The trend today in divorce disputes is toward mediation. When dispute resolution is impossible, however, you need an experienced attorney to provide skilled, aggressive, proactive representation in divorce trials--an attorney prepared to litigate the most complex divorce disputes. For nearly 20 years we have helped Harris and Galveston county residents get through very emotionally charged and often complicated aspects of divorce, child custody and other domestic relations cases. For your convenience, our main office is conveniently located in Clear Lake (Houston) Texas.

We represent both men and women on either side of the issues of divorce, spousal maintenance (alimony), child custody and other family law matters:

• Adoption
• Alimony
• Annulment
• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Custody
• Divorce
• Divorce Mediation
• Jurisdictional Issues
• Modifications
• Paternity
• Prenuptial Agreements
• Property and Debt Division
• Spousal Support (Alimony)

Our Houston divorce attorneys have earned a reputation for successfully representing clients' interests and can aggressively respond to all matters that may arise before, during, and after separation and divorce.

We are trial lawyers highly skilled in preparing and trying cases in court. We possess a sophisticated understanding of issues necessary for full-service representation in matters arising when families are in crisis. Our goal is to help you get through this difficult time with dignity and with the best possible outcome.

While quality representation comes with a cost, it also comes with the peace of mind of knowing that an experienced professional, who is dedicated to meeting and exceeding your expectations, is handling your case. As experienced Harris & Galveston County Divorce Lawyers, we spend significant time with clients to determine the substantive issues involved in divorce custody disputes. Whether those issues involve children's issues, business valuations, retirement income, or a client's professional reputation, we develop fact-based legal arguments that protect each client's legal and personal interests.

Important Aspects of Child Support:

A court can order either parent of a child to pay support to the other parent. The court order for support is usually payable on a monthly basis. Many states now require that child support be paid by wage assignment (automatic deductions from the paycheck) whenever available, thus reducing the need for subsequent enforcement actions. Harris and Galveston Counties usually require that a wage withholding order be entered.

In Texas child support is due and payable until the child reaches the age of 18 and graduates from high school, unless emancipated for other reasons.

Federal law now requires that the amount of a child support payment be set in accordance with a guideline. Having a guideline is believed to prevent widely different amounts of child support being ordered from courtroom to courtroom. Guidelines provide an objective basis for the determination of the amount of support to be paid. As a result, most states have established formulas that are used to determine the amount of the payment from one parent to the other.

Generally speaking the child support obligor will be required to pay 20% of his / her net resources per month for one child, 25% for two children, 30% for three children and 35% for four children.

If you were not the child’s parent, you should not be responsible to provide for the child's support, unless there was an adoption or you agreed to provide support in a marital agreement.

Unexpected, significant decreases in income can be a reason to request modification of your child support order. Consult a lawyer who will probably advise you to file a motion to ask the court to modify the amount of the child support owed in the future, explaining your major and unavoidable drop in your financial situation, that the income is not likely to be replaced soon, and why the change would be fair. Most courts are sympathetic and receptive to making necessary changes in child support when you have experienced a financial setback. Again, paying a lawyer to help can pay for itself dozens of times over.

If you or someone you know in Texas needs the assistance of an experienced Harris & Galveston County Divorce Lawyer, call Dean & Ongert, PC today at 866-626-3192, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your consultation.