Ellis County and Navarro County Child Support Attorney
Helping You Navigate the Child Support Process
When parents separate or divorce, the court will determine which parent will have custody of the children and how much child support the noncustodial parent will have to pay. Child support is a court-ordered payment that is intended to help the custodial parent pay for the child’s needs, including food, clothing, shelter, and medical care.
At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, PLLC, we understand that child support can be a contentious issue. Our Ellis County and Navarro County child support lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations and work to ensure that the child support order is fair and reasonable.
For more information about child support in Texas, call (214) 903-7722 or contact us online.
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Our Satisfied Clients
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“Eager to help, knew the law, honest, and stands by his word.”
Michael Crawford is awesome. He is by far the best defense mechanism We've seen around this town n a very long time if evr.exactly what we needed.he was so eager to help, knew the law, honest, and stands by his word. He actually works for u, his client. Even if court-appointed he seems to give 110%. Just imagine what he would do if he was getting paid. He shows me money is not everything! He is really in it to HELP his clients. My opinion is Micheal Crawford is a one of a kind lawyer.- Becky -
“Michael is not just my attorney, he is also my friend now because he is just that nice of a person.”
Michael J. Crawford is a graduate of Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in Dallas. He chose to open his own law practice in his hometown of Kerens in lieu of practicing with a big firm in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. He works hard for clients. He is known as the "Blue Collar Lawyer" because he gives 110% effort for every client. I was very impressed with his professionalism, understanding, and expression of sincerity while he was handling my case. Michael is not just my attorney, he is also my friend now because he is just that nice of a person. Thanks, Michael for protecting my rights.- Jaclynn -
“Not only does he care about his client, but he will also care for your family and keep them aware.”
“- JohnIf you want a lawyer that will pour his extensive knowledge of the law and the people of Navarro County into your case, this is the lawyer for you.
He stood up to the small town Justice System, that continually beat him down, but not once gave up
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“As a satisfied client, I highly recommend Michael J. Crawford.”
- Former ClientMr. Crawford was able to represent my wishes and balance that with a sensible plan while taking the appropriate time to compassionately explain the process to me, answer all my questions and really listen to my concerns. Mr. Crawford was honest, knowledgeable, and aggressively fought for a successful outcome.
As a satisfied client, I highly recommend Michael J. Crawford.
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“If u need someone he would be the one to use!!!”
He does a really great job!!! very smart!! will help u in any wy!! love what he's doing!!!this is the kinda lawyer we been needing here in this area!!! the other lawyer all play along with the other lawyer but Micheal stand along an get the job done!! he has a great staff that has it so simple for him!! if u need someone he would be the one to use!!!- Timothy -
“It was obvious at every moment of the trial that he was there to defend his client”
Mr. Crawford was the attorney for my nephew - I sat in court the 5 days of court - and observed Mr. Crawford for the entire trial - it was obvious at every moment of the trial that he was there to defend his client -- and defend, he did. He was wonderful!- Millie -
“He is very knowledgeable and passionate about the law.”
Mr. Crawford was awesome at handling my complex custody issues. Through the process, trumped-up charges were brought against me. Mr. Crawford was available over the weekend and at night at the peak of my issues when I needed him the most. His advice was on point and everything worked out like he advised it would. He is very knowledgable and passionate about the law. He doesn't just make deals. He fights for justice and wins.- Lance -
“He knows the people, he knows the law and will not let you down.”
Michael Crawford and his associates went above and beyond to help us with a very complex case resulting in a much more favorable divorce settlement than we ever thought would happen. He took a personal interest, showed compassion and understanding and his patience was that of Job. He is passionate about his work as well as fair, tough and blunt. He is aggressive and one time said, "I love to fight" -- exactly what I am looking for in a lawyer. I would recommend his office to anyone looking for a tough, smart lawyer. He knows the people, he knows the law and will not let you down.- lschnellmann
How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas?
In Texas, child support is calculated based on a percentage of the noncustodial parent’s net income. The percentage is determined by the number of children the parent has to support. The court will also consider the noncustodial parent’s ability to pay and the child’s needs.
