Dealing with the intricacies of divorce and child support in Texas can prove to be a daunting experience. With various legal intricacies and procedural nuances, having a clear understanding and strategic guidance is crucial. This is where the expertise of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan comes into play. Our comprehensive guide delves into the essential aspects of handling child support. It tackles the nuanced role of the Texas Attorney General, special circumstances surrounding support payments, and the intricacies of legal claims within divorce proceedings.
Child Support Payments and the Role of the Texas Attorney General
In most Texas divorce cases involving children, the parent responsible for paying child support typically sees these payments deducted from their paychecks. The Texas Attorney General (OAG) in San Antonio issues a wage withholding order that specifies the amount and frequency of payments. The OAG first receives these payments at the State Disbursement Unit and then forwards them to the ex-spouse.
Many Law Office of Bryan Fagan clients inquire about the OAG’s role in child support. It may appear that the OAG represents the child support recipient. However, their primary objective is to ensure the timely payment of child support to avoid the need for public assistance like SNAP or Medicaid. The OAG does not represent either parent but focuses on the welfare of the child. If payments fall behind, the OAG’s attorneys can initiate legal action to address the issue.
Duration and Special Circumstances of Child Support
Child support payments in Texas generally continue until the child turns eighteen or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. However, in cases where the child has a mental or physical disability requiring extended parental care, support payments may continue into adulthood. Understanding these nuances is crucial for both parents as they navigate the financial responsibilities post-divorce.
Additional Legal Actions Within Divorce Proceedings
Divorce is essentially a lawsuit against your spouse, and sometimes, additional legal claims arise during the process. For instance, if your spouse’s actions, such as property fraud or assault, contributed to the marriage’s breakdown, address them in your divorce petition. To ensure their appropriate handling, discuss these claims with your attorney early in the proceedings.
Alienation of Affection: A Bygone Concept in Texas
Clients often ask if they can sue their spouse’s paramour for alienation of affection, a cause of action once prevalent in Texas. This concept allowed spouses to sue the individual they believed was responsible for the marriage breakdown. However, Texas no longer recognizes alienation of affection as a valid legal claim, signifying a significant shift in how divorce and extramarital affairs are legally treated.
The Importance of Communication with Your Attorney
Effective communication with your attorney is essential in a divorce. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan highly suggests openly discussing any unique concerns or specific desires you have regarding the divorce process. Never assume that your attorney can read your mind. Articulating your goals and concerns ensures that your case is handled according to your expectations.
Get Expert Legal Guidance in Family Law Matters from the Law Office of Bryan Fagan
If you have questions or need guidance regarding divorce in Texas, the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC is here to assist. Specializing in family law, our attorneys respect and diligently represent families across southeast Texas. For a comprehensive understanding of your case and personalized legal advice, contact us to schedule a free consultation. We are committed to supporting you through every step of your family law journey.
Whether you’re facing challenges with child support duration, additional legal actions, or seeking clarity on specific divorce issues, this guide, backed by the seasoned expertise of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, aims to provide you with the necessary insights and direction to navigate your family law case with confidence and clarity.
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Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Houston, Texas Divorce Lawyers
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding divorce, it’s essential to speak with one of our Houston, TX, Divorce Lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Our divorce lawyers in Houston, 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 Divorce cases in Houston, Texas, Cypress, Klein, Humble, Kingwood, Tomball, The Woodlands, Houston, 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.