San Antonio Child Support Lawyer
Last updated on April 7, 2026
As a parent, you want what is best for your child. Often, this means procuring or paying child support. But child support can be a contentious issue, even if both parents feel that they are acting in their child’s best interests.
When you need legal help with a matter pertaining to child support, Ruiz & Associates, PLLC, has the experience and skill that you need. Our San Antonio-based family law firm can help you with several child support issues, including:
- Initial determination: We can help you calculate the amount of child support that is fair for your financial circumstances.
- Enforcement: When you need to enforce a child support order, our tough lawyers can assist you.
- Back child support: If your ex has not paid the amount of child support that they owe, we can help you obtain back child support payments.
- Modification: We can help you obtain a modification for your child support order if your financial situation has changed.
- Defense: It can be scary to be served with a petition or motion to enforce an order for child support. If you are facing such a situation, our attorneys are ready to defend your rights.
Excellent Legal Service And Genuine Care
No matter your personal background, we strive to provide the best legal service possible and treat you with respect, compassion and integrity. We truly care about and believe in our clients. Not only do we wish to represent you as a client, we wish to ensure you and your children’s long-term well-being.
How Is Child Support Calculated In Texas?
In Texas, child support is generally calculated using statutory guidelines that focus on the paying parent’s net monthly income and the number of children who need support. The court first determines net resources, which may include wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income and certain other earnings after allowable deductions such as taxes, union dues and the cost of the child’s health insurance.
Once net resources are calculated, guideline percentages are applied: 20% for one child, 25% for two children, 30% for three children and increasing percentages for additional children. However, courts also consider factors such as medical needs, educational expenses, special care requirements, custody arrangements and whether the paying parent supports children from another relationship. A lawyer can help ensure these figures are properly calculated and presented. Courts may also review evidence of extraordinary expenses to determine whether a deviation from the standard guideline amount is appropriate.
How Long Does Child Support Last In Texas?
Texas child support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. If the child is still enrolled in high school after turning 18, support usually remains in place until graduation.
Certain circumstances may extend support. For example, if a child has a physical or mental disability requiring ongoing financial care, the court may order child support to continue for a longer period or indefinitely. Other factors, including emancipation, military service or major custody changes, may also affect duration. We can help evaluate whether your case involves circumstances that may alter the standard timeline.
How Can You Collect Child Support If Your Ex-Spouse Refuses To Pay?
When an ex-spouse refuses to pay child support, Texas law provides several enforcement tools. Courts may order wage garnishment, intercept tax refunds, suspend driver’s licenses or professional licenses, and place liens on bank accounts or property.
In more serious cases, nonpayment may lead to contempt proceedings, fines and even jail time. A child support attorney can help file an enforcement action, gather payment history, and represent you in court to pursue both overdue support and future compliance.
Legal representation is especially valuable when unpaid support has accumulated over time or when the other parent is attempting to avoid payment through job changes, cash income or relocation. A lawyer can help move the process forward efficiently and protect your child’s financial well-being.
Contact A Texas Child Support Attorney Today
Ruiz & Associates, PLLC, offers free consultations at our San Antonio, Texas, office. You can contact us today to speak to an attorney. Call or text us at 210-899-4853, contact us online or reach us through social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google Plus. Se Habla Español.