Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Child Support
When you are going through divorce proceedings, it is important that you keep your child’s best interests in mind. The significant changes associated with a divorce can create a difficult time in a child’s life, so it is up to both parents to maintain as much stability as possible for the child. Paying child support is one of the ways that the state of Texas helps maintain consistency and stability in the lives of the child or children involved in a divorce. This overview is intended to give you an idea of what to expect when it comes to child support in Houston, Texas. Of course, it is important to speak to divorce lawyers in Houston who will be able to give you more specific information for your case.
Annual Gross Income
The state of Texas requires one parent to pay a certain amount of money each month to the other parent so that the parent will be able to support the child. The parent who pays child support is known as the child support obligor. In order to determine the amount of child support required, the state looks at the obligor’s annual gross income. There are a number of factors that will come into play when determining the annual gross income, which will also determine the amount of child support to be paid, including the following:
- Salary
- Commissions
- Overtime pay
- Tips
- Bonuses
- Interest
- Dividends
- Rental income
- Trust income
- Retirement income
- Disability income
- Any other additional revenue
Monthly Net Income
Once the annual gross income is calculated, social security taxes, federal taxes, union dues, health insurance premiums, and medical expenses will be subtracted according to a formula promulgated by the Office of the Attorney General. The resulting figure is considered to be the spouse’s annual net income. The monthly net income can easily be found by simply dividing that figure by 12. From there, the percentage of payment due can be found by multiplying the monthly net income by a percentage that will vary depending on how many children are involved.
- If there is 1 child, multiply the monthly net income by 20%
- If there are 2 children, multiply the monthly net income by 25%
- If there are 3 children, multiply the monthly net income by 30%
- If there are 4 children, multiply the monthly net income by 35%
- If there are 5 children, multiply the monthly net income by 40%
- If there are 6 or more children, the amount must be at least equal to 5 children
How Long Do Payments Last?
Child support payments generally continue until the child is 18 years old or until the child graduates from high school, whichever is later. There are exceptions that happen occasionally, such as if the child joins the military, is legally emancipated, or marries. Additional child support may be necessary if the child is physically or mentally disabled. If you are not sure how long you will need to pay child support, contact one of the divorce lawyers Houston has to offer. They will be able to help you to determine exactly what is to be expected from you or your spouse.
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Last Updated on October 4, 2019 by Mary E. Ramos
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