Child support is a legal obligation that requires one parent to contribute financially to the upbringing of their child. The purpose of child support is to ensure that children have the financial resources necessary to satisfy their basic needs, including housing, education, and healthcare. In the state of Texas, child support is generally calculated based on the income of the noncustodial parent and other relevant factors.
The amount of child support you will receive for your children can either be determined by a judge or through an agreement by both parents. The courts rely on the guidelines set forth in the Texas Family Code, which lays out exact amounts owed based on the payor’s net income and the number of children the payor must support.
The standard guideline support calls for a parent of one child to pay support in the amount equal to 20% of his or her net income. This amount increases to 25% for two children and 30% for three children and continues to increase for each additional child, with a limit placed at 40% for five children or more. The support amount will deviate from this standard if the paying parent also supports additional children from another relationship.
While the guidelines are in place to help determine an appropriate amount of support, it is alternatively within your rights to come to an acceptable agreement of an amount outside of the guidelines. If you and your spouse cannot agree, the court may issue an order establishing child support in your case.
Our skilled and knowledgeable Collin and Denton County child support attorneys will help you find the best answer for you. If guideline support is not appropriate, we will come up with a creative solution tailored to your family.
Here are a few things to consider when parents deviate from the guidelines:
It is often possible for parents to accept that no child support is needed. Child support is ordered for a variety of purposes. The court wants to keep parents responsible for raising their children, and if no child support is ordered, a parent might not be doing enough.
When the parents claim that no assistance is needed, a judge will consider comparing the parties’ incomes. If the incomes are comparable, it can be shown that both parents can fairly afford and split all of the child’s expenses.
Child support obligations in Texas typically end when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If the child has a disability that requires ongoing support, child support could continue beyond the age of 18. At Malik & Associates, PLLC can deliver guidance on the specific circumstances surrounding your case and ensure that child support obligations are accurately determined.
Whether you are requesting child support or are being asked to pay it, our dedicated Collin and Denton County child support lawyers at Malik & Associates, PLLC, will be in your corner with the experience and knowledge to get you a fair outcome.
