Child Support Attorney in Kingwood, TX
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC Prioritizes Your Child’s Well-being
Understanding Child Support
Child support refers to a predetermined monthly payment made by the non-custodial spouse to the custodial spouse to cover the ongoing expenses of their shared children. This allows the non-custodial spouse to fulfill their parental responsibilities.
What Does Physical Custody Mean?
In Texas, child support is always determined by physical custody. The parent with physical custody is invariably the recipient, and the parent without physical custody (regardless of legal custody status) is obligated to pay child support in Kingwood, TX if mandated by the court.
How is Child Support Calculated in Texas?
You may be curious about the base amount for child support in Texas. Child support payments are calculated based on a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s income. Your Kingwood child support attorney can provide an estimate of the minimum child support expected from you through a straightforward calculation.
Calculation of Child Support in Texas
The court considers all wages, salaries, commissions, tips, overtime, and bonuses as income for calculation purposes. This also includes government benefits, severance pay, or retirement benefits. Moreover, alimony, gifts, prizes, and other costs are factored in. The court then determines a percentage, which becomes your monthly child support obligation.
- For one child, the paying spouse is required to pay 20% of net resources monthly
- For two children, 25% is required
- For three children, 30% is required
- For four children, 35% is required
- Five children and more always require at least 40%
- Why Ignoring Child Support Obligations is a Bad Idea in Texas
- Can I Sue My Ex for Retroactive or Back Child Support in Texas?
- Child Support Modification in Texas (Part 1)
Need to Contest a Child Support Order in Kingwood, TX?
Parents are allowed to exceed the minimum child support if they choose. The percentages mentioned above merely represent the minimum payment. Spouses have the right to contest the amount (seeking either a reduction or an increase) in court. For this, you’ll need a skilled attorney specializing in child support who can advocate for your child’s best interests and build a legally sound argument on your behalf.
Parents are allowed to exceed the minimum child support if they choose. The percentages mentioned above merely represent the minimum payment. Spouses have the right to contest the amount (seeking either a reduction or an increase) in court. For this, you’ll need a skilled attorney specializing in child support who can advocate for your child’s best interests and build a legally sound argument on your behalf.
