Getting the Right Amount of Support for Your Child
Everyone acknowledges that it costs money to raise a child. Disputes often arise during divorces over exactly how much child support is necessary. The Texas Family Code contains predetermined guidelines that outline how child support should be calculated. However, in certain situations the courts can set support above or below the statutory guideline support amount.
At the law firm of Palmer & Manuel in Dallas, Texas, we use our decades of experience to see that the appropriate amount of support is awarded during a divorce or modification action.
The Child Support Guidelines
The Texas Family Code's guidelines are designed to apply to a non-custodial parent's monthly net income of $7,500:
- One child: 20% of the obligor's net income
- Two children: 25% of the obligor's net income
- Three children: 30% of the obligor's net income
- Four children: 35% of the obligor's net income
- Five children: 40% of the obligor's net income
- Six or more children: Not less than 40% of the obligor's net income
The term obligor refers to the parent responsible for paying child support, which is almost always the parent who does not have primary possession of the child.
Deviations from the Child Support Guidelines
While the guidelines apply in the majority of situations, there are exceptions. For example, if the monthly net income of the obligor exceeds $7,500, the court can provide for child support above the guidelines.
More common examples of situations that require deviation from child support guidelines are cases that involve children in need of expensive medical care or cases that involve children from other marriages. Our attorneys have the experience to identify situations that require stepping away from the guidelines in order to see that the outcome is fair for children and parents.
Learn More About Our Commitment to Providing Child Support Solutions
Call us at 214-242-6444 or contact us online.
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