Houston Child Support Lawyer & Law Firm

Child Support Attorney in Houston, TX

Determinations of child support are calculated using guidelines established by Texas law and factor in a percentage of the parent’s income for the support of the child or children.

The amount of support is calculated under a presumption that it is in the best interest of the children and to ensure that parents are materially providing for their children, a duty inherent in parenting, regardless of whether the parents were ever married.

A simplified* breakdown of how the Courts calculate child support is based on the Texas Family Code percentage guidelines that apply to a portion of the noncustodial parent’s net monthly income. That amount starts at 20% of the payor’s monthly net resources for one child and increases by 5% for each additional child; for 6 or more children, the guidelines state that the obligor should pay not less than 40% of their net monthly resources.

How Net Resources Are Calculated

A person’s total annual income, before taxes are withheld, is averaged to a monthly amount. In Texas, for calculating net monthly income for child support purposes, from that monthly amount, Social Security and Medicare taxes, and Federal Income tax for a single taxpayer claiming one personal exemption, and stated deductions. Lastly, part of a child support obligation includes paying for the child’s health and dental insurance coverage; the amount the parent pays for that coverage is also subtracted, and the final number is considered the parent’s monthly net income. There is a maximum monthly net amount that the court considers in calculating child support. ‘The cap,’ or the maximum amount to which the courts apply the guideline percentage, is updated every 6 years to reflect inflation. As of September 1, 2019, the cap net resources considered when calculating the standard guideline child support is $9,200. With a wage withholding order, child support is withheld from the obligor’s paycheck and forwarded to the Texas State Disbursement Unit, located in San Antonio, which then sends the payment to the obligee.

Whether a parent is employed, self-employed, salaried, or receives hourly pay, income from all sources over a period of time will be taken into account and averaged. The court can also assign a reasonable amount of income the payor parent should or could be earning if the payor parent is purposefully unemployed or under-employed.

I’ve dealt with many attorneys over the years with my son, and even my step daughter, and I’d place her at the top of the list. She also has a great internal team, and fellow attorneys she pulls from, making best use of your time and money.

- John C.

From our first meeting, she was clear and frank about my case’s prospects given where the case stood when I released the previous firm. She gave me a clear game plan and helped me understand my role in it and was always conscious of the use of my resources. Despite this, she delivered more value than I expected, always making sure I was both prepared and in the know. In the end, she took a case that seemed hopeless and instead, won my family custody of my oldest daughter. I hope to never again need a family law attorney. If I do, I know I’ll rest at least that much easier in those difficult times having Attorney Kutty in my corner.

- Brooker L.

I felt throughout the entire divorce process that Ms. Kutty really cared about me and what I was going through. In addition to giving sound legal advice that greatly contributed to a successful settlement of my divorce, she also applied her years of experience to many other “non-legal” questions and decisions related to my case, such as invaluable advice on how to pursue the short and long term interests of my kids. Throughout a long and difficult process, she consistently and passionately advocated not only for my legal rights but ultimately for the overall quality of life for me and for my children.

- Kenroy H.

I know that Atty. Kutty is someone of a higher caliber that will get the job done. She is a professional that I would recommend to just about anyone that needs a divorce attorney. She is a compassionate, caring person. She is more than just an attorney, she is an upstanding woman!!

- Angela H.

I would highly recommend Mrs. Kutty. She was on top of everything from day one. She kept me well informed of everything I had questions about. She not only is a great lawyer, she is a very kind hearted individual. This has been a smooth transition. Thank you Mrs. Kutty for all that you and your staff have done for me.

- Brandi M.

Mrs Kutty is knowledgeable, very attentive, and extremely professional. She was amicus attorney in my case and was solely focused on the well being of my child. I highly recommend her!

- Bhashkar P.

Used KGK Family Law, PLLC to file for custody for my son in 2013, she was great. As most know, the system is weighted against males in Texas, however, Ms. Kutty was professional, organized, and able to efficiently move through the court system bureaucracy and help me win custody of my son. I’ve dealt with many attorneys over the years with my son, and even my step daughter, and I’d place her at the top of the list. She also has a great internal team, and fellow attorneys she pulls from, making best use of your time and money.

- John C.

This is the first review I have ever written, so I apologize in advance. I’m a young father who wanted custody of my two children, it was a long hard road and honestly, I feel the court system was agents me as the father, but with the help of the Kutty law firm, I was eventually awarded custody of my two children. Miss Kutty was a big help in more ways than legally, she was always compassionate and understanding through the entire case. I wish I could properly express how much I feel Miss Kutty and her staff helped me through this case. On multiple occasions third party individuals complemented Miss Kutty, saying to me “you have an excellent attorney”. Thank you to everyone involved in my case at the KGK Family Law, PLLC.

- James M.

“Great lawyer and was there with me from start to finish!
Denise was very good to work with from start to finish of my case. She listen to what i have to say and could even understand where I was coming from when trying to explain how I felt about my what I was going through and the things that I wanted out of my divorce. She always made me feel welcome to talk with her and she would always listen to what i had to say. She got me exactly what i wanted from my divorce and could of not asked for anything more. I would recommend anyone to work with Denise on any case they might have because I had nothing but a great experience with her on mine.

