Texas, like most other states, utilizes child support “guidelines” to calculate the amount that both parents need to provide to care for their child. Essentially, it is used to determine the amount of child support payments each parent must pay. Judges rarely allow parties to deviate from these guidelines ? it is permitted in only extreme and unusual circumstances.
To determine child support, the court will ask both parents to submit evidence that establishes their income and financial situation. The evidence will usually be a combination of paystubs, tax documents, bank statements and testimony. Usually the parties will also be asked to submit their calculations based upon the guidelines. The court will take this information and use it to arrive at a number.
The Texas Attorney General has a child support calculator on their website. This calculator allows parents to roughly estimate their child support obligation. This calculator is not binding, only the courts can issue a child support order, but it is useful to guide you in what the court is looking for.
As you can see, the court considers your income and how you are paid. The amount you pay largely depends upon what you make and when you receive it.
The court then considers deductions against a child support order. For example, if you already provide child support, health insurance or other types of monetary support. These amounts should deduct against whatever child support figure the guidelines arrive at.
If you are in the middle of a dispute over child support, then you may want to speak to an attorney. A lawyer can help you prepare arguments to support your position with the court. Reasoned and legal arguments are the only way to convince the court that your position is the correct one. A lawyer can go over your legal situation and help you devise a legal strategy to accomplish your goals. you don’t have to tackle this problem alone, you can ask for help.
