Child support in Texas is determined by a set of guidelines established by the state legislature. These guidelines take into account the income of both parents, the number of children being supported, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children.

The first step in determining child support in Texas is to calculate the net resources of each parent. Net resources include a parent’s income from all sources, such as employment, self-employment, and investments, minus certain deductions, such as taxes and social security contributions. The net resources of both parents are then added together to determine the combined net resources of the household.

Next, the court will consider the number of children involved and the amount of time each parent spends with them. The more time a parent spends with the children, the less they will be required to pay in child support. The court will also consider any special needs of the children, such as medical expenses or educational expenses.

Once the court has determined the combined net resources of the household and the number of children involved, it will use the child support guidelines to calculate the basic child support obligation. The basic child support obligation is the amount of money that should be paid to support the children based on the combined net resources of the household and the number of children involved.

The court also has discretion to deviate from the guidelines if they determine that it would be in the best interest of the children. This can happen when the parents have a high income or when the non-custodial parent has a significant amount of time with the children. The court may also deviate from the guidelines if the non-custodial parent has a low income, or if the custodial parent has a high income.

It’s important to note that child support obligations are subject to modification if there is a significant change in circumstances. This includes changes in the income of either parent, changes in the number of children involved, or changes in the amount of time each parent spends with the children.

In Texas, child support payments are usually made through an income withholding order, which is a legal order that requires the non-custodial parent’s employer to deduct child support payments from their paycheck. Parents can also make payments directly to the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit.

In conclusion, child support in Texas is determined by a set of guidelines that take into account the income of both parents, the number of children being supported, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. The court also has discretion to deviate from the guidelines if they determine that it would be in the best interest of the children. Child support obligations are subject to modification if there is a significant change in circumstances and payments are usually made through an income withholding order. It’s important for parents to understand the child support guidelines and how they may apply to their specific situation.