A significant number of Texas marriages end in divorce, and many of those dissolution settlements include child support payments.
What is child support?
Child support is money that one parent pays to the other for childcare costs. In most cases, the two parental parties are divorced. However, obligations can attach in different scenarios.
Who pays child support?
In the overwhelming majority of cases, the non-custodial parent — aka the one who isn’t the primary caretaker — pays the custodial parent a monthly stipend. Although rare, situations do arise wherein the custodial parent must pay the non-custodial parent.
Texas authorities use a base calculation that accounts for income and the number of kids.
- 20% for one child
- 25% for two children
- 30 % for three children
- 35% for four children
- 40% for five or more children
The scale is a starting point. A family law attorney may be able to do a 360-degree analysis of your situation and negotiate the best possible outcome for your particular circumstances. For example, self-employed individuals and military personnel may have extenuating circumstances that affect child support calculations.
What does child support cover?
Texas child support laws ensure that children’s basic needs — including food, clothing, shelter, medical, dental, and education — are met. In most cases, courts will aim to keep the child’s lifestyle level the same as before the divorce or separation.
Individuals with child support questions and concerns may welcome the help of a family law attorney who knows the ropes. Divorce is difficult, but a knowledgeable attorney looking out for your best interest could alleviate some of the stress.