The next maximum child support increase is coming September 1, 2019. SECTION 1. All Rights Reserved. From 2018, most of the big changes in Texas family law came from the courts. 20% of $9,200.00). 8144 Walnut Hill Lane The last adjustment was done in 2013 when the current amount of $8550 per month was established. You are under the “current cap” and lower than the “new cap”. 20% of $5,000.00 for one child). Each session, proposed new laws get introduced that will affect family law in Texas. Health Insurance is separate and in addition to child support payments. This change will raise the amount of maximum child support under the Texas Child Support Guidelines from $1,710.00 per month to $1,840.00 per month for one child. Suite 1190 After September 1, 2019, any new suit for child support will be subject to the new “cap”. Check your old Orders and consult a local child support attorney to see if the cost of returning to court warrant a modification case. Although the child support obligation will be calculated in the same manner, the new “cap” will apply. This “cap” is a limit, set by the Texas Family Code, which limits the amount of that income that will be subject to the guidelines, in the majority of cases. A noted author, Ms. O’Neil released her second book Basics of Texas Divorce Law in November 2010, with a second edition released in 2013, and a third edition expected in 2015. Child support under the guidelines is determined by applying the applicable percentage, beginning at 20% for one child and increasing incrementally for each additional child, to the net resources amount. Three’s a crowd: The latest Texas Supreme Court ruling and its effect on non-parent standing. They will now … That section sets out the formula for doing so based on the consumer price index. involved grandparents who sought standing to sue for custody due to the actual care, control and possession of the child for at least 6 months. The Texas Supreme Court clarified a conflict between the courts of appeals in various parts of the state on the right of a nonparent to intervene and ask for custody of a child. (Support of Child) Standard Child Support Guidelines. It must be determined which party will be responsible for the child support and how much that party is expected to pay in support. In 2012, Ms. O’Neil co-authored the booklets What You Need To Know About Common Law Marriage In Texas and Social Study Evaluations. Described by one lawyer as “a lethal combination of sweet-and-salty”, Ms. O’Neil exudes…, Michelle May O’Neil has 27 years’ experience representing small business owners, professionals, and individuals in litigation related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and complex property division. The maximum net resources before this increase is $8,550. Important to Know: The new “cap” increase of September 1, 2019 will not automatically increase the obligor’s existing child support obligation. While representing clients in litigation before the trial court is an important part of her practice, Ms. O’Neil also handles appellate matters in the trial court, courts of appeals and Texas Supreme Court. 20% of $8,550.00). The more children in a case the higher the percentage grows, by 5% per child. If you are facing a child support issue, a skilled Texas child support attorney can help protect your rights and your children’s needs. She was named one of the Best Lawyers in America for 2016 and received an “A-V” peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directories for the highest quality legal ability and ethical standards. More new Texas Legislature Family Laws to come! That’s an increase of $130 per month! Stalking and Harassment are both criminal acts, defined in the Texas Penal Code sections 42.07 and 42.072. Parents sharing custody have questions about how Corona Virus/COVID-19 affects their possession and access (custody) order. Because the last adjustment took place in 2013, the next child support adjustment is due for September 1, 2019. 100 W. Oak St. This change in the law will, in effect, raise the amount of maximum child support under the Texas Child Support Guidelines from $1,710 per month to $1,840 per month for one child. Please review the Texas Office of the Texas Attorney General (OAG) website for a child support calculator for the new breakdown: https://csapps.oag.texas.gov/monthly-child-support-calculator, The Nacol Law Firm PC8144 Walnut Hill LaneSuite #1190Dallas, Texas 75231Nacollawfirm.com, 8144 Walnut Hill Lane Under Texas’ new law, the maximum child support obligation for one child is limited to $1,840.00 (i.e. Two new laws are going into place Saturday, September 1. Under the new law that is to take effect on September 1, 2019, the child support “cap” will be increased to $9,200.00 of the obligor’s monthly net resources. If a child support obligor has monthly net resources over $9200, a party seeking above the guideline’s child support has the burden of proving to the court that additional support should be ordered according to factors set out in Texas Family Code §154.126. Under the new law that is to take effect on September 1, 2019, the child support “cap” will be increased to $9,200.00 of the obligor’s monthly net resources. If you are currently paying or receiving child support payments and have questions regarding how the