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The concept of permanent child support in Austin can be misleading. While courts might issue a permanent support order, that does not mean the obligation lasts forever. In this context, the term means that payments will be ongoing until certain conditions are met.
Support obligations can be terminated in many ways, including when a child reaches the age of 18 or graduates high school. If you have questions about your rights, now is the time to speak with a skilled child support attorney at Kimbrough Legal.
Not all child support orders in Austin are permanent. It is common for judges hearing custody or divorce cases to enter a temporary order that only lasts until the conclusion of the case. This is designed to provide some guidance on important issues like spousal or child support while the case works its way through the system. Divorce proceedings can take a long time, which is why temporary orders may be necessary. These orders end automatically once the divorce is finalized.
In Austin, permanent child support goes into effect when the divorce decree is finalized. If a temporary order was in place at the time, a permanent child support order could be for a different amount. The obligation to start paying goes into effect as soon as the court formally executes the order.
The amount of these payments depends on a few factors. Texas has a set of child support guidelines that calculates the appropriate amount of financial support in a given case. However, the calculated amount is only a suggestion, and the judge has the power to deviate up or down.
Different factors can impact a judge’s decision to award permanent child support, such as:
It is worth noting that permanent orders can be modified by the court. There are two situations where modifying the payment requirements is possible. The first is a material change in circumstances, like when a parent loses a job or becomes too sick to work. The other is when three years have passed without a review. Only the judge overseeing the case has the power to increase or decrease what is owed.
There are different ways to end permanent child support payments. In most cases, these obligations will come to an end naturally. Parents no longer have to provide financial support when a child turns 18 or graduates high school, depending on which date is later.
If you have questions about permanent child support in Austin, now is the time to ask. An attorney could review your situation and ensure that the court is treating you fairly. Reach out as soon as possible to discuss your options during a private consultation.
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