Any parent in Texas who has struggled with getting child support payments from the other parent would agree that sometimes the system doesn’t seem to work. Whether a child support order is issued as part of a divorce or on its own, the presumption is that the parent ordered to pay support will do so and that the court will order an amount of child support that will ensure that the children are provided for by both parents. Unfortunately, that isn’t always true, and sometimes custodial parents are forced to go back to court.
However, the hard reality is that there are some noncustodial parents who are adept at manipulating the system and the custodial parent. For instance, a parent went back to court for an increase in child support and was shocked to discover that the father of her children was asking the court for full custody of the children. He was doing so even though the children had always been with their mother and told the mother that he would drop his request if she dropped her request for more money.
Luckily, the majority of noncustodial parents are willing to provide for their children. Negotiating a child support agreement that will work for the parents yet still be acceptable to the court may be the best way to ensure that there are no conflicts regarding this issue. Unfortunately, there is only so much the courts can do to ensure that the best interests of the children are safeguarded.
Ultimately, is it up to the parents to make sure their children’s basic needs are met. Child support is an integral part of that process. Parents in Texas that need to negotiate a child support agreement may benefit from seeking advice and assistance in the process to ensure that the agreement is not only fair and equitable, but also complies with our state laws.
Source: Huffington Post, “Divorce Court; Really in the Best Interest of the Child?” Debbie Burgin, June 17, 2013