In Texas, non-custodial parents have a duty to provide financial support to their children. To ensure child support arrangements are fair and equitable, Texas has put basic guidelines in place. When circumstances warrant it, family law judges have the authority to deviate from those guidelines. Here, our Dallas child support attorneys provide an overview of the factors used to determine child support in Texas.
Texas Law: What Factors Are Used to Calculate Child Support?
In Texas, the parent who pays child support is referred to as the ‘obligor.’ Under state law (Texas Family Code § 154.001), the obligor’s child support payments will be based on several different factors, including:
- Net Income (Financial Resources): The most important factor in determining child support in Texas is the financial means of the obligor. The higher a non-custodial parent’s monthly income, the more child support they will likely be required to pay — up to a maximum monthly limit. Texas child support guidelines state a parent with one child owes 20 percent of their net monthly resources in child support.
- Number of Children Being Supported: The number of children being supported matters. While the Texas child support guidelines state a parent with one child owes 20 percent of their net resources in support, the percentage of net income owed will increase if a parent has more children to support. For comparison, a parent with four children would owe 35 percent of their monthly net income in child support.
- Medical Needs: The medical needs of the child will impact support. As a baseline, parents may need to contribute to health insurance coverage. Additionally, if a child has unique medical needs, an obligor will likely be required to share some of those costs.
Texas family law courts can also consider other factors when those factors are deemed relevant to crafting a fair, equitable child support award. As an example, a parent who has no income, but who has substantial financial resources and assets at their disposal, may be required to pay more in child support than the standardized guidelines would otherwise suggest.
How Much Child Support is Owed Under Texas Guidelines?
If you have questions or concerns about how much child support should be paid in your case, our top-rated Dallas, TX child support lawyers are standing by, ready to help. As a starting point, you can refer to the Monthly Child Support Calculator from the Office of the Attorney General. This calculator will give you a baseline assessment. Though, to be clear, this child support calculator is only meant to provide a general estimate.
Speak to Our Dallas, TX Child Support Lawyers Today
At Orsinger, Nelson, Downing and Anderson, LLP, our Texas child support attorneys have extensive experience handling the full range of child support cases. We will protect your rights and interests. To set up a fully confidential appointment, please contact our law firm at (214) 273-2400. With offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, and San Antonio, we represent parents throughout the state of Texas.