Child Support Attorney in McKinney, Texas

Child Support for McKinney Parents

Child support ensures that both parents contribute financially to raising their children after separation or divorce. For McKinney families, child support orders are established and enforced through the Collin County district courts — the same courts located right here at the county seat.

Lynda Landers has 29 years of experience helping parents navigate child support matters. Whether you are the parent who will pay support or the parent who will receive it, she ensures you understand the guidelines and advocates for an outcome that reflects your family's actual circumstances.

How Texas Calculates Child Support

Texas Family Code uses a percentage-of-income model. The court looks at the obligor's (paying parent's) net monthly resources — which includes salary, bonuses, commissions, overtime, self-employment income, and other sources — and applies the following percentages based on the number of children before the court:

• 1 child: 20% of net resources
• 2 children: 25% of net resources
• 3 children: 30% of net resources
• 4 children: 35% of net resources
• 5 children: 40% of net resources
• 6+ children: not less than 40% of net resources

These guidelines apply to net resources up to a statutory cap (currently $11,700 per month in net resources). For high-income earners whose income exceeds the cap, the court may order additional support if the needs of the child require it.

Net Resources vs. Gross Income

Net resources are not the same as take-home pay. Texas law defines net resources as gross income minus social security taxes, federal income taxes (at a single-person rate), state income taxes (none in Texas), union dues, and the cost of health insurance for the child. Understanding what counts as net resources — and what does not — is critical to ensuring support is calculated correctly.

Medical Support and Dental Insurance

In addition to cash child support, Texas requires courts to order medical and dental support. This typically means one parent provides health insurance coverage for the child, and the costs of insurance premiums may be divided between the parents. If employer-sponsored insurance is not available at a reasonable cost, the court may order cash medical support instead.

Establishing a Child Support Order

Child support can be established as part of a divorce proceeding or in a separate suit affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR). For McKinney parents, the process typically involves:

1. Filing the appropriate petition with the Collin County District Clerk
2. Exchanging financial documentation with the other parent
3. Negotiating the support amount based on the guidelines and the child's needs
4. Presenting the agreement or arguing your case to a Collin County judge
5. Receiving a signed court order that is enforceable by law

Modifying a Child Support Order

Child support orders can be modified when circumstances change materially and substantially. Common grounds for modification include:

• A significant change in either parent's income (job loss, promotion, new employment)
• A change in the child's needs (medical expenses, educational needs, extracurricular activities)
• A change in custody or living arrangements
• It has been three years since the order was last modified and the current order differs from the guideline amount by 20% or $100

Modification petitions are filed with the same Collin County court that issued the original order. Lynda Landers can evaluate whether your situation qualifies for modification and guide you through the process.

Related Family Law Topics

• Child custody — support and custody are closely connected
• Divorce in McKinney — support is typically established as part of divorce
• Property division — property awards may affect support calculations

For comprehensive child support information, visit our Texas Child Support Resource.