In some cases, an existing alimony agreement can be adjusted based on the living or financial situations of those involved. If the person receiving alimony gets a new job or remarries, for example, then it may be possible to lower or completely remove the alimony obligation. While it’s not easy to adjust an alimony agreement, it can be possible in the right situation. If you feel a change qualifies for an adjustment to your alimony agreement, our lawyers can help you navigate that process.

The Texas government acknowledges the legal responsibility of both parents to financially provide for a child. Even if the parents were never married, it’s both of their jobs to ensure the child is cared for. Child support agreements are typically put in place when one parent has a majority of the custodial rights. If a child custody agreement is 50/50, then there’s less chance of getting child support as both parents would share an even cost of caring for the child.

If, however, the initial split is not even, child support will likely come into play. How much child support is owed depends on the number of children involved and what the custody split is. A parent who only has visitation rights for every other weekend, for example, can expect to pay more in child support than a parent who has custody for a full summer.

Child Support Timeline

In most cases, child support continues until a child is 18 or becomes legally emancipated. However, there are situations that could extend the timeline of child support. The two most common include college tuition and physical or mental disabilities.

In a custody agreement, parents may agree to extend child support past the age of 18 as long as the child is enrolled in college. A physical or mental disability may also influence a child’s ability to provide for themselves. If a parent would have to continue to provide and care for a child due to a disability, child support payments would likely continue indefinitely.

Missed Child Support Payments

Unfortunately, financial difficulties and economic losses can make paying child support difficult. If you miss child support payments, the government could take the money owed out of your paycheck. If you’re struggling to make your payments, you may be able to get financial aid or renegotiate the terms of your agreement. At the Hager Law Firm, we’re here to help protect your child, but we’re also invested in your well-being and stability.

Altering Child Support Agreements

In some cases, you may be able to adjust child support payments. Some child support clauses can be built-in as adjustable based on certain situations. For example, if your child attends an expensive public school, you may have a higher child support payment to help provide their education. But if your child goes to a different school at any point, you may not need to pay as much to help cover the costs. Changes in living and financial situations could warrant the need for a change in your child support agreement.

Ending Child Support

In many cases, child support payments end when a child reaches a certain age or other qualifications are met. However, there may be times when child support payments can end prematurely. Typically, this happens when a stepparent applies for the adoption of a child. If the parent agrees to waive their legal rights, then they would no longer be financially responsible for the child.

However, giving up legal rights over a child is not a decision to be made lightly. If you’re considering waiving your rights, talk to a child support attorney first. You may still be able to negotiate certain parental benefits, such as certain visitation agreements. Consulting with a lawyer ahead of time can help ensure both you and your child are taken care of.