Experienced Texas Child Support Attorney

Child support disputes can have significant financial consequences for both parents and their children. Whether you are seeking to establish child support, disputing the amount of a proposed obligation, or facing complications involving income, employment, or extraordinary expenses, experienced legal representation can make a meaningful difference.

At the Law Office of Lori Elaine Laird, we represent parents on both sides of child support disputes. Attorney Lori Laird provides strategic representation in matters involving the establishment, calculation, modification, and enforcement of child support obligations under Texas law.

While Texas law provides guidelines for calculating child support, determining the appropriate amount is not always straightforward. Cases involving self-employed parents, business owners, high-income earners, multiple households, or children with special medical or educational needs may require careful financial analysis and contested court proceedings.

Based in the Houston–Galveston area, our firm represents clients throughout Texas, including Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Liberty, Chambers, and Montgomery counties, as well as other jurisdictions statewide.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas?

Texas courts generally calculate child support using statutory guidelines based on the paying parent's monthly net resources and the number of children entitled to support. Net resources may include wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, and other sources of income, subject to deductions permitted by Texas law.

Under Texas Family Code § 154.125, the standard guideline percentages generally apply as follows:

These percentages generally apply to the obligor's monthly net resources up to $11,700, effective September 1, 2025. Different percentages apply to certain lower-income parents, and adjustments may be required when the paying parent has a legal duty to support children from another household.

The guideline calculation is presumptively appropriate, but courts may order a different amount when the evidence establishes that applying the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate under the circumstances.

Child Support Involving High-Income or Self-Employed Parents

Not every child support case involves a straightforward paycheck. When a parent owns a business, receives irregular compensation, earns substantial income, or has multiple sources of financial support, determining the proper child support obligation can become considerably more complicated.

Texas law permits courts to consider additional child support above the presumptive guideline amount when justified by the parties' circumstances and the proven needs of the child. Under Texas Family Code § 154.126, additional support is not automatically calculated by applying the guideline percentage to all income above the statutory cap.

Our firm represents parents in disputes involving business income, bonuses, commissions, disputed financial disclosures, high-income earners, and requests to deviate from the standard guidelines. We examine the financial evidence and advocate for support obligations that comply with Texas law and reflect the circumstances of the case.

Protect Your Rights. Secure Your Financial Future.

Whether you are seeking child support, challenging a proposed obligation, pursuing modification of an existing order, or facing enforcement proceedings, experienced legal representation can help you understand your rights and options.

Attorney Lori Laird brings decades of legal experience and determined courtroom advocacy to complex child support disputes. Our firm works to ensure that financial information is thoroughly evaluated, applicable Texas law is properly considered, and our clients' interests are vigorously represented.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Call 832-699-1966 to schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Lori Elaine Laird, or contact us through our online consultation request form. We represent parents throughout Texas, including Houston, Galveston, Pasadena, and surrounding communities.