Diligent Advocate With a Wealth of Child Support Experience
The state of Texas provides relatively straightforward guidelines for calculating child support, and fulfilling that obligation is a strictly enforced requirement. Parents are expected to support their children, and the burden of financial support is going to be decided based on income and ability to pay.
Experienced, Client-Focused Representation
You have room and the right to try and negotiate a child support settlement outside of the Texas guidelines and, as long as you both agree to an alternative resolution, this is a course we can pursue. Martin Zimmerman is well placed to assist you, being a strong and proven advocate for clients with child support issues and concerns, a second-generation lawyer with an unwavering passion for providing outstanding client service. He is a former prosecutor who was recognized in 2006 in the Rising Stars Edition of the Texas Super Lawyers Magazine, and brings this singular experience to bear on every child support matter. Clients should know that, whether through mediation, agreement, or alternative dispute resolution, the guidelines are just that, a starting point from which you have the freedom to build a settlement that fits your children's and your needs. Martin Zimmerman can help you reach a workable agreement.
When You Can't Pay
It is important to talk to a lawyer. Parents who fall behind on their child support payments face possible jail time. The law does allow you to modify your support downward if there have been changes in your occupation or earning capacity and you want to bring your case before the court voluntarily before the court takes the opportunity away from you. Even if you don't call us, contact an attorney that can help you pursue support modifications.
But, it is important to remember that failure to pay child support does not necessarily eliminate your right to have a relationship with your children. If your spouse is blocking your visitation rights because of financial disputes, you have recourse under the law.
When You Aren't Being Paid
Child support is not optional, it's mandatory. It is calculated based in part on ability to pay, which means that if you are supposed to be receiving child support and are not seeing regular and on-time payments, then you have every right to bring your case before family court, especially if the other party is trying to deliberately hide income (e.g., quits job to take another job, states unemployed, moves elsewhere, seeks to gain custody of the child or simply relinquish rights thereto in order to avoid making payments).
You shouldn't be expected to go it alone, particularly when there has been a legal agreement or ruling on matters of child support. You need a lawyer with experience handling family law and child support cases. Our office has been helping Texans for a decade, and we are energized to help families like yours.
The Law Office of Martin Zimmerman
Representing New Braunfels families for 10 years
189 East San Antonio Street
New Braunfels, TX 78130-4533
Phone: (830) 515-4446 / Contact us via e-mail
