Frisco Family Law Lawyer – Guiding You Every Step Of The Way
Texas Family Code can be confusing when it comes to setting an amount of child support especially for those cases where there is more than one child or a family has children from previous relationships that must be supported still. A new family does not entirely release an obligator from old obligations.
Because it can be so confusing and there are so many factors to consider, it is important to discuss the facts of the case with the Frisco Family Law Lawyer so that the right amount of child support can be set and enforced.
The Number of Children Before the Court
Obviously, if there is only one child before the court and no other children that the party has to pay support for, the guidelines will be that much easier to follow; however, if there are more children or there are other children that the parent has custody of or pays support for, the amount of the child support might need to be modified accordingly.
For example, with one child before the court and no other children in the home, the amount of child support might be set at 20% of the total income. However, with one other child in the household, the amount might be reduced to 17.50 % and continues to be decreased accordingly.
What Counts as Income?
Texas courts view wages, salary, bonus, interest and dividend income, rental income and income from any other sources when setting the amount of child support. The total of all of these amounts will be multiplied against the proper guideline percentage to get the child support amount. The court sets an upper limit of $7500 per month, however.
What Does Not Count as Income for Figuring Child Support?
The court will subtract the amount of social security taxes, federal income taxes, union dues and health insurance premiums that are paid for the child when figuring the amount of the child support to be ordered.
Special Considerations
The court will also view a number of factors that can change the amount of child support due. The age and needs of the child are only a couple of the factors that the court looks at. Others include:
- The ability of the parents to financially support the child
- The sources of the funds to provide this support
- The time periods during which the parent has the child
- The earning potential of the paying parent
- Child care expenses
- Other children to whom the parent is obligated
- The amount of spousal maintenance if an order for that is in place
- College expenses for another child
- Whether the party that will receive the child support receives other benefits that reduce the ongoing expenses
- Unusual education or health care expenses related to the child
- Travel expenses necessary to spend time with the child, such as when the child lives in a different area than the paying party.
Need some support and guidance with your divorce, child support or any any other legal issue, a Frisco family law lawyer will be able to assist you. Contact them today and let them guide you.
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