Experienced, Empathetic Advocacy In Family Law And Criminal Defense

Actor Dennis Quaid requests to pay higher child support

On Behalf of | Jan 18, 2020 | Child Custody

When parents of a child or children here in Texas are not in a relationship with one another, it can be difficult for them to determine how to co-parent. One facet that many families have to navigate is the payment of child support. The amount is generally based on the paying parent’s level of income and the precise needs of the children and the receiving parent. It is not uncommon for the paying parent to request to make reduced payments for various reasons, but what is less common is for the paying parent to ask to increase the amount of child support. Yet that is precisely what actor Dennis Quaid has requested of the court.

Quaid has an agreement with his ex-wife to pay almost $14,000 per month in child support for the two children he shares with her. The agreement also lists a provision to increase the amount if Quaid’s annual income exceeds a certain amount. His income for 2019 is four times higher than the amount upon which the existing child support order was based. He has approached the court and asked them preemptively to increase the amount of child support he is required to pay.

Quaid’s reasoning is that while he may face an increase in child support, he may be able to avoid paying an even higher amount. His concern is that the formula used to calculate how much support he is required to pay will calculate a much higher rate than his children require. There is no word on how his ex-wife feels regarding this request.

Though this is an unusual example, it can still offers some valuable lessons for Texas parents. If one parent has a change in financial circumstances, for better or worse, either parent can ask to have the child support order reviewed and possibly changed. Those with questions about this legal issue may want to turn to an attorney who focuses on family law matters to determine the best way to proceed.

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