Parents in Texas are generally required to financially support their children, even after a divorce or separation. State law will typically determine how much a noncustodial parent will have to pay each month in child support. Payment amounts are usually a percentage of a parent’s income after certain deductions have been made. Online calculators may help an individual get an idea of how much they might owe.
It is important to note that a judge can use any factors that may be relevant in a case when crafting a support order. This could be true even if it results in a parent paying more than what state guidelines call for. For instance, a parent may pay more to help support a child who has special needs. Parents may also be required to help pay for a son or daughter’s college education. Someone who splits custody of their children could see their support obligation reduced.
There are many sources of income that could be used when determining how much a mother or father should pay to support a child. Examples of income sources a judge might consider when crafting a support order include wages, annuity payments or pension distributions. If a parent inherits money or receives a financial gift, that could be used to calculate their support obligation.
Even after a judge makes a ruling, child support and custody issues could be a source of conflict for parents. While it may be possible to return to court to revisit a custody or support order, it is often preferable for parents to resolve these issues on their own. An attorney may help those who have questions about a court order or how to change it. Legal counsel could represent a client during mediation or other alternative dispute resolution sessions.