Types of Child Support in Texas
Four types of child support are available in Texas. You can ask for any of the four types of support in the same Suit Affecting a Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR). Because every situation is different, each type of support option may not be available in every case. Therefore it is important to understand the differences between each type.
Current support payments are child support payments that cover the future and prospective needs of the child. Current support is based on the child support guidelines found in the Texas Family Code. Current support is the most common type of support ordered by the court. Current support typically ends when the child reaches 18 year of age or graduates from high school. Child support for a disabled child can last indefinitely.
The court may also order a medical support payment or series of payments that covers medical expenses to be incurred by the child. Medical support can be used to pay for healthcare coverage or if healthcare coverage is not available, the payment is used to cover any of the child’s healthcare costs.
Retroactive support is a type of child support that is designed to collect child support that should have been paid in the past. Retroactive support is designed to reimburse one parent from child rearing expenses that have accumulated in the past. Retroactive support should be distinguished from child support arrearages. Arrearages are caused by non-payment of child support granted in a final order, where retroactive support is to collect for time when no final payment order has been entered.
Temporary support may be ordered for the child’s safety and welfare until final orders determining support amounts are entered. Temporary support is commonly sought to support the child during the divorce process. For example, many couples separate and then one parent primarily takes care of the child or children. Temporary orders may be entered in order to provide support to the parent caring for the child or children. Temporary orders are enforceable until final orders are in place.
Discuss your specific child support concerns with a member of our knowledgeable team today. We believe that do it yourself does not mean you have to do it yourself.