713-333-4430Texas Child Support: Expectations vs Reality
Financial challenges come with the territory when it comes to raising children, especially for two parents who are no longer together or were never before. Understanding what child support in Texas covers–and what it doesn’t–can help custodial and noncustodial parents manage conservatorship and parental responsibilities effectively. The laws can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming but breaking them down can bring much-needed transparency and understanding.
What Constitutes Child Support in TX?
Child support is a financial obligation intended to provide for a child’s basic and essential needs after their parents separate or divorce. In Texas, the noncustodial parent is typically the one who is making regular payments to the custodial parent so that their child has a stable and supportive environment. The payments exist to aid with various costs, from everyday necessities to specific care needs. When does child support end? The support payments continue until your child or children turn 18 or graduate high school, whichever occurs later. However, there are other exceptions like if that child is disabled. You can find all the variations of child support at length under TX Family Code Chapter 154 Sec 154.001.
What Items are Covered Under Child Support?
Child support payments go towards a diverse range of broad-spectrum essentials required for your child’s upbringing, well-being, and stability.
Payments often include basic living expenses like food, clothes, and shelter costs. It helps to ensure the child has access to proper meals, clothing for school and in all weather conditions, and secure housing. Health and dental care are accounted for under child support payments. Parents provide insurance and reimburse the custodial parent for medical coverage costs like copays, prescriptions, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Educational needs and extracurricular activities are typically covered under child support. Childcare, including daycare and aftercare (after-school care), are covered by child support if a custodial parent is either working or attending school. Such coverage provides the child with adequate supervision while parents are unavailable.
Transportation costs like bus fare, train passes, or car-related costs for getting to and from school, medical appointments, or extracurricular activities are covered by child support.
What Does Not Get Factored Into Child Support Payments?
Although child support addresses many critical needs, some items are excluded. The limitations can occasionally bring disagreements up between parents.
Higher-costing extracurricular activities, like a competitive travel team for a particular sport or private lessons, are generally not included unless explicitly cited within a child support agreement. While basic activity fees for school sports or clubs might be included, co-parenting conversations can help address and resolve these additional expenses in advance. College costs are another exclusion under Texas child support regulations; tuition, books, or living expenses for higher education are not included in standard child support payments. Any arrangement for these costs must be crafted and established separately between the parents.
Private school tuition would also fall outside the purview of child support orders unless specifically brought up and addressed in parent-approved agreements. Luxury items, like designer clothing or expensive electronics, are also not covered. Child support is strictly intended for basic needs and necessities rather than wants and extravagant purchases.
How is Child Support Calculated in Texas?
Child support in Texas follows a standard formula that considers the noncustodial parent’s net resources and the number of children requiring support. The percentage of net resources allocated increases based on the number of children:
- One Child: 20% of net resources
- Two Children: 25% of net resources
- Three Children: 30% of net resources
- Four Children: 35% of net resources
- Five or More Children: 40% of net resources
Net resources is calculated through the deduction of taxes, social security, state income tax (if any), union dues, and expenses for health and dental insurance coverage for the obligor’s child(ren) from the obligor’s gross income. Adjustments may be made to the standard formula if the child has unique needs or if the parents’ financial situations significantly differ from typical guidelines. However, courts will also consider lots of additional elements in an effort to arrive at a fair and appropriate child support order. You can get an unofficial estimate using the support calculator on the Texas Attorney General’s Website.
Disagreements Over Child Support
Despite having child support guidelines, disagreements about child support payments can still surface. These disputes can get heated and may involve how funds are being utilized or whether certain expenses should be covered. Parents have several options to address and resolve these issues. Mediation can be a phenomenal tool for parents to come to mutual ground and terms by way of a neutral third-party mediator. However, mediation may not be for every set of parents, especially not for those who have too much tension or a history of severe arguing or abuse.
If mediation fails, then parents can request a hearing to address the disagreement before a judge. The court can then decide to modify or clarify the support order if there is a significant cause, like a change in financial circumstances, or if the child’s needs have grown or otherwise evolved over time.
Child Support Tips to Considers
If you want to manage child support in an effective manner and avoid going back and forth tirelessly arguing, then you need to be open to cooperation and be organized. Parents have several steps to take that can reduce conflict and allow them to stay on top of their obligations.
It is pivotal to practice and preserve detailed record-keeping throughout parenthood, and this means keeping track of all expenses and payments related to your child and child support. These records can thwart misunderstandings and function as proof should a dispute arise. Committing to effective and respectful communication between parties is another strategy for minimizing conflicts. Open dialogue can resolve concerns before they escalate. Working with a seasoned family law attorney to ensure everything is arranged and done to Texas family law standards, your rights are upheld, and you have immediate help through any legal complexities.
Final Notes and Reflections on Texas Child Support
Child support laws of Texas are designed to promote stability following parental separation and always with the best interests of the child in the forefront. Knowing the scope of what child support covers–and its limitations–can help parents avoid unnecessary conflict and focus on their child’s best interests. Since each family’s situation is truly unique, staying informed about child support laws and having a legal ally to help advocate your point and rights can ensure that children receive the care and support they deserve. Book a confidential consultation with an experienced Texas family law attorney or call us today at 713-333-4430.
Attorney Kevin Hunter at Boudreaux Hunter & Associates, LLC has experience with child custody, spousal support, high conflict divorce, and is fully equipped to guide you through the process. Learn more about Kevin on his profile here.
