There are several factors of divorce that are going to change the way you live forever, but none of them are quite as important as your child support. So, do you know how paying child support in Texas works? Well, it’s a good thing you clicked on this blog, because we’re going to tell you exactly how our state’s child support system works.
Paying Child Support in Texas
- Calculate Net Income– The first step in figuring out how much child support you will owe is figuring out your net income. Add together your gross income (this includes your salary, commissions, OT, dividends from investments, gifts, prizes, etc.) Then you need to subtract your social security taxes or, if you don’t pay those, your mandatory retirement plan payments, your federal income tax, union dues, health insurance premiums and your child’s medical expenses (if the court ordered you to pay them.) You need to figure out how much this amount is on an annual basis, then break it down by 12 to get your monthly net income.
- How Many Kids You Must Support– The amount of child support you pay depends on how many children you are supporting. This determines the percentage of your monthly net income that will be withheld from your paycheck. One child equals 20 percent of your monthly net income. Two children equal 25 percent of your monthly net income. Three children equal 30 percent of your monthly net income. Four children equal 35 percent of your monthly net income. Five children equal 40 percent of your monthly income. If you have more than six children, the amount must be at least the same amount as five.
- How Long Do I Pay– Usually, most child support ends when the child reaches the age of 18, but exceptions can be made. If the child is still in high school or has a mental or physical disability, then support can be extended by the court—indefinitely in some cases.
There are even more details you need to know when setting up child support for your kids, and the best help you can get is an experienced child support attorney.
JulianJohnson, P.C. is a firm of experienced family law attorneys who can discuss your questions about child support in Texas.