Child Support Attorney — Montgomery County & Greater Houston
No matter whether you are trying to establish, enforce, or modify a child support order, our firm safeguards your children's financial well-being and your legal rights at every step. Free consultation available.
Child Support in Texas — What Parents Need to Know
Texas figures child support using statutory guidelines that rest on the obligor's net monthly income together with how many children are being supported. Courts ordinarily follow these guidelines, though they may depart from them in light of the child's needs, the cost of health insurance, childcare expenses, and other relevant considerations.
To establish a child support order, the parties must either reach an agreement that is confirmed by court order, or the court must decide the matter after a hearing. When an order goes unpaid, enforcement may bring wage garnishment, license suspension, contempt proceedings, and, in serious cases, jail. To modify an order, you must show a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order was signed.
Our firm takes on child support cases at every phase — first-time establishment, enforcement when payments stop, and modification when things change. We aim to protect your children's financial security while making sure the legal process is handled correctly from day one.
When Both Parents Agree — Flat-Fee Modifications
Where the parents have already agreed on a child support modification — for instance an income-based adjustment or a change connected to a new custody arrangement — the matter can frequently be resolved more efficiently and for less than a contested modification would cost.
An informal agreement between parents is not legally enforceable, even when it is put in writing. Enforcement through contempt or wage withholding is only possible under a court-signed order. Once you and the other parent have settled on changes, entering those changes properly as a court order is the crucial final step.
Eligible agreed child support modifications can be handled through our uncontested divorce service — attorney-guided, flat-fee, and built for parents who already agree on every term. A licensed attorney handles the drafting, filing, and court approval from beginning to end.
Establishing, Enforcing & Modifying Child Support in Texas
Establishing Support
When there is no existing child support order, the court must create one. That means calculating the obligor's net income, applying the guideline percentages, and handling add-ons such as health insurance and childcare. Doing this correctly at the outset — accounting for every income source and the proper deductions — sets your financial position for years to come.
Enforcing an Order
If a parent stops paying court-ordered child support, Texas courts can draw on powerful enforcement tools — wage withholding, tax refund interception, suspension of licenses (driver's, professional, recreational), and contempt of court, which may lead to jail time. Overdue support builds up as a judgment that carries interest. We can act fast to enforce your order and recover arrears.
Modifying an Order
Texas permits modification where a material and substantial change in circumstances has occurred — for example a notable rise or drop in either parent's income, a change in the child's needs, or a change in the custody arrangement. Any modification has to be made through a court order, since informal agreements between parents carry no legal force.
How Texas Calculates Child Support
These percentages are applied to net monthly income — gross income after federal taxes, social security, state income tax, union dues, and health insurance premiums are deducted. A court may also order extra amounts for health insurance, unreimbursed medical costs, and childcare, and it may depart from the guidelines in light of the child's particular needs and other relevant factors.
💡 Flat-Fee Uncontested Divorce
When a divorce is uncontested and both spouses are in agreement, our firm provides flat-fee help through our uncontested divorce service — a clear, affordable route to resolution that covers child support establishment in qualifying cases.
Learn about flat-fee divorce →Our Office
141 N. San Jacinto Street
Conroe, TX 77301
Mon–Thu: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Sat–Sun: By Appointment
Key Child Support Concepts in Texas
The Texas guidelines are based on net income — gross monthly income less federal income tax, social security, Medicare, state income tax, union dues, and the cost of the child's health insurance. Calculating net income accurately is essential to arriving at the correct support amount.
The Texas guidelines reach only the first $9,200 of net monthly income (per recent statutory updates). Where an obligor earns more than that cap, a court may order additional support based on the child's proven needs.
On top of base child support, Texas courts direct a parent to carry health insurance for the child. Any unreimbursed medical expenses are usually divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes.
Unpaid child support turns into a money judgment automatically by operation of law and gathers interest at 6% per year. Arrears never expire and stay collectible without limit — even once the child has grown up.
Where the parents live in different states, the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) determines which state has jurisdiction to establish or modify the order. We take on interstate child support cases and can advise on jurisdiction and enforcement across state lines.
The Child Support Process in Texas
Assess the Situation
We start by looking at any existing order, the income of both parties, and the child's needs — including health insurance, childcare, and special expenses. That review shapes the strategy for establishment, enforcement, or modification.
File or Respond
We file the right motion — a petition to establish, a motion to enforce, or a petition to modify — or answer a motion brought against you. Well-drafted pleadings protect your rights from the outset.
Exchange Financial Information
Each party discloses income, employment, and other relevant financial details. Making sure that disclosure is accurate and complete — and pushing back on inaccurate disclosure from the other side — is frequently where a case is won or lost.
Order Entered
By agreement or following a hearing, a court-signed order sets or changes the support amount, the payment method, and medical support. We make certain the order is thorough, specific, and enforceable right away through wage withholding where it applies.
Child Support Attorney Near You
We stand up for parents in child support matters across Montgomery County, Harris County, Fort Bend County, Brazoria County, and Waller County.
Conroe & Montgomery County
Child support attorney serving Conroe, The Woodlands, Spring, and surrounding areas
Houston & Harris County
Child support attorney serving Greater Houston and Harris County
Fort Bend, Brazoria & Waller
Serving clients throughout the Greater Houston metro — contact us to confirm coverage
Child Support FAQ — Texas
Questions About Child Support in Montgomery County or Houston? We Can Help.
Our firm represents clients across Montgomery, Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Waller Counties. Free consultations are available — call us or schedule online.
(936) 298-8000Meet Our Team at the Law Office of Keith Phillips
Keith became a licensed mediator in 2020, and that perspective shapes how he approaches every case — focused on practical, efficient resolution while fully prepared to litigate when necessary. He is a father of five.
Behind the scenes, Kaitlyn is the one making sure nothing falls through the cracks — preparing documents, coordinating discovery, and tracking every deadline — so clients can focus on their families while she handles the details. What clients remember most is simply how heard she made them feel.
Serving Greater Houston & Surrounding Counties
This firm represents clients throughout Montgomery, Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Waller Counties — with our office based in Conroe, steps from the Montgomery County Family Law Courts.
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Attorney advertising. Law Office of Keith Phillips is a Texas law firm. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Keith Phillips (TX Bar 2016) is the attorney responsible for this content.