Experience & Caring Legal Counsel
The Foust Firm, PC understands that when you need a family lawyer, it’s important to work with someone you can trust. If you are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, The Foust Firm, PC is available to be that lawyer for you. Our experience in Family Law covers a broad spectrum of legal issues ranging from pre-nuptial agreements to resolving complex property settlements and child custody disputes stemming from divorce. We can assist you with all these issues and help you achieve your goals for your family.
Child Support & Tax Returns
How Child Support Is Determined
Our firm often receives questions regarding these two topics relating to family law. Child support is most commonly calculated by a court using the Obligor’s tax return. As a family lawyer with ample experience in divorce proceedings and child support modifications, we can help represent your interests and fight for the modification you may be entitled to.
The court calculates net resources for the purpose of determining child support. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 154.062 (Vernon 2009). The most common place for identifying the Obligor’s (person paying child support) employment income is from a tax return – Form 1040, Line 7, which reports the Obligor’s wages, salaries, tips, etc. The amount reported in Line 7 is the gross amount of income, often reported directly from the Obligor’s W-2.New Paragraph
The Obligee
The person receiving child support payments should not rely solely on Line 7 as the conclusive proof of gross resources. Line 7 will not include “income” such as deferred compensation – i.e. 401k contributions. An Obligor’s actual income for purposes of determining net resources is often buried in the schedules to the tax return. It might take some digging and investigation to fully understand (or uncover) where income for purposes of determining net resources is found in a complicated tax return. At the minimum, in a divorce or modification proceeding, the Obligor’s complete tax returns should be reviewed.
Professional Family Lawyer in Fort Worth, TX
Navigating family legal matters requires a dedicated advocate who understands the complexities of Texas law. At The Foust Firm, our team is committed to providing clear guidance and strong representation for clients throughout Fort Worth. Whether you are dealing with matters of divorce, parenting plans, or complex asset division, having a skilled family lawyer in Fort Worth, TX, on your side is crucial for protecting your rights and securing a stable future for your family. The emotional weight of these situations can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. For trusted legal support from a firm that genuinely cares about your outcome, contact us now at (817) 912-0722 to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific circumstances.
Two of the most critical and emotionally charged aspects of any family law case involve children. Determining a fair and enforceable child support agreement is essential for your child's well-being, and having a knowledgeable child support attorney in Fort Worth, TX ensures your financial responsibilities and rights are accurately presented and protected. Similarly, crafting a parenting plan that serves your child's best interests is our primary focus. We work diligently to help parents reach agreements that provide stability, a task where experienced child custody lawyers in Fort Worth, TX, prove invaluable. When negotiations become challenging, having a determined family lawyer in Fort Worth, TX from our firm ensures your voice is heard and your parental rights are vigorously defended throughout the process.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Family Law Needs?
- Local Fort Worth Insight: Our deep knowledge of the Tarrant County family courts and local procedures allows us to navigate your case efficiently and effectively.
- Focused on Your Family’s Well-Being: We prioritize solutions that reduce conflict and protect the emotional and financial health of your entire family, especially any children involved.
- Clear and Direct Communication: We believe in demystifying the legal process. You will receive straightforward advice and consistent updates, so you are never left in the dark about your case.
- Strong and Compassionate Advocacy: Our family lawyer in Fort Worth, TX, provides assertive legal representation balanced with understanding and respect for the deeply personal nature of your situation.
