Child Support Lawyer in Bedford, Texas

Helping Families Work Out Child Support Arrangements in Tarrant and Surrounding Counties

Divorce is always difficult, but when there are children involved, the process can be even more complex and emotional. Who will pay child support and how much is often a contentious issue in a divorce situation. The state of Texas has clear guidelines for child support based on who has custody of the children, the income of each parent, and other factors. While having clear guidelines might seem as if it would take the conflict out of the child support process, there are still grey areas in how income is counted and whether it might be appropriate to depart from the guidelines in any particular case.

As in all issues related to divorce, it is possible to work out child support arrangements amicably without having to get the courts involved, and skilled Bedford child support lawyer Anita K. Cutrer can help. When an agreement is impossible, however, Ms. Cutrer, as your Bedford child support lawyer, is prepared to represent your and your children’s interests before the judge.

Whether you can come to an agreement about child support or have to let the court assign responsibility, our Bedford child support lawyer is here to assist with over 20 years of experience and Board Certification in Family Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Call today at 817-854-1651 to get help resolving your child support issues.

How is Child Support Determined in Texas?

The first factor that is considered in determining child support obligations in Texas is which parent has physical custody. This means which parent the child lives with most of the time. In most cases, the noncustodial parent (the parent the child spends less time with) will be obligated to pay child support. This does not mean that the custodial parent is not also supporting the child. It is assumed that the custodial parent is providing support directly to the child on a daily basis.

In Texas, the courts look only to the noncustodial parents income and determines child support based on the net income of the noncustodial parent. In situations where there is equal access by both parents the court will look at both parents’ income. These factors could include things like unusual medical or education expenses, long travel between homes resulting in high costs, and whether either parent has custody of another child or is paying post-secondary educational expenses for a child, for example.

How Are Gross and Net Income Determined?

For child support purposes, gross income includes:

All wages and salary
Commissions
Military pay
Tips
Overtime
Bonuses
Self-employment income
Interest and dividends
Rental income
Severance pay
Unemployment benefits
Retirement benefits
Veterans’ benefits
Disability benefits
Workers’ compensation awards

From the gross income amount, the following are deducted to arrive at net income:

Social Security taxes
Mandatory retirement plan contributions
Federal and state income taxes
Union dues
Health and dental insurance premiums and other medical expenses for the child(ren) that the judge has ordered the parent to pay
Child support for another child or children (from a different relationship)

How Much Will Child Support Be in My Case?

It is impossible to determine the exact amount of child support that will be required in each case, as the details are different for every family, but, in general, the guidelines for child support in Texas base the amount of child support payments on a percentage of the paying parent’s net income according to the number of children in the family. When net income isn’t above or below a certain threshold, the percentages are as follows:

1 child = 20%
2 children = 25%
3 children = 30%
4 children = 35%
5 children = 40%

If there are 6 or more children, the amount must be the same as for five children, at minimum, and may be increased by the court.

For noncustodial parents whose net monthly income is less than $1,000, the percentages are each reduced by 5%.

For noncustodial parents who have a net monthly income above a certain level ($9,200 a month, currently), the judge may increase the amount of support, depending on both parents’ incomes and the child’s needs. The level of income that allows an increase changes every six years due to inflation.

While the above are the general guidelines for child support amounts in Texas, there are circumstances in which the judge may choose to deviate from those guidelines. If there are unusual expenses for a child, such as healthcare or education costs, or if paid at the suggested level is determined to be a hardship to the parent, the judge may decide to depart from the guidelines.

How can Attorney Anita Cutrer Help in my Child Support Case?

Anita K. Cutrer, Attorney at Law, is a board-certified family law specialist with over 20 years of experience. She accepts family law cases only from Tarrant and surrounding counties, Texas, which means she has comprehensive, local knowledge of the courts and judges that can be beneficial in your child support case.

Our child support attorney in Bedford takes a compassionate and low-drama approach to all issues surrounding divorce, child custody, and child support, and will work diligently to help couples resolve their issues without the cost and stress of going to court. When that is not possible, however, our Bedford child support attorney brings over 20 years of courtroom experience to the cases she takes on.

Compassionate Legal Services for Families Facing Child Support Issues

When parents are dealing with child support, emotions often run high. A compassionate family law attorney can make all the difference in helping clients navigate these complex circumstances. Whether you are a custodial parent worried about receiving adequate child support amounts or a noncustodial parent struggling with income and obligations, our law firm is committed to protecting the best interests of your children and family. We understand that these family law matters are not just about numbers—they affect your loved ones, your financial stability, and your future. That is why our dedicated legal team takes the time to address concerns, provide helpful insights, and work toward fair agreements that reflect your unique situation.

Contact a Family Law Attorney in Bedford Today

At our law office, we strive to create an attorney-client relationship based on trust, respect, and transparent communication. Every case is different and complicated, and we recognize the personal factors that influence the outcome of divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, or modification requests. By focusing on the entire process—from the initial consult to resolution—we ensure clients feel supported every step of the way. Do not hesitate to contact our team today to schedule a consultation. Together, we will advocate for a fair outcome, safeguard your child’s future, and give your family the compassionate legal representation it deserves.

Contact our child support attorney in Bedford today for a consultation at 817-854-1651.