We're Together, So Why Is There a Child Support Case?

Many people think child support is only something that is ordered for divorced parents or as a part of paternity actions, but that is not always the case. If you are in a relationship with your children’s other parent, but you do not live with your partner and your children, you could still be ordered to pay child support.

This can come as a surprise for many people, especially when they have been financially supporting their young families, though living under a different roof. Often, this situation arises when one parent works out-of-state, or when the partner with the children moved away with the children to take care of a family emergency, such as a disabled or ill family member in their hometown.

When You Think of Yourselves as a Couple

Suppose you are in a relationship with the mother or father of your children; however, for some reason you do not live with each other. All of a sudden, you find out that a child support case has been opened despite the fact that you are still very much a couple. What is the cause behind this?

If your significant other does not live with you and he or she is the custodial parent and they applied for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid, the State of Texas may open a child support case, even if your partner is not asking for child support.

How much is child support in Texas?*

• One child – 20 percent of the noncustodial parent’s net resources.
• Two children – 25 percent of the noncustodial parent’s net resources.
• Three children – 30 percent of the noncustodial parent’s net resources.
• Four children – 35 percent of the noncustodial parent’s net resources.
• Five children – 40 percent of the noncustodial parent’s net resources.
• Six or more children – at least 40 percent of the noncustodial parent’s net resources.

*These are presumptive guidelines and the court is not obligated to follow them in every case.

Has the Texas Office of The Attorney General (OAG) opened a child support case despite you and your partner considering yourself partner, or do you need help with another child support matter in Katy or Cypress? For professional legal assistance, contact Hunt Law Firm, PLLC.