Child Support

Biological parents have a legal duty of financial support for their children until the child becomes self-sufficient or reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years in Texas. When one parent has primary custody, the other parent's obligation is usually met through the payment of child support. Such payments are owed regardless whether or not the parent with custody has the means to support the child on their own. In cases of joint custody, child support may still be required. The amount of child support payments is determined by considering the needs of the child and the income of the parent responsible for payment. Children and both parents benefit when the proper amount of support is determined and paid in a timely manner.