Child Support in Denton And Cooke Counties

The Child Support Attorney You Can Count On

The non-custodial parent is the party who is typically responsible for paying child support to the other parent. The non-custodial parent is the one who does not have the children living with them the majority of the time, and the amount of child support is based on guidelines that are set for by the State. The calculation is based upon “net” resources, which is essentially a party’s take home pay, after taxes and health insurance are deducted from gross income. Only the non-custodial parent’s income is considered.

The court applies the following table and calculates the appropriate percentage of the party’s net income:

  • 20 percent of net resources for one child;
  • 25 percent of net resources for two children;
  • 30 percent of net resources for three children;
  • 35 percent of net resources for four children; and
  • 40 percent of net resources for five children.

However, in some situations the court takes into account additional factors, as provided in the Texas Family Code. Those factors are:

  • the age and needs of the child;
  • the ability of the parents to contribute to the support of the child;
  • any financial resources available for the support of the child;
  • the amount of possession and access to the child;
  • the net resources of the parent to pay support, including the earning potential of the parent to pay support if the actual income of that parent is significantly less than what that parent could earn, if intentionally unemployed or underemployed;
  • any childcare expenses necessary for the employment of either parent;
  • whether a parent has custody of another child and any child support expenses being paid or received for the care of another child;
  • the amount of alimony being currently paid or received;
  • provisions for health care;
  • any educational or health care needs of the child, including college expenses;
  • any benefits a parent receives from an employer;
  • any debts or obligations of a parent;
  • any wage or salary deductions of the parents;
  • the cost of traveling to visit the child;
  • any positive or negative cash flow from any assets, including a business or investments;
  • any provisions for health care or insurance;
  • any unusual or extraordinary educational, health care, or other expenses of the parents or the child;
  • whether either parent has a car or housing furnished by an employer or other person or business; and any other relevant factor.

Help With Child Support in Denton And Cooke Counties

In addition to child support, the court usually orders that health insurance coverage be provided for the child(ren). The court typically orders that any uninsured or out of pocket health related expenses are split equally by both parents.

We understand the complex issue of child support and the various factors that may be considered when determining how much one parent is going to pay the other. You need a professional to help guide you through this process and explain the child support laws. Contact Scott Green today for a free consultation.