Child Support Collection in Texas
Dallas-Fort Worth Family Law Attorney David Kohm Assists With Child Support Collection
Texas Child Support Enforcement
Our Dallas-Fort Worth Family Lawyers work with many single parents assisting them with the collection of their child support payments. The state of Texas has enacted laws that will ensure that the non-custodial parent contributes monthly or face harsh penalties if they do not live up to their responsibilities. As with most state agencies, the Texas Child Support agency is not in a position manpower wise, to oversee every individual case, and this is why experienced family law attorneys are needed to help custodial parents collect their monthly support payments.
Penalties for Non-Payment
Should the non-custodial parent attempt to avoid paying for child care, the Texas child support laws will enforce payments by reporting the non-custodial parent to the credit bureaus, suspension of their driver’s license, or even arrested and put in jail, etc. If a non-custodial parent refuses to pay child support, then our law firm can assist the custodial parent in taking legal action through the court to enforce continued payments.
Wage Garnishments Enforcement
Texas, unlike a lot of states, enforces its child support laws by requiring all child support payments be garnished from the non-custodial parent’s paycheck. Garnishment of the non-custodial parent’s wages is one guarantee that all payments are being made.
Child Support Medical Insurance
Another element of the Texas child support law provides that one or both parents can provide the child with medical coverage. Texas child support law requires first, that the non-custodial parent provide medical coverage for the child. The non-custodial parent is required to purchase a medical plan through their employment if coverage is available. If coverage is unavailable through the non-custodial parent’s place of employment, then the state of Texas requires that the custodial parent provide the coverage. If the custodial parent acquires coverage, the non-custodial parent is still financially responsible for paying the monthly cost for coverage even if it is covered by the custodial parent’s employment.
If neither parent’s employer offers medical coverage, then the court will order the non-custodial parent to pay an additional monthly amount to cover medical expenses. Note that the monthly cost for providing medical coverage is not part of the calculations within the child support plan, it is additional and must be provided by the non-custodial parent.
This is a general overview of the child support collection process in Texas. This summary should help answer a lot of questions but does not begin to cover every aspect of the child support laws. For more information in regards to child support, child custody, or other family law matters, call the Law Offices of David Kohm or you can complete our easy online request form. Initial consultations are free and we’ll be happy to meet with you at one our local offices.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with a qualified licensed attorney. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact our law firm directly.