Child Support

Child Support

Child Support Lawyer in Richmond & Sugar Land TX

Van Slyke & Kestler Law Firm, we assist our clients with child support issues as well as any other matters related to family law, including divorce, child custody, visitation rights, property division and more. Serving parents of Richmond, Sugar Land and Fort Bend County, TX, our attorneys will fight for the financial support your child needs and deserves.

Child support is based upon the Child Support Guidelines set forth by the Texas Legislature. The amount of child support to be paid is based on the adjusted gross income of the paying parent. The court will normally order the parent who does not have primary custody to pay child support to the other parent monthly.

How to Calculate Net Income

The amount of child support the noncustodial parent needs to pay is determined by their adjusted net income. After determining the total annual income, parents required to pay child support are allowed to deduct social security taxes, union dues, health insurance payments for the children, and federal income tax to obtain his or her adjusted net income.

The state requires the noncustodial parent to pay a percentage of his or her monthly net income toward child support. Several factors are used to calculate the amount of child support, including the noncustodial parent’s gross income and the number of children. If there are any other factors that may influence the amount of child support, Lester Van Slyke Jr. and Michelle R. Kestler have the skills to recognize these factors and point them out in court.

Child Support Payment Details

In Texas, the paying parent’s employer withholds child support funds and forwards it to the state’s child support enforcement division or a local sector to be sent to the other parent. If the noncustodial parent is self-employed, then he or she is responsible for paying the funds to the other parent. By using the government agency for child support payments, there are clean payment records on file, which can be helpful if legal action is required.

The noncustodial parent will pay child support until the child turns 18 years old. In some cases, the noncustodial parent may be required by the court to continue providing financial assistance until the child graduates from high school as long as the child is actively enrolled in classes. If the child becomes married, enlists in the armed forces or obtains legal emancipation, the noncustodial parent may be approved to stop paying child support.

Child Support Order Details

Requests for child support are typically created as a component of a divorce or paternity action. To begin the request, the divorce attorney will likely file a petition that includes a request for child support.

If you need a trusted attorney to advise you regarding child support, Lester Van Slyke, Jr. and Michelle R. Kestler are willing to sit down with you and explain the legal procedures. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.

 

Child Support Lawyer in Richmond & Wharton and Sugar Land, TX

At Van Slyke & Kestler Law Firm, our mission is to guide parents through the legal process of obtaining, enforcing, or modifying child support orders in Texas. Whether you are the parent seeking financial support or the one being asked to provide it, our team works to ensure your child receives the resources they need to thrive. Serving families in Wharton, Richmond, Sugar Land, and throughout Fort Bend County, our attorneys have decades of experience in family law, including divorce, child custody, visitation rights, property division, and more.

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When you hire a child support lawyer from our firm, you gain advocates who understand Texas law, recognize the importance of accurate calculations, and fight for fair results. Attorneys Lester Van Slyke Jr. and Michelle R. Kestler know how high the stakes are in these cases—your child’s wellbeing depends on a financial arrangement that meets their needs while protecting your rights.

Understanding Child Support in Texas

Child support is intended to ensure that children have the same opportunities for care and development they would have if their parents lived together. In Texas, the Child Support Guidelines set forth by the Legislature establish the percentage of the paying parent’s income that should go toward supporting their children. While the court follows these guidelines in most cases, there may be factors that justify a deviation.

In general, the noncustodial parent—the parent who does not have primary physical custody—is the one ordered to pay child support. Payments are usually made on a monthly basis and continue until the child turns 18, graduates from high school, or meets other conditions that may terminate support obligations.

How Child Support is Calculated

Texas calculates child support based on the paying parent’s net monthly income. The court starts with the gross annual income and then subtracts allowable deductions, including:

Social Security taxes
Federal income tax based on the standard deduction
Union dues (if applicable)
Health insurance premiums for the child

Once net monthly income is determined, a percentage is applied according to the number of children:

20% for one child
25% for two children
30% for three children
35% for four children
40% for five or more children

While this is the basic formula, an experienced child support attorney like those at Van Slyke & Kestler can identify special circumstances—such as a child’s medical needs, educational expenses, a parties’ additional children not subject to the suit, or a parent’s unique financial situation—that may justify a higher or lower amount.

The Payment Process

In most cases, child support payments are made through wage withholding. The paying parent’s employer deducts the ordered amount from their paycheck and sends it to the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit, which then forwards the payment to the receiving parent.

This system ensures that payments are documented, reducing disputes and creating a clear record for enforcement. For self-employed individuals, payments must be made directly to the designated state agency or registry.

Duration of Child Support Obligations

Texas law generally requires child support to be paid until the child:

Turns 18 years old
Graduates from high school (whichever occurs later)
Marries
Joins the armed forces
Becomes legally emancipated

In cases involving a child with a physical or mental disability, support may continue indefinitely to ensure that the child’s needs are met. Our child support lawyers can help you navigate these special situations and ensure the order reflects the child’s long-term requirements.

Modifying Child Support Orders

Life circumstances can change significantly after a child support order is issued. Income shifts, job loss, relocation, or changes in custody arrangements may require adjustments. Either parent can request a modification if:

It has been at least three years since the last order, and
The current amount differs by 20% or $100 from what the guidelines would require today, or
There has been a material and substantial change in circumstances.

Our child support attorneys can evaluate your situation and, if warranted, file a motion to modify the order to ensure it reflects current needs and financial realities.

Enforcing Child Support

If a parent fails to meet their child support obligations, Texas courts have powerful enforcement tools, including:

Wage garnishment
Intercepting tax refunds
Suspending driver’s or professional licenses
Contempt of court charges, which may result in fines or jail time

If you are not receiving the child support ordered by the court, our child support lawyers near you can take swift action to enforce the order and protect your child’s financial stability.

Starting the Process

A request for child support is typically made during a divorce or paternity case. Our attorneys begin by filing a petition that includes the request for child support, followed by gathering financial documentation to ensure accurate calculations. We also help clients prepare for hearings, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, present strong arguments in court.

Why Choose Van Slyke & Kestler Law Firm

Since 1982, Van Slyke & Kestler Law Firm has provided trusted legal representation in Richmond, Wharton, Sugar Land, and all of Fort Bend County. We know the local courts, judges, and procedures, giving our clients a strategic advantage. When you work with our team, you can expect:

Personalized guidance tailored to your family’s situation
Clear explanations of your rights and responsibilities
Strong advocacy in both negotiation and litigation
Decades of combined family law experience

Attorneys Lester Van Slyke Jr. and Michelle R. Kestler understand that family law cases are emotionally charged. We work to reduce your stress, keep you informed at every stage, and focus on solutions that protect both you and your child’s best interests.

Serving Clients Who Search for “Child Support Lawyers Near Me”

Parents searching for a child support attorney near me often need immediate help—whether it’s securing a fair order, enforcing payments, or modifying existing arrangements. We are proud to serve as the trusted resource for families across the region, offering accessible office locations in both Richmond and Sugar Land.

We are committed to providing the highest level of service, whether your case is straightforward or involves complex issues like self-employment income, interstate support enforcement, or special needs planning.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you need a child support lawyer in Richmond, Wharton, Sugar Land, or Fort Bend County, the attorneys at Van Slyke & Kestler Law Firm are ready to help. We will explain your options, advocate for a fair outcome, and ensure your child’s needs are prioritized every step of the way.

Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and get the guidance you deserve from experienced child support attorneys who understand Texas law and care about your family’s future.