How Long Does Child Support Take?

How Long Does Child Support Take?

Going through a divorce is a challenging time for couples who are separating, especially if children are involved. Even partners who are on civil terms with one another often have a difficult time coming to an agreement on how to manage their child custody agreement. On top of that, determining child support can become one of the more complicated and touchy aspects of a divorce. 

If an agreement cannot be reached, the courts will decide how child support is calculated. Typically, the noncustodial parent will be responsible for paying the primary custodial parent child support. This is not always the case; the court will also look at the earnings of the custodial parent before making a decision. 

Like most parts of a divorce, child support determinations are not always immediate. Discuss what to expect with a Fort Worth child support attorney today. 

How Long Do Child Support Determinations Take?

On average, child support determinations take about two months from the time the request for support is filed. Once the request is filed with the court, the noncustodial parent to whom the request for child support is directed will be notified about the filing. They will be required to respond by the expiration date that the court has set and communicated. From there, the process will proceed, and the timeline from here depends on the willingness of both parties to agree on a plan, the speed of the court, and how complicated the case is. 

As with most stages of a divorce or separation, the child support determination process will be faster and easier if both parents are amicable and on the same page. This is not always the case, and if you find yourself dealing with an ex-partner who is pushing back, the child support determination can take a few weeks to several months. Once the child support agreement is set, it will remain in place until the child or children reach the age of 18 unless there is some other caveat to the determination.

How Long Will It Take To Receive Child Support After a Court Order?

After the child support determination is set by the court, you will probably want to know when you will start to receive payments. In a straightforward case, it typically takes about six to eight weeks after filing for child support to start receiving payments. There are exceptions, though, and sometimes it can take longer to begin receiving these payments. It is common to be on a schedule where you receive payments every two weeks, but this might vary depending on you and your ex-partner’s situation. 

Speak With a Knowledgeable Fort Worth Child Support Attorney Right Away

Navigating the waters after a separation or divorce can be challenging, and understanding the process of child support payments often adds to the stress of that situation. At Mims Ballew Hollingsworth Family Law in Fort Worth, Texas, our attorneys are dedicated to helping our clients work through the child support determination process. 

If you believe that you are entitled to child support payment, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment online or call us at 817-476-7964. We are here and ready to support you in these next steps.

Constance Mims

Constance Mims has over fifteen years of experience practicing exclusively family law. Mrs. Mims is Board Certified in Family Law, by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is Collaborative Law certified and is a shrewd negotiator, not to mention her experience in the most challenging child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, alimony, prenuptial agreements, and divorce issues, both in court and in the appellate arena.

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