- Jeffrey

“A wonderful surprise
My husband and I decided for me to legally adopt my step children who were 13 and 14 at the time and lost their birth mother many years ago. Considering there were no objecting parties from me, the kids, my husband and even their birth mother’s mother!, we were shocked to hear that the children were required to be assigned a lawyer by the government to represent them. However, when Denise came in to do her work, we were blown away. She gave the kids absolute respect and an open pathway to express any concerns they might have. Even though it was an open and shut case, she put so much time and care into assuring this was the right move for us all. It is apparent that Denise does this with all her clients, as she truly worked with all her heart and soul. We were sad to see her go when it was all finished. I would choose Denise to represent me with any legal matters I might have in the future.

- Cara

“Top Flight Family Lawyer Found in Houston
Denise was great during a time of great stress in my life. Not only a great lawyer but great in telling me about the over-all process (of divorce; and then later a pre-nuptial agreement) and assuring me that I could and would indeed survive the process.

Denise was on top of the program at all times and was very savvy when it came to court politics and knowing how to best employ the nuances in the laws and court rules. She fought for what was best for me and strived to understand the specifics of my case that made it unique from other cases – a divorce is a divorce is a divorce but each case has different circumstances and personalities involved and Denise did not try to handle my case in a cookie-cutter fashion.

While in the waiting room of her practice I could see that she represented a variety of people from all walks of life. Based on my interactions with her my guess is that all of her clients were treated respectfully and received as much attention as did I.

She has an aptitude for listening and dealing with tough adversaries. I would highly recommend her. I consider her a top-flight attorney.

- Barry

“Would recommend to a friend. Was very professional and helpful. Explained what needed to be explained and answered my questions as needed. Would use Denise’s services again if needed.

- Omar

“She made a hard life situation easier to deal with!
Denise would always take the time to listen to me and try to help me make sense of what was going on. She kept me informed and would always answer my questions and if she did not know she would find out in a very timely manner. She is very friendly and always willing to listen and she really knows what she is talking about also. In the end we got exactly what we were looking for, if not more. I would recommend her to anyone I know that is looking for some help in family law or a divorce case.

- Jeff

“She’s a fighter. During a very difficult time in my life Denise stood by my side and fought for my fair treatment especially when it came to my daughter. She took pride in my case and I felt that I was her only client. She never backed down on what she thought was fair and just and she took the time to teach me about what was going on and the steps involved. I felt that I had a friend on my side as opposed to a hired hand. I would go no where else than to Denise for future legal needs.

- Garrett

“Top notch. Mrs. Khoury represented us in a very difficult case that our previous attorney gave up on and others showed no interest in taking on. She would respond to our concerns no matter what time of day or night it was and her advice was always spot on. We had concerns due to our prior attorney and her lack of moving the case forward, but after our first court appearance and the favorable results we received from her representation, Mrs. Khoury will ALWAYS be the attorney we want on our side.

- Lynn

“Above and beyond. Denise has done a fantastic job in my divorce representation. She has been wonderful in working with the opposing council who has been extremely difficult to work with every step of the way. She is professional, experienced and has bent over backwards to protect my interest in every way. She has gone above and beyond what I expected, communicating at all hours of the day and on weekends when necessary.

I am living out of the State of Texas, making the situation even more difficult for her, yet she has handled this added difficulty very well.

She has been very responsive to the ever changing situation and is always concerned with the most important part of the divorce, the children! She has done everything in her power to make sure they were taken care, protected and the final outcome was as much in thier favor as possible.

- Doug

“Hi Denise: You have done an outstanding job on our custody case and we are very happy with the result. We can’t thank you enough! Bonnie and I appreciate your help in establishing us as [our girl’s custodian] guardians. She could not have achieved this success in her former situation. Warmest regards,”

- Richard and Bonnie

A court cannot consider any portion of the income made by the parent’s spouse (i.e., stepparent’s) income in calculating the paying parent’s net resources. If the parent who is ordered to pay child support also receives child support for another child who is in their household, that support received will be added and included as net monthly resources.

If the obligor is not abiding by court-ordered child support, enforcement may be necessary.

Waiving Child Support

Because the right to child support belongs to the child and not the parent, most courts will not allow parents to waive child support, even when both parties wish to do so

Varying From the Guideline Child Support

There are additional factors that the court can consider other than those established by the guideline percentages, when it would be unjust or inappropriate. The evidence of the circumstances, like the significant cost of travel to visit with the child, or significant health-care or other extraordinary expenses of the child or parent, will be considered by the court balanced with what is ultimately in the child’s best interest. If an obligor’s net resources are less than $1,000 per month on average, the court will apply a lower guideline percentage, reduced by 5% per child (i.e., 15% for 1 child; 20% for 2 children; 25% for 3 children, etc.).

A child support obligation does not terminate on the death of the parent receiving child support but continues as an obligation to the child named in the support order. If the paying parent becomes the managing parent of the child, the child support withholdings will not automatically stop. The order may need to be modified. Call our office and inquire about modifying your underlying order.

Contact us at 281-598-6520 for help with your child support concerns.

*Effective as of September 1, 2013.

Practice Areas

Houston

Fort Bend County / Sugar Land