If you have not already done so, please feel free to read yesterday’s blog post from the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, where we began our discussion of medical and child support in Texas. This subject is one that current and former clients of our office are highly interested in. At the same time, there seems to be a lot of misinformation, or at best partial information floating around that, I think a reasonably in-depth discussion is necessary.
What that introduction out of the way, let’s talk about how you and your spouse may be able to agree to an amount of child support that deviates from the State’s guidelines and how that might be possible to achieve through compromise and negotiation.
Texas Guidelines Support: Do we have to?
It’s possible to agree on no child support in a divorce, but this is rare. If you and your spouse split child possession 50/50, it could happen. However, with a standard possession schedule, waiving child support is less likely. You’ll likely have more child support opportunities than your spouse.
If you have equal custody and similar incomes, you may not need child support. But in a trial, a judge will order child support. To avoid paying, negotiate informally or through mediation.
Leaving court without a child support order is unlikely. The law usually follows guidelines for support levels. These are 20 percent of the obligor’s income for one child, 25 percent for two, up to 40 percent for five or more.
Child Support: What’s it supposed to be for, anyway?
Texas family law lacks a specific statute in the Family Code for this question. This issue often leads to arguments among parents about child support. With no clear guidelines on child support coverage, parties can argue to adjust support amounts.
Necessities are basic, covering food, clothing, and shelter. But additional expenses like school costs and extracurricular fees are also important.
As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog post, I’m a father of two girls. I know that 25% of my income wouldn’t cover their monthly costs.
Before we get ahead of ourselves– what does medical support mean exactly?
We often overlook medical support while focusing on child support. The Book of Divorce’s final chapter has a vital document, the Final Decree of Divorce. This document includes sections on child support and medical support. Medical support is money beyond child support. It reimburses a spouse, pays for support, or reimburses Texas for Medicaid.
If you pay child support and can afford medical support (under 9% of your annual income), you must insure your children. If you can’t, the other parent should try using their employment insurance. However, if they do, you pay them cash medical support for the insurance costs.
Also, if neither you nor your spouse have employer health insurance, the court will order additional cash support for medical expenses. You and your spouse need to share uninsured costs like deductibles and copays. These are typically split 50/50. Together, you can agree on an arrangement based on your circumstances.
Part Three of our discussion on child support and medical support is out now.
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, thanks you for your interest in our family. If these articles have piqued your interest and you have questions regarding a new child support order or how to modify an existing one, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC. A licensed family law attorney is available to meet with you for a free consultation six days a week, where they can answer your questions.
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Other Articles you may be interested in:
- Important Information Explained Regarding Child Support and Medical Support in Texas, Part Two
- Important Information Explained Regarding Child Support and Medical Support in Texas
- Texas Child Support Basics
- Texas Child Support Basics, Part Two
- Can my Texas Driver’s License Be Suspended for Not paying Child Support?
- Child Support Modification in Texas (Part 1)
- What do I do if I have overpaid child support in Texas?
- Child Custody Basics in Texas
- Child Support and College Tuition in Texas
- Texas Child Support Appeals
- In Texas, are Child Support and Visitation Connected?
- Texas Child Support – Trust and Annuities
Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Tomball, Texas Child Support Lawyers
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding child support, it’s essential to speak with one of our Tomball, TX Child Support Lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Our child support lawyersin Tomball, TX, are skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, handles child support casesin Tomball, Texas, Cypress, Klein, Humble, Kingwood, Tomball, The Woodlands, the FM 1960 area, or surrounding areas, including Harris County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Chambers County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, and Waller County.
Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.