Child Support Attorney in San Antonio, TX
Finalizing a divorce involves much more than two persons parting ways, especially when minor children are involved. Each parent must continue to contribute to the child’s needs financially. The process of navigating child support issues can be complex, especially when both parents do not see eye to eye. While you understandably want what is best for your child, your child’s other parent must be contributing their fair share. Texas law regarding child support can be confusing, making you feel uneasy from the start.
At Cook Law, our family law attorney serves San Antonio, TX, and works to ensure your child’s needs are met while not placing you in financial hardship. Whether you are currently in the midst of child support proceedings or have not yet begun the process, now is the time to retain legal counsel.
What Does Child Support Cover in TX?
Child support is designed to provide for a child’s basic needs. The support payment can help cover costs for food, shelter, clothing, education, and healthcare. A child support order establishes the amount the paying parent (obligor) is responsible for paying each month. In most states, including Texas, the noncustodial parent (the parent who does not retain primary physical custody) is responsible for making child support payments.
How is Child Support Calculated in San Antonio, TX?
Under Texas Family Code §154.125, child support is based on the obligor’s net income and the number of children that they are supporting.
The following schedule is used in determining support payments when an obligor’s net income is more than $1,000:
- One child = 20 percent of the obligor’s net income
- Two children = 25 percent of the obligor’s net income
- Three children = 30 percent of the obligor’s net income
- Four children = 35 percent of the obligor’s net income
- Five children = 40 percent of the obligor’s net income
- The support amount for six or more children will not be less than the amount for five children
Although Texas does not consider the receiving parent’s household income, a different schedule applies to individuals whose monthly net income is less than $1,000. Net income is based on a person’s gross monthly income minus any deductions. Deductions may include Social Security taxes, income tax, health insurance costs, retirement contributions, and union dues.
We can assist with your net income calculation, ensuring that any deductions have been applied. If you are the parent receiving child support payments (obligee), you will want to work with a lawyer to make sure your spouse is not hiding income to reduce your payment amount.
Speak with Our Child Support Attorney Today
At Cook Law, we understand that your child’s well-being takes priority following a divorce or separation. Our San Antonio child support lawyer is committed to assisting both parents responsible for child support payments and those seeking support. While child support issues can be the most contentious post-divorce, we strive to ensure that your child’s ever-changing needs are met. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, our office can be reached online or by calling (210) 740-0281.