smoothly and your child’s financial needs are fully protected. Before your meeting, gather essential financial documentation such as recent income statements, tax returns, proof of childcare and medical expenses, and details about health insurance costs. This information allows your attorney to accurately assess your financial picture and create a support plan that aligns with state requirements under Texas Family Code §154.062, which defines how “net resources” are calculated for child support purposes.
When discussing your agreement, it’s also wise to consider long-term factors that can impact your child’s well-being—such as educational costs, medical needs, and extracurricular expenses. A forward-looking agreement crafted under Texas Family Code §154.123, which allows for deviations from guideline support when justified by the child’s best interests, ensures that your plan remains fair and sustainable as circumstances evolve. The more comprehensive your preparation, the easier it is for your attorney to advocate effectively on your behalf.
At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we believe preparation is the foundation of strong legal advocacy. Our attorneys take the time to analyze every detail so your child support agreement not only meets today’s needs but anticipates tomorrow’s challenges. Whether you’re establishing, modifying, or enforcing support, our team ensures your case complies with the latest updates to the Texas Family Code and that your child’s financial security remains protected.
For further insight into how support and visitation rights work together in Texas, explore our in-depth guide on Texas Visitation and Child Support Issues: Understanding Your Rights and Legal Remedies. You can also review our Texas Child Support Resource for practical tools and information. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan is dedicated to helping parents navigate every stage of the child support process with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
Gathering Financial Documentation
Provide proof of income, which may include recent pay stubs, tax returns, and W-2 forms. Parents should also collect documentation for childcare expenses, including receipts from daycare or babysitters, and insurance costs related to the child, such as health or dental insurance premiums.
Bringing existing court orders or previous agreements provides valuable context for your attorney, especially if they are court ordered.
Future Needs Planning
Planning for a child’s future financial needs is one of the most important aspects of creating a lasting and effective support agreement. A Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney from The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC can help parents anticipate upcoming expenses—such as educational costs, medical care, and extracurricular activities—to ensure their child’s needs are met not only today but for years to come. According to Texas Family Code §154.123, courts may consider these additional factors when determining or modifying support, especially when they serve the child’s best interests beyond standard guideline calculations.
By identifying future financial needs early, parents can craft agreements that adapt as circumstances evolve. This proactive approach helps prevent disputes, reduces the need for frequent modifications, and creates a more stable financial foundation for the child’s long-term well-being. Whether addressing tuition costs, healthcare expenses, or other anticipated commitments, comprehensive planning under the Texas Family Code ensures that support arrangements remain equitable and enforceable.
The attorneys at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan understand that every family’s situation is unique. They work closely with clients to develop practical, forward-thinking child support agreements that reflect both current realities and future priorities. This holistic strategy not only promotes financial stability but also minimizes conflict, allowing parents to focus on what truly matters—their child’s happiness and growth.
For families seeking to secure their financial future with clarity and confidence, our guide on Who Needs a Premarital Agreement offers valuable insight into how legal planning can protect assets and expectations before challenges arise. You can also explore our Texas Child Support Resource for detailed information on Texas child support laws and updates. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC remains committed to helping parents build legally sound, future-ready agreements that protect both their children and their peace of mind.
Additional Resources
Navigating child support agreements in Texas can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance and trusted legal resources, parents can achieve clarity and confidence throughout the process. A Texas Child Support Agreements Attorney from The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC provides personalized support to ensure parents understand their rights and obligations under the Texas Family Code. According to Texas Family Code §154.001, both parents share a legal duty to financially support their child, and establishing or enforcing a court-approved agreement helps guarantee the child’s well-being while protecting parental rights.
The Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) also plays an important role in child support enforcement. The OAG’s online services help parents calculate support, locate non-paying parents, and enforce court orders under Texas Family Code §157.001, which outlines procedures for enforcing child support obligations. However, while these public tools are helpful, they are not a substitute for the strategic legal guidance provided by a private attorney. A dedicated family law attorney can ensure that your agreement reflects your child’s real financial needs, remains enforceable under Texas law, and aligns with your long-term goals.
At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we combine compassion with legal precision, helping families access state resources while developing strong, customized support agreements. Our attorneys understand that every family’s situation is unique—especially when balancing financial responsibilities, parenting time, and long-term planning for your child’s future. By partnering with an experienced attorney, parents can avoid common pitfalls and create sustainable solutions grounded in fairness and Texas legal standards.
