Texas Child Support Guidelines

Texas law dictates that all parents must provide financial support for their children. Co-parents may not agree regarding the costs of a child’s basic needs, though, and will often turn to the courts to establish their child support rights and obligations. When faced with a request for child support, the Texas courts will typically employ Texas child support guidelines, which are based on the monthly income of the parents, and it is important for anyone involved in a child support case to understand what the guidelines dictate. If you share custody of a child and have questions about child support under Texas law, it is prudent to talk to an attorney about your rights. The dedicated Dallas child support attorneys of McClure Law Group can evaluate your case and inform you of your options for seeking a just outcome for you and your child.

The Texas child support guidelines operate on the foundational principle that both parents bear the duty to care for their children financially. Pursuant to the guidelines, income is the basis for determining child support; it is important to note that income includes wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, rental income, and other sources, with allowable deductions like taxes and union dues.

Texas adopts a percentage-of-income model, where the non-custodial parent pays a proportion of their net income as child support. This percentage increases with the number of children requiring support: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five, with a minimum of 40% for six or more children.

Under the guidelines, both parents are generally obligated to provide health insurance for their children, and the cost of premiums factors into the child support calculation. If one parent covers health insurance, the other may contribute to uncovered medical expenses. Childcare expenses, such as necessary daycare costs for the custodial parent's employment, may also factor into the determination of child support.

Child support orders may extend beyond basic support to include contributions to extraordinary expenses like education or special healthcare needs. Importantly, these orders are subject to modification in the event of significant changes, such as alterations in income or the child's needs.

The Texas Family Code allows for deviations from the child support guidelines under certain circumstances, and the party seeking the deviation bears the burden of proving that it is in the best interest of the child. This discretionary aspect of the guidelines allows the court to tailor child support orders to the unique circumstances of each family, promoting fairness and the child's overall well-being.

Valid reasons for deviation may include the child's special needs, high healthcare costs, educational expenses, or significant variations in income between the parents. The court will carefully consider the specific circumstances of the case and the financial capabilities of both parents before granting a deviation. It's essential for the requesting party to present compelling evidence and arguments to justify the deviation, emphasizing how it serves the best interests of the child involved.

Texas Child Support Guidelines ensure that both parents fulfill their financial responsibilities towards their children, irrespective of their relationship status, and it is essential that all parents who share custody of a child understand their rights and duties as defined by the guidelines. If you have questions about child support in accordance with Texas law, it is wise to meet with an attorney. The experienced Dallas child support attorneys of McClure Law Group understand the importance of obtaining fair and appropriate support orders, and if you engage our services, we will work tirelessly to help you seek the results you deserve. Our primary office is located in Dallas, and we are able to meet clients for meetings at our Collin-County office, which is located in Plano. We regularly represent people in child support proceedings in Dallas, Fort Worth, Rockwall, Frisco, McKinney, Irving, Richardson, and Garland. We also help people with family-law issues in cities in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Grayson. You can reach us by calling 214.692.8200 or by using our online form to arrange a confidential consultation.