It is important to secure your child's future by assuring that child support obligations are correctly calculated and your child's needs are met. Child support is governed by state law; in Texas, the amount of child support is capped under state child support guidelines.
Texas Child Support Law
Child support obligations continue in Texas until a child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever event occurs later.
Net Income
Addititionally, statutory guidelines in Texas dictate the amount of child support payments. The maximum monthly child support payment in Texas is currently based on a net income of $7,500 per month. Net income is defined as income available from all resources, less taxes and the cost of health insurance for the child. The noncustodial parent typically pays child support based on the following percentages:
- 20 percent of his or her net income for one child
- 25 percent for two children
- 30 percent for three children
- 35 percent for four children
- 40 percent for five children and
- At least 40 percent for six or more children
Health Insurance for Children in Texas is Mandatory
Parents are also obligated to provide health insurance for their children in Texas. The court customarily orders the child support obligor to enroll a child on an existing health insurance policy or to reimburse the cost of the healthcare premium to the child’s primary custodian.
Above Guideline Child Support
If you can present facts to support a claim for “above guideline support,” you may be able to receive more financial support for your children from the noncustodial parent. These facts can include the need to maintain children in lifestyles to which they have become accustomed during a marriage, to meet the special needs of children with disabilities, to provide counseling for children as a result of divorce, and more.
If you can present facts to support a claim for “above guideline support,” you may be able to receive more financial support for your children from the noncustodial parent.
Child Support Enforcement in Texas
Courts can enforce child support orders and frequently hold nonpaying parents in contempt for failure to pay. Enforcement actions are highly technical lawsuits that must be handled by an experienced Texas child support advocate. Whether you are a parent seeking child support or one defending against a child support enforcement action, we can help.
Contact the Pearland, TX Child Support Lawyers at Terry and Roberts Today
The amount of child support is one of the most controversial issues in a divorce or child custody case. While most parents want their children’s needs met, they do not want to pay more than is fair. If you are being sued for back child support, need to enforce a child support order, or are concerned about the paternity of a child you are being asked to support, Terry & Roberts can help.