Child support is vital to ensuring the well-being of children whose parents have separated or divorced. In Texas, child support calculation is governed by specific laws and regulations that determine the amount of support required from the paying parent.
In the video, Atty. Tina Campbell of Turner-Monahan, PLLC, discusses the impact of marriage on child support obligations in Texas.
All case evaluations at Turner Monahan PLLC and the attorneys’ suggestions are in the light of Texas Family Law. This content is for educational purposes only.
Navigating Child Support in Texas
Getting married does not affect child support. The reason is that child support is calculated based solely on the income of the obligor, the parent who is responsible for making payments. Therefore, getting married will not affect the amount of child support that is due.
There is only one other factor that is considered when calculating child support: the number of biological children that the receiving parent has. Stepchildren, on the other hand, do not factor into this calculation.
So, to summarize, getting married does not have any impact on child support in Texas. The amount of support owed is determined solely by the income of the paying parent and the number of biological children the receiving parent has.
How Does The Family Code Address This Issue?
The Texas Family Code provides the legal framework for determining child support obligations in the state. Several statutes within the code govern the calculation of child support and the factors that courts consider when making support orders.
Understanding these statutes is crucial for parents to navigate the child support process effectively and ensure they meet their children’s obligations. So let’s take a closer look at the statutes that are directly related to child support calculation in Texas.
Section 154.001 allows the court to order parents to support their child until they reach 18 years of age, graduate high school, are emancipated through marriage or other means, or die.
The court can also order support for a disabled child for an indefinite period. If the Department of Family and Protective Services is named managing conservator, the court may order either or both parents to make periodic support payments for the child. The court may allow a non-parent or agency to receive child support payments in certain cases.
Section 154.125 of the Texas Family Code establishes guidelines for child support in situations where the obligor’s monthly net resources are not greater than the maximum amount to which the statutory guidelines apply.
The amount prescribed by the statute is adjusted every six years to reflect inflation. If the obligor’s monthly net resources fall within a certain range, the court must follow a presumptive child support order schedule.
Section 154.130 requires the court to make specific findings in a child support order, including the net resources of the obligor and obligee, the percentage of the obligor’s net resources used to calculate child support, and the specific reasons for any variation from the percentage guidelines.
These findings are required if a written or oral request is made or if the ordered child support amount varies from the guideline amounts. Findings are only required for the obligee’s net resources if the evidence is offered.
How the Texas Family Code Determines Child Support?
One of Texas’s most critical aspects of child support calculation is determining the paying parent’s income. According to the Texas Family Code Section 154.062, this income includes all sources of revenue, such as wages, salaries, bonuses, and commissions.
Additionally, the paying parent’s income may include any self-employment income, rental income, or investment income. Once the income has been calculated, the court will apply the appropriate percentage from the guidelines to determine the monthly child support obligation. It is worth noting that this percentage may vary depending on the number of children involved in the case.
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Hire An Experienced Fort Worth, Texas, Divorce Attorney
If you are facing child support-related matters, it is essential to have an experienced family law attorney on your side. Tina Campbell of Turner-Monahan, PLLC, is a skilled legal professional with over 15 years of experience in family law, particularly in child support issues. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with attorney Tina Campbell to discuss the details.
Check our website for more information about our services. Plus, don’t forget to go through our blog to find out more regarding your case. There is tons of information on divorce and answers to unique questions like “How is Child Support Determined in Texas.”
FAQs Regarding Divorce
Divorce cases are unique, so you will have many questions. To save you time and hassle, here are some topics that revolve around the area. For more information, contact our firm, Turner-Monahan, PLLC.
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Disclaimer
The commentary and opinions are for informational and educational purposes only and not to provide legal advice. You should contact an attorney in your state to obtain legal advice concerning any particular issue or problem. You can become a client and enter the attorney-client privilege only after hiring Turner-Monahan, PPLC, by signing a written retainer agreement.
