If you are facing a divorce, you are almost certainly facing some complicated issues. There are, however, some basic concerns about which many divorcing couples with shared children have questions, and determining the answers can help you move forward with increased confidence and purpose. Read on to learn more.
How Is Child Support Calculated?
Generally, the non-custodial parent pays child support to the parent with whom the children live the majority of the time. If you will be receiving child support, Texas child support calculation guidelines dictate the following:
- The first $8,550 of your ex's monthly net income (after taxes) is used in the child support calculation process.
- A percentage of that amount will be allocated for child support. This percentage begins at 20 percent for one child and rises to a maximum of 40 percent for five or more children.
It is important to remember that the court has wide discretion in the matter, and if your case does go to trial, the judge may deviate from these specifications.
My Ex Is Unemployed – What about Child Support?
Texas courts deem every parent responsible for supporting their children financially. If your ex is unemployed, the court will likely base your child support – to be paid by your ex – on numbers that correlate with a full-time, minimum wage job.
Do I Need to Demonstrate How I am Spending the Child Support I Receive?
The short answer to whether or not you need to account for how you spend the child support you receive is, no, you do not. Raising children is costly, and the court understands that any amount you receive in child support is likely to be less than the actual amount you spend on raising your children. Further, the court trusts parents to do what is best for their children, including spending their child support wisely.
Is Joint Custody a Possibility?
Joint custody is a term many people use, and while it has no actual legal meaning, your attorney knows what you mean. In all likelihood, you and your divorcing spouse will share legal custody, which means you will share the significant right and responsibility of making important decisions on behalf of your children. Further, one of you will likely become the primary custodial parent with whom your children live most of the time while the other parent has a visitation schedule. While there is plenty of wiggle room in this matter – and the opportunity to get creative with your arrangements – this is how the vast majority of child custody arrangements are structured.
Consult with an Experienced Attorney Today
If you have questions or concerns about any family law matter, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen is a formidable family law attorney who is committed to helping you find legal answers that work for you and your children. To learn more, please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 today.