Factors Influencing Child Support Calculations in Houston, TX

When making decisions regarding child support, family law judges are directed to follow Texas child support guidelines. These guidelines tell a family law judge how to handle child support cases and how much of an individual’s income should be allotted to child support payments. However, family law judges are given some discretion when it comes to making decisions regarding child support cases. Certain factors may affect their decision-making and could result in them ordering more or less child support.

A minor child has the legal right to expect financial support from their parents in Texas. This support continues after the dissolution of marriage or the breakup of the family unit. Failure to provide child support payments in a timely manner could be met with severe consequences.

However, the family law courts are not unsympathetic to parents who cannot meet their child support obligations, who need to modify child support arrangements, and whose income does not meet the standards for the typical child support calculations. To learn more about child support, we encourage you to contact our law firm to discuss your child support case.

How is Child Support Calculated in Texas?

When calculating child support for your case, a family law court will apply the Texas child support guidelines while also considering other factors relevant to your case. These guidelines set a minimum dollar amount for child support.

Firstly, it is necessary to identify all sources of income for the non-custodial parent. All income that you receive counts toward child support calculations.

Sources of income may include, but are not exclusive to, the following:

• Salary and wage income.
• Annuities.
• Bonuses.
• Business income.
• Commissions.
• Disability benefits.
• Gifts, winnings, and prizes.
• Royalties.
•  Self-employment income.
•  Tips.
•  Unemployment benefits.
• Workers’ compensation benefits.
•  And more.

Certain income, such as foster care payments and benefits from federal assistance programs, may not be counted towards your child support calculations.

Once all income has been collected, the family law court will subtract taxes, union dues, and health care expenses to find your yearly net income. That number will then be divided by 12 to discover your monthly net income. That income will then pay child support based on how many children you are responsible for.

In most situations, the guidelines lay out the following formula:
One child equals 20% of net resources.
Two children equals 25% of net resources.
Three children equals 30% of net resources.
Four children equals 35% of net resources.
Five children equals 40% of net resources.
Six or more children equals at least 40% of net resources.

Please note, however, that individuals with low income or high income may have different percentage calculations for child support. To learn more, please contact our family law firm.

What Factors May Affect Child Support Court Orders?

In addition to the amount you make, there are several factors that will be considered when deciding the amount of child support.

These include:

• A history of domestic violence.
• A history of infidelity.
• Ability of either parent to contribute to the support of their child.
•  Any outstanding debt owed by either parent.
•  Childcare expenses.
• Deductions in monthly wages.
•  Educational expenses.
• Employee benefits.
•  Expenses for college education funds.
• Job loss.
•  Non-cash benefits from employment.
• Payments being made in spousal support (also known as spousal maintenance or alimony).
•  Positive or negative cash flow from real estate property.
• The amount of parenting time that the non-custodial parent has with their child.
•  The child’s age and needs.
•  The disability of either parent.
•  The medical expenses for either the child or the parents.
•  The net resources and earning potential of the custodial parent.
•  Travel expenses related to visitation for the non-custodial parents.
•  Whether there are other children from other relationships that require care.
•  And any cause or reason for deviation from the child support guidelines would be in the best interest of the child.

When Does Child Support End in Texas?

Child support court orders last until the child either turns 18 years old or graduates from high school (whichever comes last), emancipates by marriage, no longer has a disability, or sadly passes away.

If a court deems the child disabled, then that child may continue to receive child support payments indefinitely.

Can You Request Child Support Modifications in Houston?

It is possible to request child support modifications in Houston, Texas. However, special circumstances must apply. And even if both parents agree to modify child support payments, the paying parent must continue with the court-ordered child support obligations until those orders are changed by the courts.

In order to successfully change child support orders, you must illustrate a material and substantial change in circumstances. To learn more, please contact our Harris County law office.

Schedule a Consultation with Experienced Child Support Lawyers Today

Dodson Law Firm has extensive legal experience representing clients in complex child custody and child support cases. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate, communicative, and holistic legal services to clients facing difficult times. If you have a child custody or child support legal matter, please contact our family law attorneys to discuss your case in more detail.

You may call our Houston law office at 713-597-7141.