Child support ensures that both parents contribute financially to the raising of their child. In Texas, child support is calculated using a straightforward formula based on the paying parent’s net monthly income.
How Is Child Support Calculated?
Texas law sets child support as a percentage of the obligor’s (paying parent’s) net monthly resources:
- 1 child: 20% of net monthly resources
- 2 children: 25%
- 3 children: 30%
- 4 children: 35%
- 5 or more children: 40%
Net resources include wages, salary, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, and more. Certain deductions are allowed, such as federal income taxes, Social Security, and union dues.
Medical and Dental Support
In addition to basic child support, Texas courts typically require one parent to provide health insurance for the child. If insurance is not available at a reasonable cost through an employer, the court may order additional cash support to cover medical expenses.
Modifying a Child Support Order
Child support orders are not set in stone. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order was entered, or if it has been three years since the order was set and the amount differs by either 20% or $100 from what the guidelines would require today.
Call Jane Gekhman at (940) 222-6014 if you are going through a family law matter. We can help.