Child Support Lawyers Who Put Your Child First—and Give You Clarity
When parents separate, child support can quickly become confusing, emotional, and stressful. Whether you’re trying to establish child support, change an existing order, or enforce payments, the decisions made now can affect your child—and your finances—for years.
At DeFord Law Firm, we help parents navigate child support with confidence, fairness, and clear guidance. Our goal is simple: protect your child’s well-being while helping you understand exactly what to expect—no intimidation, no unnecessary legal language, and no surprises.
How Child Support Works:
Child support is not about punishment or control. It exists to make sure a child’s basic needs—housing, food, healthcare, education, and daily living expenses—are consistently met, even when parents live apart.
In Texas, child support is typically based on:
- A parent’s income
- The number of children involved
- Existing custody and visitation arrangements
- Healthcare and insurance costs
What many parents don’t realize is that small details can significantly affect the final amount. Income sources, parenting time, and even changes in employment can all play a role.
Our attorneys take the time to explain how child support is calculated, what factors matter most, and how to avoid common mistakes that can cost you long-term.
Why Parents Choose DeFord Law Firm for Child Support Matters
- Nearly 20 years of family law experience
- Clear communication—no confusing legal jargon
- Personalized strategies, not one-size-fits-all answers
- A calm, respectful approach during emotional situations
We understand that child support cases often involve fear, frustration, and uncertainty. Our role is to bring clarity, stability, and confidence back into the process.
Establishing Child Support: What to Expect
If child support has never been formally ordered, establishing it is a critical first step in protecting your child’s future.
We help parents:
- File the necessary paperwork correctly
- Understand how support amounts are determined
- Prepare for court or administrative hearings
- Ensure orders are fair, enforceable, and realistic
Enforcing Child Support When Payments Stop
When child support payments fall behind—or stop entirely—it places unnecessary stress on the parent who is already carrying most of the financial responsibility.
If you are owed child support, we can help with enforcement options such as:
- Wage withholding
- Court enforcement actions
- Addressing repeated non-payment
Enforcement isn’t about retaliation—it’s about ensuring your child receives the support they are legally entitled to.
Enforcing Child Support When Payments Stop
When child support payments fall behind—or stop entirely—it places unnecessary stress on the parent who is already carrying most of the financial responsibility.
If you are owed child support, we can help with enforcement options such as:
- Wage withholding
- Court enforcement actions
- Addressing repeated non-payment
Enforcement isn’t about retaliation—it’s about ensuring your child receives the support they are legally entitled to.
We approach enforcement cases strategically, keeping your long-term goals and your child’s stability at the center of every decision.
Common Child Support Questions We Hear Every Day
How long does child support last?
In most cases, child support continues until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later.
Can parents agree to a different amount than the guidelines?
Yes—but only if the agreement is properly approved. Informal arrangements can create serious legal problems later.
What if the other parent refuses to cooperate?
You still have options. Courts and enforcement agencies exist to address non-cooperation.
Does child support affect visitation or custody?
No. Child support and visitation are legally separate issues. One cannot be withheld because of the other.
If you have questions not answered here, we encourage you to speak with an attorney who can address your specific situation