Calculating Child Support
If you are obligated to pay child support, the court will consider your net income from all sources to determine how much you owe. The court will also consider the number of children you will be supporting. Based on your net income and number of children being supported, the court will make a finding as to what amount in child support you must pay each month.
Paying Child Support
Your employer will be required to withhold the amount you owe in child support from your wages. If ordered by the court, your employer may also have to withhold medical support, dental support, or past due child support.
Terminating Child Support
Child support usually ends when the last child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. Child support may last longer should your child have a disability, or if you made private arrangements for support to last beyond the age of 18.
Modifying Child Support
Texas law allows for child support obligations to be increased or decreased. In order to obtain a modification, whether you are attempting to increase what you are owed or decrease what you are obligated to pay, you must show that there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances for the child or either party since the entry of the last child support order. The Office of the Attorney General explains that a material and substantial change in circumstances applies to situations where:
- The noncustodial parent’s income has increased or decreased.
- The noncustodial parent is legally responsible for additional children.
- The child’s (or children’s) medical insurance coverage has changed.
- The child (or children) are now living with a different parent.
If you are struggling to meet your child support obligations, are not receiving the child support you are owed, or believe your child support obligations should be modified, you need a skilled attorney to assist you. Let us help.