Under Texas law, the following guidelines are used to calculate child support:
- 20% of net income for one child
- 25% of net income for two children
- 30% of net income for three children
- 35% of net income for four children
- 40% of net income for five children
- Not less than 40% of net income for six or more children
Net income is calculated by subtracting certain expenses from the parent’s gross income. These expenses include federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security tax, union dues, and the cost of the parent’s health insurance.
It is important to note that the court may deviate from the guidelines if the child has special needs or if the noncustodial parent’s income is above a certain amount. The court may also deviate from the guidelines if the noncustodial parent is supporting other children.
How Long Does Child Support Last in Texas?
In Texas, child support is generally paid until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, if the child is disabled, the court may order the noncustodial parent to continue paying child support indefinitely.
Child support may also end if the child gets married, joins the military, or becomes emancipated. In some cases, the court may order the noncustodial parent to continue paying child support after the child turns 18 if the child is still in high school and is expected to graduate before turning 19.
Child support may also end if the child gets married, joins the military, or becomes emancipated. In some cases, the court may order the noncustodial parent to continue paying child support after the child turns 18 if the child is still in high school and is expected to graduate before turning 19.
What Happens If I Can’t Afford to Pay Child Support?
If you are unable to pay child support, you should not simply stop making payments. If you fail to make child support payments, you may be held in contempt of court and face serious penalties, including fines and jail time.
If you are unable to pay child support, you should contact an experienced child support attorney as soon as possible. Our Ellis County and Navarro County child support lawyer can help you request a child support modification. To obtain a modification, you must show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances that makes the current child support order unreasonable or unfair.
Examples of a substantial change in circumstances include:
- The loss of a job
- A significant decrease in income
- A serious illness or disability
- The birth of another child
If you are unable to pay child support because you are in jail or prison, you may be able to request a temporary suspension of child support. However, you must request the suspension before you are released from jail or prison.
For more information about child support in Texas, call (214) 903-7722 or contact us online.
Why Choose The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford?
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All Initial Consultations Are FREE of Charge
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Se Habla Español
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Board Certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by Texas Board of Legal Specialization
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We Take Your Calls and Texts 24/7 - Here When You Need Us
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Client & Peer Reviewed 5 Stars for Quality Representation
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Over 200 Criminal Cases Taken to Jury Trials
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Extensive Courtroom Experience and Longstanding Reputation with Local Judges
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20% Discount to Veterans and Current Military or Civil Service
What Happens If My Ex-Spouse Refuses to Pay Child Support?
If your ex-spouse refuses to pay child support, you should contact an experienced child support attorney as soon as possible. Our Ellis County and Navarro County child support lawyer can help you file a child support enforcement action. If the court finds that your ex-spouse has failed to pay child support, the court may hold your ex-spouse in contempt of court and impose serious penalties, including fines and jail time.
Other penalties for failing to pay child support include:
- Wage garnishment
- Seizure of bank accounts
- Seizure of tax refunds
- Liens on property
- Suspension of a driver’s license
- Suspension of a professional license
- Denial of a passport
If your ex-spouse is not paying child support, you should keep a record of all missed payments. You should also keep a record of any communication you have with your ex-spouse about child support. This information can be helpful if you need to file a child support enforcement action.
How Can a Child Support Lawyer Help Me?
Child support can be a contentious issue. Our Ellis County and Navarro County child support lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations and work to ensure that the child support order is fair and reasonable. If you are unable to pay child support, we can help you request a child support modification. If your ex-spouse is not paying child support, we can help you file a child support enforcement action.
At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, PLLC, we can help you with all child support matters, including:
- Child support calculation
- Child support modification
- Child support enforcement
- Child support collection
Call Our Ellis County and Navarro County Child Support Lawyer Today
Child support is a court-ordered payment that is intended to help the custodial parent pay for the child’s needs. If you need help with a child support matter, we can help. Our Ellis County and Navarro County child support lawyer has extensive experience helping clients with all child support matters, including child support calculation, child support modification, child support enforcement, and child support collection.
For more information about child support in Texas, call (214) 903-7722 or contact us online.