How Does Child Support Work in a Texas Military Divorce?

Child Support in Texas Military Divorce

How Do You Collect from a Military Parent? What Happens if the Military Parent Fails to Pay Support?

Your marriage is over and the only way forward is through a divorce. You have minor children in the home, though, and your soon-to-be ex-spouse is on active duty with a branch of the armed forces. Who determines child support? Who pays it and how? What are your options if a military ex-spouse fails to pay court-ordered child support?

How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas Military Divorce? 

State laws dictate the need, amount, and frequency of child support payments for all divorces. Parties may agree on terms, but courts review agreements to prevent undue influence. Courts apply a formula based on parents’ income and the child’s needs if the parents do not reach an agreement.

How Is Child Support Collected from a Military Parent?

Military parents can choose to pay child support directly or set up a payment through their pay. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service allows them to establish an allotment that automatically deducts support from their pay and sends it to the state child support agency.

What Happens If a Servicemember Fails to Pay Court-Ordered Child Support?

A military parent who fails to honor a child support order may be subject to a number of adverse consequences:

• The parent may be subject to wage garnishment pursuant to state laws
• The parent’s commanding officer may impose sanctions, including extra duty, reduced pay and demotion in rank
• The military parent may be subject to court-martial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for failure to obey an order (Article 92), willful disobedience of an officer (Article 90) or bringing discredit on the armed forces (Article 134)

Come to Graham Family Law for Help with Child Support in Texas Military Divorce

At Graham Family Law, we bring more than 20 years of experience to people in San Antonio and the surrounding communities who need proven divorce and family law counsel. Our skilled trial attorneys protect your rights before a judge and jury. The legal community also respects us for negotiating effective settlements for our clients. Call us at 210-308-6448 or contact us by email to schedule a consultation today to discuss your case.

Handling Divorce and Family Law Matters throughout San Antonio and the surrounding communities, including Bexar, Kendall, Floresville, Wilson, Atascosa, Hays, Comar and Guadalupe counties, as well as the municipalities of Cibolo, McQueeney, Marion, Santa Clara, New Berlin, Kingsbury, Staples, Redwood, Zuehl and New Berlin

Related Topics

• Military Child Support and Enforcement
• Military Child Custody and Visitation