Child Support Attorney in Sugar Land, TX

Raising children takes love, time, and commitment—but it also takes financial support. When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important issues that comes up is child support. Texas law is clear that children deserve support from both parents, but the process of calculating and enforcing payments can be confusing, stressful, and sometimes contentious. 

At The Gulley Law Firm, LLC, we work with parents in Sugar Land and throughout Fort Bend County to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to child support. Whether you’re seeking support, paying it, or trying to modify an existing order, our role is to guide you through the process with clarity and care. 

You can learn more about us at www.gulleylawgroup.com. 

How Child Support Works in Texas

In Texas, child support is generally paid by the noncustodial parent—the parent who spends less physical time with the child. The payments are intended to help cover basic needs like food, housing, clothing, and medical care, but they also support education, activities, and other essentials. 

The state uses guideline percentages of the noncustodial parent’s net monthly income to calculate support: 

  • 1 child: 20% 
  • 2 children: 25% 
  • 3 children: 30% 
  • 4 children: 35% 
  • 5 or more children: 40% 

These percentages apply up to a certain income cap, but courts can adjust support amounts if circumstances require. 

Medical and Dental Support

Child support in Texas isn’t just about monthly payments—it also includes medical and dental coverage. Typically, one parent is required to provide health insurance through their job or pay an additional amount to cover the cost of coverage. 

This can be an overlooked part of the process, but it’s just as important as the financial support itself. Children deserve consistent access to healthcare, and the law makes sure that’s part of the plan. 

Modifying Child Support

Life doesn’t stay the same, and child support orders sometimes need to change. Texas allows modifications when there’s been a “material and substantial change” in circumstances, such as: 

  • A significant increase or decrease in a parent’s income. 
  • A change in the child’s needs. 
  • A shift in custody or visitation arrangements. 

We’ve helped parents in Sugar Land request modifications when they lost a job, when their child’s expenses increased, or when custody arrangements shifted. On the other side, we’ve also represented parents seeking to prevent unfair or unnecessary changes. 

Enforcing Child Support

Unfortunately, not all child support orders are followed as they should be. If a parent falls behind on payments, enforcement may be necessary. Texas has strong enforcement tools, including: 

  • Wage garnishment. 
  • Intercepting tax refunds. 
  • Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses. 
  • Contempt of court, which can include fines or jail time. 

We know enforcement actions can create tension, but they’re often essential to making sure children get the support they need. At The Gulley Law Firm, LLC, we help parents navigate the enforcement process with both firmness and fairness. 

For Parents Paying Child Support

Paying child support can feel overwhelming, especially if your finances are already tight. We’ve met parents who worry about affording their own bills while keeping up with payments, and others who feel the amount ordered doesn’t reflect their situation. 

It’s important to know that you do have rights. Courts look at your actual income and circumstances, and modifications are possible if your situation changes. The key is addressing the issue through the legal system instead of letting arrears pile up. 

For Parents Receiving Child Support

If you’re raising a child, consistent support can make a huge difference. Late or missing payments aren’t just inconvenient—they can affect your child’s stability. We help parents ensure their support orders are enforced and that their children receive what the law provides for them. 

The Emotional Side of Child Support

Child support cases often carry emotional weight. We’ve seen parents who worry that asking for support will strain their co-parenting relationship, and others who fear that struggling to pay will make them look like they don’t care about their kids. 

The truth is, child support isn’t about one parent versus the other—it’s about the child. It’s about making sure they have what they need to grow, learn, and thrive. 

Why Work With The Gulley Law Firm, LLC?

Child support laws in Texas may look simple on paper, but real life is rarely that neat. Income isn’t always straightforward, custody arrangements shift, and disagreements can escalate quickly. 

At The Gulley Law Firm, LLC, we help parents in Sugar Land cut through the confusion. We don’t just hand you legal jargon—we explain what the law says, what your options are, and how to move forward. Whether you’re seeking, paying, modifying, or enforcing child support, we’ll stand with you and guide you through each step. 

A Local Perspective

Sugar Land is a family-centered community, filled with schools, activities, and opportunities for kids. But raising children here isn’t cheap—between sports, education, and daily living costs, every bit of support counts. We’ve seen firsthand how child support can provide stability for families during tough times. 

We’ve also seen how stressful it can be when payments aren’t made or when orders don’t match real-life circumstances. That’s why we believe in helping parents find solutions that work—for the kids, first and foremost. 

Protecting Your Child’s Future

Child support can be one of the most important legal issues you face as a parent. Whether you’re establishing support, asking for changes, or making sure an order is followed, having the right guidance can make all the difference. 

If you’re ready to talk, reach out to The Gulley Law Firm, LLC today. Visit www.gulleylawgroup.com to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help. 

Your child’s future deserves security, stability, and the support of both parents. We’ll help you take the steps to make that happen.