CHILD SUPPORT: HOW MUCH?… AND WHAT DOES IT COVER?

How Much is Child Support?
Until a judge hands down your final order, it’s impossible to know exactly how much child support you’ll owe. We use a formula that based on the guidelines set by the Texas Family Code:

Payer’s Annual Income (÷) 12 months (-) deductions (x) the applicable percentage:

• 1 child (20%)
• 2 children (25%)
• 3 children (30%)
• 4 children (35%)
• 5 children (40%)
= Your Rough Monthly Estimate

The resulting figure represents what is needed to cover a child’s basic needs, and to ensure their standard of living doesn’t suffer because of divorce.

What Does Child Support Actually Cover?
According to Texas family law, child support is meant to help cover the essentials in a child’s life—but this includes more than just the basic necessities needed to sustain a pulse.

Indeed, a custodial parent is essentially free to use child support payments however they like, so long as it ties back to the benefit of their child. This includes covering the cost of their child’s:

• Food and housing;

• Clothing, hygiene products, and other personal items;

• Medical and dental expenses that aren’t covered by insurance

• Education costs, including school supplies, books, and fees; as well as,

• Travel, media, and other forms of entertainment.