Attorney General Cases
Attorney General Cases
Frequently the Attorney General will establish the parentage of a child born to unmarried couples. In the process of establishing parentage, the Attorney General will also set rights and duties for the child, create a visitation order and establish child support. The Attorney General is a high volume government established organization that will not take the time to get to know you or your family. At Renken Law Firm, PLLC, we can advise you of the process, guide you through the life altering decisions you will be required to make and, if necessary, fight for your rights in trial.
There are caps on the amount of child support paid in Texas (child support guidelines), unless there are facts present in a case that will support a claim for above guideline support. Many facts can be argued in support of above guideline support, such as the need to maintain children in lifestyles that they have become accustomed to during a marriage, to meet the special needs of children with disabilities, to provide need of psychological counseling for children who have suffered as a result of divorce, and so on.
Statutory guidelines in Texas determine the amount of child support payments when guideline support is ordered. The noncustodial parent typically pays child support based on the following percentages:
- 20 percent of his or her net income for one child
- 25 percent for two children
- 30 percent for three children
- 35 percent for four children
- 40 percent for five children and
- At least 40 percent for six or more children
Net income is defined as income available from all resources, less taxes and the cost of health insurance for the child.
Currently, the maximum monthly child support payment in Texas is currently based on a net income of $8,550 per month, and child support obligations continue in Texas until a child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever event occurs later.
Parents are also obligated to provide health and dental insurance for their children in Texas. The court can order either parent to enroll a child on an existing health insurance policy but customarily orders the child support obligor to do so or to reimburse the cost of the health and dental care premium to the primary custodian of the child.
The Attorney General can file child support enforcement cases requesting the court hold nonpaying parents in contempt for failure to pay. Enforcement actions are highly technical lawsuits that must be precisely plead and brought before the court. Whether you are a parent seeking child support or one defending against a child support enforcement action, experience counts and it is important to be represented by a legal team that can get the job done.
Things change, and certainly that is even more true in economically tumultuous times. Is your child entitled to more child support? Are you entitled to a reduction in the amount of your monthly child support obligation because you have lost your job or you earn less? The experienced family law attorneys at Renken Law Firm, PLLC can answer these questions as well as your likelihood of success in court.
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Dawn Renken has been a true life-line for me! I was facing a divorce after an abusive marriage followed by a protective order against my ex, which left me feeling defeated and hopeless. After searching several weeks for an attorney, I was referred to Renken Law Firm. Ms. Renken was quick, aggressive and got me on back track, feeling confident about my future. Her top priority was the safety of me, my children and our financial stability.
She is always willing to explain the facts and processes of our procedures so I am confident in the steps we are taking. Her top priority is always to protect my interests and my daughters well being. Her experience leaves her well versed in all the court procedures.
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I highly recommend Dawn Renken. She is a prepared, efficient, to the point, no nonsense lawyer. I am extremely please with the swiftness and outcome of my divorce. I had a amicable divorce, but even so once we got to court the judge called out specific issues he typically has in court and she had everything he needed on hand. Needless to say he was very please and honestly, seemed shocked. If you want the smoothest transition possible through such a difficult time hire Renken Law Firm!
She not only knows the law in Texas like the palm of her hand, but most importantly knows the Courts in Harris County, the judges, and the procedures very well. She's a master of the rules of engagement in front of the judge...
I would highly suggest Dawn Renken, absolutely got positive results throughout my time getting child custody for my son. She gets down to the point and works very hard to get what you need. Very thankful that I am able to see my son again!
She is looking for the best situation for my daughter. She always listens to everything I have to say with open ears and tells me why and why not the thing I ask for May or may not be achievable. She's made this stressful, scary [situation] into a surprisingly easy experience!
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