Child Support Attorney — Montgomery County & Greater Houston
Whether you need to establish, enforce, or modify a child support order, our firm protects your children's financial security and your legal rights throughout the process. Free consultation available.
Child Support in Texas — What Parents Need to Know
Child support in Texas is calculated using statutory guidelines based on the obligor's net monthly income and the number of children being supported. While courts generally apply these guidelines, deviations are possible based on the child's needs, health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and other relevant factors.
Establishing a child support order requires either an agreement between the parties confirmed by court order, or a court determination after hearing. Enforcement of an unpaid order can include wage garnishment, license suspension, contempt proceedings, and in serious cases, incarceration. Modification requires showing a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order was entered.
Our firm handles child support matters at every stage — initial establishment, enforcement when payments are withheld, and modification when circumstances change. We work to protect your children's financial security while ensuring the legal process is handled correctly from the start.
When Both Parents Agree — Flat-Fee Modifications
When both parents have already reached agreement on a modification to child support — such as an income-based adjustment or a change tied to a new custody arrangement — the process can often be handled more efficiently and at lower cost than contested modification proceedings.
An informal agreement between parents, even one in writing, is not legally enforceable. Only a court-signed order can be enforced through contempt or wage withholding. If you and the other parent have agreed on changes, getting those changes properly entered as a court order is the essential final step.
Qualifying agreed child support modifications may be handled through 2500Divorce.com — attorney-guided, flat-fee, designed for parents who have agreed on all terms. A licensed attorney manages drafting, filing, and court approval from start to finish.
Establishing, Enforcing & Modifying Child Support in Texas
Establishing Support
If no child support order exists, one must be established by the court. This involves calculating the obligor's net income, applying guideline percentages, and addressing add-ons like health insurance and childcare. Getting this right from the start — including all income sources and proper deductions — determines your financial position for years.
Enforcing an Order
When a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, Texas courts have strong enforcement tools — wage withholding, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's, professional, recreational), and contempt of court, which can result in jail time. Unpaid support accrues as a judgment with interest. We can move quickly to enforce your order and recover arrears.
Modifying an Order
Texas allows modification when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances — such as a significant increase or decrease in either parent's income, a change in the child's needs, or a change in custody arrangement. Modification must be done through court order. Informal agreements between parents are not legally binding.
How Texas Calculates Child Support
Percentages apply to net monthly income — gross income minus federal taxes, social security, state income tax, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Additional amounts may be ordered for health insurance, unreimbursed medical expenses, and childcare. Courts may deviate from guidelines based on the child's specific needs and other relevant factors.
💡 Flat-Fee Uncontested Divorce
For uncontested divorces where both parties are in agreement, our firm offers flat-fee services through 2500Divorce.com — a straightforward, affordable path to resolution that includes child support establishment for 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
Texas guidelines apply to net income — gross monthly income minus federal income tax, social security, Medicare, state income tax, union dues, and the cost of health insurance for the child. Accurately calculating net income is critical to getting the right support amount.
Texas guidelines apply to the first $9,200 of net monthly income (as of recent statutory updates). For obligors earning above this cap, courts may order additional support based on the child's proven needs.
In addition to base child support, Texas courts order a parent to provide health insurance coverage for the child. Unreimbursed medical expenses are typically split between parents in proportion to income.
Unpaid child support becomes a money judgment by operation of law and accrues interest at 6% annually. Arrears do not expire and remain collectible indefinitely — even after the child reaches adulthood.
When parents live in different states, the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) governs which state has jurisdiction to establish or modify the order. We handle interstate child support matters and can advise on jurisdiction and enforcement across state lines.
The Child Support Process in Texas
Assess the Situation
We begin by reviewing the existing order (if any), the income of both parties, and the child's needs — including health insurance, childcare, and special expenses. This assessment drives the strategy for establishment, enforcement, or modification.
File or Respond
We file the appropriate motion — whether a petition to establish, a motion to enforce, or a petition to modify — or respond to a motion filed against you. Proper pleadings protect your rights from the start.
Exchange Financial Information
Both parties disclose income, employment, and relevant financial information. Ensuring accurate and complete disclosure — and challenging inaccurate disclosure by the other party — is often where the case is won or lost.
Order Entered
Whether by agreement or after hearing, a court-signed order establishes or modifies the support amount, payment method, and medical support. We ensure the order is complete, specific, and immediately enforceable through wage withholding where applicable.
Child Support Attorneys Near You
We represent parents in child support matters throughout 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 serves clients throughout Montgomery, Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Waller Counties. Free consultations available — call or schedule online.
(713) 352-6900Meet the Attorneys at Fritz & Phillips
As a mother of many teenagers, Jessica understands firsthand the importance of family stability and what is truly at stake in the cases she handles. She approaches every matter with a focus on clear communication, practical strategy, and results that reflect the realities of her clients' lives. She is the co-founder of 2500Divorce.com, a flat-fee uncontested divorce service serving Texas families.
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 the co-founder of 2500Divorce.com and a father of five.
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. Fritz and Phillips, PC 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. Jessica Fritz (TX Bar 2008) and Keith Phillips (TX Bar 2016) are the attorneys responsible for this content.