How Child Support Is Calculated in the Lone Star State
If you’re involved in a divorce in Texas and there are minor children in the home, you can expect that one of the parties will be required to pay child support. How does the state of Texas calculate child support payments? What are your options if you think the determination favors your ex?
Child Support—Part and Parcel to a Texas Divorce When Children Are Involved
According to the Centers for Disease Control(CDC)’s “National Survey of Family Growth,” the median amount of child support paid by non-custodial parents across the United States is just over $3,000 per month. The data indicates that about three of every four payers make regular contributions to child support, about one in 6 make no payments and the remainder contribute periodically.
How the State of Texas Determines Who Pays and How Much Should Be Paid for Child Support
In Texas, provided paternity has been established or agreed upon, the court will address the issue of child support. While the parents can determine the amount and frequency on their own, in practice the court almost always makes the determination. As a general rule, the parent without physical custody makes payments to the parent with primary or full physical custody.
Child support is Texas is calculated using the monthly net resources of both parents, a number that reflects wages, salary, bonuses, self-employment and rental income, reduced by any taxes withheld, any union dues and payments of the child’s health insurance. To make the determination, the court uses a formula that takes a percentage of the paying parent’s first $11,700 of monthly net income. The percentages are as follows:
- One child—20%
- Two children—25%
- Three children—30%
- Four children—35%
- Five children or more—40%
Contact DTX Family Law for Sound Advice in a Texas Divorce
At DTX Family Law, we built our reputation and practice by focusing on the needs and best interests of our clients. We have an extensive knowledge and understanding of Texas divorce laws and procedures, including any issues related to college funding in a divorce proceeding. We’ll carefully explain your rights and options, as well as your chances of success, so that you can make good decisions for you and your family. Chrysandra is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an honor earned by less than one of every ten family law attorneys in the state. To schedule an appointment with a proven and effective Texas family lawyer, visit our website or call our offices at 940-566-0606.
Handling Divorce and Family Law Matters throughout Denton and the surrounding communities, including Denton, Collin, Wise, Tarrant and Cooke counties and the municipalities of Keller, Euless, Hurst, Colleyville, Bedford, Crowley, Lake Worth, Benbrook, Haslet, Saginaw, Watauga, Richland Hills, White Settlement, River Oaks, Forest Hill, Kennedale, Westover Hills, Lakeside, Pelican Bay and North Richland Hills