Securing adequate and consistent financial support is critical for your child’s well-being. Karen Torres Law is the dedicated Houston Child Support Lawyer focused on helping clients establish, modify, and enforce child support orders across Harris County and surrounding areas. We ensure the calculation of net resources is accurate and that the final order adheres to (or appropriately deviates from) the Texas statutory guidelines, always placing the financial needs of the child first.
Call us now at (713) 576-0400 to get started with a free, confidential review of your family’s case.
Why Choose Karen Torres Law for Child Support
Child support issues, especially those involving self-employment, high income, or hidden assets, require a sophisticated approach. Karen Torres has extensive experience in complex financial discovery necessary to determine a payer’s true net resources. Whether you are the obligee seeking enforcement or the obligor seeking a fair modification, we provide the aggressive financial analysis required. We handle everything from the initial Establish Child Support lawsuit to contempt proceedings for enforcement.
Services We Provide
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Filing an Original Petition to Establish the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) to include a child support order.
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Calculating and negotiating child support payments based on the Texas guidelines.
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Seeking upward or downward Child Support Modification due to job loss, raise, or change in possession schedule.
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Filing a Motion for Enforcement for delinquent child support payments.
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Representation in Paternity cases where child support is a key issue.
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Managing medical and dental support orders (cash medical support).
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Litigation involving high net worth cases that exceed the statutory cap on resources.
How We Help You
For clients seeking to establish or modify support, we thoroughly investigate the obligor’s income, including wages, bonuses, commissions, and self-employment income, to ensure the net resources calculation is correct. For enforcement, we move quickly to file the necessary motion, seeking remedies that can include wage garnishment, abstract of judgment (lien on property), license suspension, and contempt of court. Our goal is to secure a reliable source of funds for your child as quickly as the law allows.
Why Child Support Matters in Houston
Houston’s dynamic job market often means that one or both parents’ income can fluctuate significantly, necessitating a Modification. Furthermore, the sheer size of the Harris County backlog means that efficient filing and strong advocacy from a Child Support Enforcement Texas attorney are essential to prevent months of delays. We are committed to navigating the local bureaucracy to get your child the financial stability they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is the amount of child support calculated in Texas? Child support is primarily based on a percentage of the obligor’s “net resources.” For one child, it is typically 20% of net resources; for two children, 25%, and so on, up to five or more children.
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What if the paying parent is self-employed or paid in cash? Self-employment or variable income makes calculation complex. We use legal tools like subpoenas for bank records and tax returns to accurately determine the true net resources to ensure the support amount is not intentionally minimized.
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Can child support be modified if I lose my job? Yes. A substantial and material change in circumstances, such as job loss, a significant decrease in income, or a change in the primary residence of the child, can be grounds for a Child Support Modification.
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What is a Motion for Enforcement? This is a legal pleading filed with the court when the non-paying parent (obligor) fails to make payments as ordered. It asks the judge to compel payment and hold the obligor in contempt, which can result in jail time or other penalties.
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When does the obligation to pay child support end in Texas? Child support generally terminates when the child turns 18 years old or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. It can also end if the child is emancipated or dies, and can continue indefinitely if the child is disabled.
Client Testimonials
“I was struggling to get the father of my children to pay. Karen filed the Motion for Enforcement quickly and professionally. The back payments were finally secured, and I now have consistent support.” – Jessica L.
“When my income changed, Karen successfully argued for a fair child support modification. She was precise with the financial documents and protected me from overpayment.” – Alex B., Pearland
“Karen Torres Law was invaluable in establishing child support. They ensured every single source of the father’s income was counted, leading to a much fairer outcome for my son.” – Maria G.
