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Serving our clients with integrity
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Child
Support
Under Texas law, child support is calculated
by using a specific formula. As a general rule, a person with
one child before the court and no other children pays about 20% of his
or her net income; with two children he or she pays about 25%. If an obligor has
other children from other relationships, not including step-children, the percentage
changes slightly.
If the person paying support is self-employed or has an income
that varies, the calculations can become more complex.
This can be especially true if the self-employed person attempts
to hide income. However, there are ways to prove hidden
income in many circumstances. If income varies, the court
often uses yearly averages. The court may consider
second jobs, overtime, bonuses, commissions and other types of income of the
obligor.
The Court calculates net income using specific provisions of the
Texas Family Code. Certain deductions from pay checks may not
be subtracted from net income, such as voluntary retirement
contributions. A self-employed person may have deductions
allowed by the IRS, but a court can choose not to deduct for
child support calculation purposes.
In instances when the parties have split custody, one party may
still pay child support, depending upon the income of the
respective parties.
When a person is obligated to pay support, but does not do so,
this firm can assist in enforcing the order. Child support
can be enforced by jail time, probation and fines.
Whether you are seeking to establish support, ensure that you
are paying the proper amount of support, or to enforce support,
please call to set up a consultation to discuss your matter. |
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