Child Support Change

**crenycrew** · 01-12-2008, 10:32 AM

I had custody of my two daughters for the last 9 years from a divorce. One is now 16 and the other is 14. They have chosen to live with my ex. In Texas can I now be made to pay child support even though it was the kids decision to move?

**Baystategirl** · 01-12-2008, 11:29 AM

Quoting crenycrew

I had custody of my two daughters for the last 9 years from a divorce. One is now 16 and the other is 14. They have chosen to live with my ex. In Texas can I now be made to pay child support even though it was the kids decision to move?

Why on earth would you allow the children to make such a decision??

Yes. since you allowed the change of custody then you are going to have to pay support.

**Dad2** · 01-12-2008, 11:29 AM

Well, legally speaking, it's not their decision.
Before your ex's child support to you stops, and yours starts, there needs to be a court ordered change of custody.

**crenycrew** · 01-12-2008, 01:04 PM

Sorry Dad2 but in the state of Texas a child can decide who they want to live with at the age of 12. And the paperwork I received from the AG states it is a Child Support Review Process. She still owes back support.

**Dad2** · 01-12-2008, 02:29 PM

I think you may be mistaken. Maybe at age 12, a child can have a say where they would like to live. But certainly a 12 year old can't walk into court, and tell the judge where he/she is going to live. Ultimately, it is the judges decision.
There's a reason why kids don't have a final say. Whichever parent is "cooler" would always get custody.