Both parents are required to support their minor children financially, and when parents divorce or are no longer together, child support comes into play. Child support is an important responsibility that is addressed by careful guidelines in the State of Texas. If you have questions or concerns about child support or are facing a child support case, it is time to address the matter with an experienced Waco child support attorney. 

Child Support in Waco

Child support reflects the paying parent’s legal obligation to provide for their minor children’s needs, including in relation to housing, education, food and clothing, and medical care. In Texas, this responsibility generally applies until the child in question either reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school – whichever happens later. 

When one parent takes on the primary custodial role, the other parent is presumed to have the child support obligation. When parenting time is divided more evenly between the parents, however, the parent who earns more usually makes the child support payments. 

Calculating Child Support 

The child support calculation process is based on the number of children addressed by the order and the net income of the paying parent, or the obligor. Net income refers to the obligor’s net resources minus allowed deductions, such as federal income tax, union dues, and health insurance premiums paid on behalf of the children.

The basic calculation methodology includes the following:

• The obligor pays 20 percent of their net income for 1 child.
• The obligor pays 25 percent of their net income for 2 children.
• The obligor pays 30 percent of their net income for 3 children.
• The obligor pays 35 percent of their net income for 4 children. 
• The obligor pays 40 percent of their net income for 5 children.
• The obligor pays at least 40 percent of their net income for 6 or more children.

When the State Deviates from Child Support Guidelines

When the state determines that deviating from the standard child support guidelines supports the children’s best interests, it will do so. The kinds of factors that can make a difference include the following:

• Each parent’s ability to contribute
• The children’s ages and unique needs, including any special needs
• Any extraordinary expenses that apply
• The cost of travel for visitation with the children
• The obligor’s additional support obligations
• The amount of parenting time each parent receives

Obtaining a deviation from the state’s child support guidelines is more legally challenging, but a seasoned child support lawyer has the legal skill and focused insight to help.

An Experienced Waco Child Support Lawyer Will Spare No Effort on Your Behalf 

Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is a trusted Waco child support attorney. He takes great pride in his impressive track record for successfully handling even the most challenging cases. We appreciate the opportunity to also serve you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for more information by completing our online form or calling us at 254-781-4222 and scheduling a free consultation today.