Texas Child Support Law: 2023 Edition - No More Excuses (Well, Maybe a Few)
Howdi, partners! Buckle up for a little chat about Texas child support law, y'all. Now, before you start hittin' the dusty trail to avoid this conversation, lemme tell you - there have been some changes as of September 1st, 2023. That's right, partner, the good ol' child support rodeo just got a rule shuffle.
No Job? No Problem? Not Exactly...
Remember that time you told the judge your bull ridin' career was on hold? Well, under the new law, the judge might just say, "Saddle up, buckaroo!" Senate Bill 870, the sheriff in this here tale, gives the judge the power to mosey you on over to a job training program if you ain't bringin' home the bacon (or brisket, as the case may be). So, unless you got a mighty good reason for not workin', better get your job hunt on.
But hold your horses! There are some exceptions. If you're locked up tighter than a steer at a rodeo, the judge can take that into account and adjust your payments based on your prison wages (assuming you're makin' any). Just remember, this fancy footwork don't apply if you're in the clink for not payin' child support in the first place, or if you done messed up with a family member.
Inheritin' a Windfall? You Might Just Be Inheritin' a Payment Plan Too
Texas is takin' a big step towards makin' sure those kiddos get their fair share, no matter what. Say your Aunt Mildred kicks the bucket and leaves you a pile of cash. You might be thinkin' "Free vacation to Cancun!" But think again, son. That inheritance can now be snagged to pay off any back child support you owe. So, that fancy new yacht might have to wait.
Streamlining the Process: Less Wranglin', More Support
The new law also aims to make the whole child support process a bit less like wranglin' a wild mustang. Email addresses are now mandatory in all final orders, so everyone stays in the loop. Plus, there's a focus on makin' sure healthcare costs are covered fairly.
Now, this ain't legal advice, mind you. If you're knee-deep in child support issues, best mosey on over to a lawyer who knows the legal ropes better than a champion calf roper. But hopefully, this little breakdown gives you a basic idea of what's changed in the Texas child support rodeo.
