Child Support

Child support is money paid by one (or both) parents for the care of a child, often based on a court order, until the child turns 18 years old or graduates from high school (whichever is later). Child support calculations are governed by guidelines as set out in the Texas Family Code. These guidelines mandate how the computation of monthly child support should be determined, based on an obligor’s net monthly income. Monthly income includes income from all sources, and self-employment income, as well as unemployment benefits, is included.
Being unemployed will not prevent a Court from ordering child support, but the Court will consider all factors involved. Section 154.125 of the Texas Family Code provides the starting point for child support calculations, as follows:

CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES
BASED ON THE MONTHLY NET RESOURCES OF THE OBLIGOR

1 child 20% of Obligor’s Net Resources
2 children 25% of Obligor’s Net Resources
3 children 30% of Obligor’s Net Resources
4 children 35% of Obligor’s Net Resources
5 children 40% of Obligor’s Net Resources
6+ children Not less than amount for 5 children

Again, these are guidelines; the amount of child support can deviate up or down based on the facts of each case. These figures can also change if the obligor has other children he is supporting besides the children before the Court. Health insurance for the children is considered child support, as well, and the courts mandate that children be covered by some sort of health insurance policy. We aid our clients in getting child support calculated and set. We can also aid in modification of child support orders, as only a court can change or modify the amount of child support ordered to be paid.