How Child Support is Calculated in Texas
In Texas, the court typically orders child support to be paid to the parent who has been granted primary physical custody, what is now known as managing conservatorship. The court may require periodic payments or lump-sum payments, or both. Texas state law identifies the factors to be considered when determining the need for and amount of child support. This includes:
- The age and needs of the children
- The financial resources both parents have that are available to meet the needs of the child
- The ability of each parent to financially provide for the needs of the child
- The earning potential of each parent, particularly if the actual amount earned is substantially below that potential
- The extent to which the non-custodial parent has visitation, possession or access to the child
- The amount required to pay for daycare or child care expenses, if necessary
- The cost of health insurance for the child, if not provided as a cost-free benefit through an employer
- The medical or educational needs of the child, including the potential costs of college education
- Whether the custodial parent is receiving alimony, and, if so, how much
- Whether either parent has custody of or is receiving/paying child support for another child
- The current debts and obligations of both parents
- The cost incurred by the non-custodial parent in traveling to visit the child
- Any benefits either parent receives from an employer, or any deductions or wage withholdings from either parent’s pay
The court will typically start by completing a Child Support worksheet, which will factor in incomes of both parents, as well as other factors, such as tax payments or retirement contributions. Once that has been done, the parties may ask the court to deviate from the calculation based on limited factors.
Contact the Law Office of Len Conner & Associates
At the Law Office of Len Conner Associates, we offer a free initial consultation in all family law matters, including issues relating to divorce. Send us an e-mail or call our office at (972) 445-1500 or 972-445-1500 if you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Or call us toll free at (877) 613-5800 for an appointment.
