Special Needs

In all family law cases, the court’s primary concern is the best interest of the child. In determining the amount of child support to be paid, the court looks at a variety of factors. However, the amount that the court orders must be reasonable and in the best interest of the child. The attorneys at Wilhite & Lea, P.C. will explain what goes into the consideration of these special needs and how it can affect you in your child support hearings.

Houston Special Child Support Concern Attorneys

We at Wilhite & Lea, P.C. are committed to the positive resolution of your child support and family law cases to achieve the best results for you and your family. We understand that child support is a difficult matter that requires delicate handling, and we provide the compassionate representation you and your family need. If you have questions concerning special child support considerations in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Harris, Fort Bend, Waller, Grimes, Washington, and Montgomery Counties, contact our family law attorneys in Houston to schedule a free consultation and discuss the details of your case.

Considerations and Concerns for Special Child Support Needs

Texas law provides statutory guidelines for how much child support may be ordered. According to these guidelines, the amount of support ordered is linked to the parent’s net resources and the number of children involved.

There is a rebuttable presumption that a support order that follows the guidelines is reasonable and in the best interest of the child. The court may deviate from the guidelines, but if they do, they have to give reasons for the deviation.

The most common reason why the court will deviate from the guidelines is because special needs of the child require above guideline support. Some special needs the court might look at include:

• Medical needs, such as medication for a chronic illness
• Educational needs, such as the need to attend a school for gifted students
• Therapeutic needs, such as the need to receive speech or physical therapy due to a disability
• Child care expenses
• The need for adaptive equipment, such as a motorized wheelchair
• Other specialized needs or expenses, such as summer camp, a musical instrument, or a family pet

Even where there are special circumstances, the court will usually follow the guidelines. If the court decides not to follow the guidelines, they must give the reason for doing so, and any deviation must be in the best interest of the child. An experienced child support lawyer in Houston can ensure that deviations are according to standard and ensure that all special needs are addressed in the considerations.

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Wilhite & Lea, P.C. | Texas Special Child Support Consideration Lawyers

Understanding the complex requirements set forth by state child support guidelines can be a bit tricky, but you don't have to figure them out yourself. The attorneys at Wilhite & Lea, P.C. are experienced in matters concerning family law and child support, and we are more than happy to help you through the process. If you have a question about child support in the greater Houston area, contact our attorneys to set up a free consultation for your case.