How Long Does it Take to Start Receiving Child Support in Texas?
When you are the primary caretaker for your child, receiving child support can assist you in meeting the needs of your child.
Understanding the child support payment process is critical to ensuring that you receive the appropriate amount of financial support for your child.
At The Stout Law Firm, our experienced family law attorneys understand how important the child support process is to the well-being of our client’s families and strongly advocate on their behalf. Contact us today.
How to Receive Child Support in Texas
You will need a court order to receive formal child support, which can only come after a lawsuit is initiated requesting it. This is most common in a paternity action or divorce. Legally establishing the child’s parent is the first step to asking the court to obligate them to pay child support.
You will need to provide documentation showing that the person is or should be legally declared your child’s parent. The following are helpful in establishing someone as a parent for purposes of child support:
- A prior court order establishing them as the parent;
- A signed and unrevoked acknowledgement of paternity;
- A marriage license showing marriage at the time of the child’s birth;
- Genetic testing.
How Much Support Should I Receive?
The state of Texas requires paying child support regardless of whether the parent is active in the child’s life or exercising any visitation rights.
Hiring an attorney who understands what should be taken into consideration when calculating a child support obligation. This will help to ensure that your child receives the support they are entitled to. Some things the court will consider when ordering child support are:
- How many children the party has an obligation to support;
- The party’s income or earning potential;
- Whether the child has any special needs;
- All documentation regarding both parents’ incomes and assets.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Child Support Payments?
One of the most common questions our attorneys get from clients is how long does the child support process take? Receiving child support payments is reliant on a number of different factors, which makes it difficult to say with any certainty how long it will be before child support payments start to arrive.
However, absent any delay, parties typically begin to receive payments approximately four to six weeks after the Judge signs an Order obligating support.
Enforcement of Child Support Orders
Texas law requires the noncustodial parent to make timely and regular child support payments, regardless of where they live or their current financial situation.
If the noncustodial parent is not making their payments in a timely manner, you may be eligible to file an Enforcement Action against them. In an Enforcement Action, you make a request of the Court to enforce the existing Order. Child support is enforceable through many different avenues, including incarceration.
Need Help with Child Support Payments? Talk to Our Attorneys Today
Do you need professional help from an experienced family law attorney in the Houston area with your child support case? The Stout Law Firm, P.L.L.C. are here to help.
Call the office or contact us today to schedule a consultation with an attorney about your child support needs. This includes legal options for securing support from your child’s parent.
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