To learn more about protecting your financial and parental interests, explore our in-depth guide on Postnuptial Agreements in Texas Family Law and visit our Texas Child Support Resource for additional insights. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan remains committed to educating families, protecting futures, and providing trusted representation in every stage of the Texas child support process.
Related Articles
For further reading on child support topics, parents can explore related articles on TexasLawHelp.org. These articles discuss child support enforcement, modifications, and custody processes, providing detailed insights and strategies to help parents navigate the legal processes.
Internal links to related articles can provide additional valuable information and guidance, as well as access to net resources.
Official Resources
Accessing official resources is crucial for parents navigating child support agreements in Texas. Resources available include guides for uncontested cases, chat support with a law student or lawyer, and other tools provided by the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
These resources can help parents understand their legal rights and obligations, making the process less daunting and more manageable.
Conclusion:
Every family’s story looks a little different, but one truth holds steady—structure brings peace. Whether you’re figuring out new routines, adjusting to co-parenting, or sorting out finances, a thoughtful child support agreement can transform uncertainty into stability. That’s what our team at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC helps families do every single day: protect their children’s futures while easing the stress that so often follows a divorce or separation.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your next step, that’s completely normal. Family law isn’t just about courtrooms and documents—it’s about people, emotions, and real-life decisions that ripple through a child’s world. The good news? You don’t have to face it alone. Working with an experienced Texas Family Law Attorney means having someone in your corner who understands both the legal process and the human side of parenting after divorce.
So take a deep breath, give yourself credit for showing up and learning, and when you’re ready, reach out. We’re here to help you build a plan that makes sense for your family—one that supports your child, fits your life, and gives everyone a little more room to breathe. Because at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we don’t just handle cases—we help families move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fees vary based on the lawyer’s experience, your county, and how complex the case is. Most attorneys charge hourly and require an upfront retainer that can start in the low thousands for straightforward matters and increase for contested hearings, discovery, enforcement, or appeals. Flat fees may be available for limited-scope tasks (like agreed modifications). Always ask what the retainer includes, hourly rates for attorneys and staff, and whether court costs, service fees, mediation, experts, or copies are billed separately.
Yes—parents can reach their own agreement (directly or through mediation). But to be legally enforceable, it must be turned into a written order and signed by a judge. Courts review agreements to ensure they’re in the child’s best interest and consistent with the Texas Family Code. A private document—even if notarized—doesn’t carry the enforceability of a court order.
Expect an initial retainer plus hourly billing for most cases. Total cost depends on whether the case is agreed or contested, whether financial discovery is needed, and how many hearings are required. Ask about strategy, the typical phases of a case, estimated ranges for each phase, and available payment options so you can plan with fewer surprises.
You can notarize signatures, but notarization alone doesn’t make an agreement enforceable in family court. To be enforceable, the agreement must be incorporated into a court order and signed by the judge. If you already have a signed private agreement, speak with a Texas family law attorney about converting it into a proposed order for court approval.
For simple, agreed matters, limited help may be enough. But an experienced Texas Family Law Attorney is especially valuable when income is variable or self-employed, there are disputes over medical/dental support or childcare, arrears are involved, or you anticipate enforcement or modification issues. A lawyer helps ensure your order is clear, accurate, enforceable, and future-proofed to reduce conflict later.
Texas is gender-neutral—the paying parent is the “obligor.” Guideline percentages generally apply to the obligor’s net resources: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five or more (subject to statutory caps). Courts also address medical and dental support and may deviate from guidelines when justified. Exact amounts depend on income, caps, and any credits or offsets allowed by law.
There isn’t a statute with that name. The phrase informally refers to Texas enforcement tools for unpaid support—license suspension, wage withholding, liens, contempt—and to criminal nonsupport under Texas Penal Code §25.05 (which applies to any parent who intentionally or knowingly fails to support a child). The goal is compliance so children receive the support ordered.
Yes. Parents can negotiate terms directly or via mediation, including who covers health insurance, uninsured medical costs, and childcare. Any agreement must be approved by the court, and deviations from guideline amounts require findings that the arrangement is in the child’s best interest. Because private deals that undercut a child’s rights are unlikely to be approved, legal guidance is recommended.
Criminal nonsupport under Penal Code §25.05 doesn’t set a specific dollar threshold. It becomes a state jail felony when a parent intentionally or knowingly fails to provide support as required by law or court order for a child under 18. Separately, civil enforcement under the Family Code can impose contempt, license suspensions, liens, and other remedies regardless of the total owed. If arrears are mounting, talk with counsel promptly about payment plans, modification, or defenses.