new law will affect you, do not hesitate to contact our team at The Skillern Firm to explore your options. The Attorney General’s office is tasked with analyzing inflation rates every six years and calculating maximum guideline child support numbers. (3) a new child support order is sought after the date of the separation. © 2020 Skillern Firm, PLLC. Section 153.312 (c), Family Code, as added by this Act, applies only to a court order providing for possession of or access to a child rendered on or after the effective date of this Act. Michelle May O’Neil strives to provide clients with high-quality representation in a personalized atmosphere. The obligor’s child support obligation will be calculated in the exact same manner and will remain the same. Michelle May O’Neil has 27 years’ experience representing small business owners, professionals, and individuals in litigation related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and complex property division. For example, if the obligor’s monthly net resources are $10,000.00, then the child support obligation will be $1,840.00 per month, according to the new “cap” (i.e. The calculation of child support can be extremely complicated and depends on a number of moving factors. Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters, A New Law in Texas Expected to Increase Child Support, Four Assets That Can Be Difficult To Divide In A Divorce, Mistakes parents make when facing false allegations by an ex, Mistakes to avoid when creating a postnuptial agreement. Each session, proposed new laws get introduced that will affect family law in Texas. If the obligor’s monthly net resources are $8,550.00 or less, the amount of child support is calculated as a percentage of that amount. Although the child support calculation is complicated and based on several factors, the Texas Family Code sets out explicit provisions on how the child support obligation is to be determined. are well-versed in child support matters which may include modification of your current child support obligation. For example, see the chart below: When applying the above child support guidelines, the Texas legislature has placed a “cap” on the amount of the obligor’s monthly net resources that will be subject to the guidelines. In other words, the current “cap” is set at $8,550.00 of the obligor’s monthly net resources. In the State of Texas, child support can be modified every three years if you can show that a new child support calculation would differ from the statutory guidelines by $100 or 20%, or when there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances. Pre-Litigation Mediation: Is it Right for You? The Texas Legislature convenes every two years, with 2019 being one of those. Erroneous Calculation of Texas Child Support … If you are currently going through litigation and your net monthly resources exceeds $8,550 and the Court orders child support prior to September 1, 2019, Texas Child Support Guidelines will mandate that the Court apply the appropriate child support percentage to the first $8,550 in net monthly resources based on the number of children. Additionally, examples of calculations will be provided along with an explanation of how the upcoming increase could affect current and future child support obligors. determined that a clause allowing for forfeiture of all rights under a premarital agreement if a spouse challenged the agreement was a valid and enforceable provision. She has over 20 years of experience representing men, women, and children related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and complex property division. This increase will affect child support cases filed after September 1, 2019. The obligor’s net resources are calculated by determining gross annual income and then recalculating to determine average monthly income. News and Updates Regarding Texas Family Law Issues. At O’Neil Wysocki P.C., our Dallas divorce and family lawyers have more than 65 years of combined experience representing individuals and families throughout Texas. Changes to child support modifications. Denton, TX 76201, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). 2018-2019 change represents the new year. (972) 690-3333, Attorney Mark A. Nacol is board certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The new maximum net income amount will go up from $8,550 to $9,200 per month starting with all child support cases decided after September 1, 2019. In other words, this upcoming change in child support is not arbitrary or unprecedented, but an automatic adjustment based on a timeline set by the Texas legislature. We expect this trend to continue for 2019. Where there is a new suit for child support filed after September 1, 2019, the obligor’s net monthly income will be subject to the new “cap.”. A court order rendered before the effective date on this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the order was rendered, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. This Act takes effect on September 1, 2019. The change in law made by this Act constitutes a material and substantial change of circumstance under Section 156.401, Family Code, sufficient to warrant modification of a court order or a portion of a decree that provides support for a child rendered before the effective date of this Act.