It is natural to have a litany of questions when going through a divorce. For instance, consider child support payments. Most divorcing parents understand that these are court-ordered payments made by one spouse to the other to help care for and support their children. They cover food, shelter, school fees, clothes, transportation, certain educational costs, and other basic needs. That said, there is a prevailing myth that the payments themselves are calculated based on the actual expenses of raising a child.
While we understand the confusion and empathize with parents who want to ensure their child’s needs are met long after the dust from their divorce settles, child support payments are calculated according to very specific Texas Child Support Guidelines.
Furthermore, those guidelines are based on the paying parents’ earning capacity—not directly on the expense of raising a child.
How Are Child Support Payments Calculated?
Our attorneys at Nelson Law Group, PC, understand the importance of a child support order that reflects the financial capabilities of both parents while prioritizing the well-being of the children. We also understand the emotional and practical considerations in these cases and what goes into raising a child after a divorce. To that end, fair child support obligations are designed to cover a child’s needs and the expenses associated with them. However, the payments are calculated using a specific formula that ensures both parents contribute fairly to their child’s financial well-being.
The Texas Family Code breaks these guidelines down as follows:
- 1 child — 20% of the paying parent’s net resources
- 2 children — 25% of the paying parent’s net resources
- 3 children — 30% of the paying parent’s net resources
- 4 children — 35% of the paying parent’s net resources
- 5 children— 40% of the paying parent’s net resources
- 6+ children — Not less than the amount for five children
As you can see, the formula above is not tied to specific needs and does not require parents to add up the cost of projected groceries, school supplies, and extracurricular activities. Instead, it provides a baseline amount reflecting a shared financial responsibility to cover those ongoing needs. The bottom line is that parents have a duty to support their children, and divorce does not change that.
Do you want to know how long you must pay child support and what could happen if you stop making payments? Click here.
Call Nelson Law Group Today!!
Regardless of your family law matter, you need an advisor to guide you through each stage and help you deal with the fears that naturally come with that. We work diligently to achieve a result that ensures you receive what you are entitled to as you move forward onto the next stage of your life. The Nelson Law Group brings two decades of family law experience to every case.
Give our knowledgeable staff at Nelson Law Group, PC, a call if you have any further questions. Our staff is always available. Give us a call today! For more information about Brett A. Nelson, click here.
