AUSTIN, Texas — Child support is once again at the center of debate in the Texas Legislature, as Senate Bill 942 aims to shift the timeline for when child support payments begin, potentially making it much earlier than many expect.
Under the bill, a father would be responsible for paying retroactive child support starting from the date of the child's conception. The Texas Senate passed the measure Wednesday with a vote of 27-4, sending it to the House for consideration.
The bill seeks to ensure both parents contribute to the financial responsibilities of pregnancy, including medical expenses. The topic has sparked passionate responses from both legal experts and community members.
"I feel like she is carrying the baby and he is responsible for the baby," said Mychael Ball, business owner of Ballroom Barbershop. "Doctor’s appointments come into play. Both parties should be held accountable to bring that child into the world."
Supporters of the bill argue it provides crucial financial relief during pregnancy, a time when healthcare costs can be expensive.
Anthony Robles, an attorney at Robles Family Law Firm who has practiced law for 18 years, said the bill reinforces the idea that a parent's obligation begins long before the child is born.
“The obligation to support a kid does not start when the baby is born,” Robles said. “The mother incurs expenses when she is creating your child. This bill can help it reduces what you'll owe later and can improve your relationship with the other parent.”
But is the child support system fair?
“With child support in the State of Texas, it only looks at one parent’s income as the one paying support,” Robles said. “It doesn’t take into account the resources of the parent receiving it.”
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Under the bill, a father would be responsible for paying retroactive child support starting from the date of the child's conception. The Texas Senate passed the measure Wednesday with a vote of 27-4, sending it to the House for consideration.
The bill seeks to ensure both parents contribute to the financial responsibilities of pregnancy, including medical expenses. The topic has sparked passionate responses from both legal experts and community members.
"I feel like she is carrying the baby and he is responsible for the baby," said Mychael Ball, business owner of Ballroom Barbershop. "Doctor’s appointments come into play. Both parties should be held accountable to bring that child into the world."
Supporters of the bill argue it provides crucial financial relief during pregnancy, a time when healthcare costs can be expensive.
Anthony Robles, an attorney at Robles Family Law Firm who has practiced law for 18 years, said the bill reinforces the idea that a parent's obligation begins long before the child is born.
“The obligation to support a kid does not start when the baby is born,” Robles said. “The mother incurs expenses when she is creating your child. This bill can help it reduces what you'll owe later and can improve your relationship with the other parent.”
But is the child support system fair?
“With child support in the State of Texas, it only looks at one parent’s income as the one paying support,” Robles said. “It doesn’t take into account the resources of the parent receiving it.”
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yeah w/e lol - moral of the story, be careful about who you nut in
