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Child Support or Pursuing Your Dream Career?


After divorce, you may feel much pain. However, for many divorcees who were victims of an abusive relationship, there may be a sense of freedom. 

For those ex-spouses who were prohibited by their exes to work, they may rush to make up for the lost time, and try to pursue their dream career. However, there is still the issue of child support. This will remain a reality for both parents since the court will oblige them to look after their child.

Child Support in Texas

When the two parents separate, the court will determine which ex-spouse will have primary possession of the child. This is an important decision, and many factors will come into play, not necessarily the gender. 

More often than not, the parent with the primary possession would be awarded the family home and most property. This is the court’s way of protecting the children and ensuring their welfare amid the uncertainty of divorce.

The parent who does not have primary possession will still be obliged with providing child support. This is called the “obligor” in Texas law. The parent with primary possession (called the “oblige”) receives the child support to spend on the expenses of their child. 

In Texas law, child support is mandated by the court to one or both parents. This means that even the obligee could be required to provide for the child.

Child support is required until the child turns 18 or finishes high school, whichever is later. However, in cases when the child is mentally or physically disabled, then child support can be required for an indefinite period of time.

Child Support Amount

When determining the amount required for child support, Texas courts refer to guidelines. They would have an amount which they consider the bare minimum to support a child, and of course, they would multiply that with the number of children.

There would also be standards based on the obligor’s net income, which means the court could also be reasonable and considerate with child support. The obligee can also request for more child support if he/she can prove that the child has additional needs.

Divorce will bring freedom from your relationship, but obligations to the child are not nullified. Hence, you may have to prioritize the provisions of the child and choose a job that will cover their needs, before you take a chance and pursue your dream job. 

This is the case for all parents, regardless of marital status.

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Mr. Hutton is a Divorce and Custody Lawyer based out of Round Rock, TX. His background is with child psychology at Arizona State University where he received a B.S. in 2006, and he continued this by working with the Children’s Right’s Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law where he received his J.D. in 2009. Throughout his practice, he has been a strong proponent of utilizing modern technology to improve his practice and the representation of his clients. He currently is the technology chair of CAFA of Travis County and is committed to improving and modernizing the practice of law in Texas. If you have any questions you can contact him at timothy.hutton@austintexaslegal.com

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