On September 1, 2013 the cap increases to $8,550 net. Currently, any net income over $7,500 is not used in calculating child support for most people. If your income exceeds the cap, the burden shifts to the other parent to prove additional funds are needed to support the child's expenses (private schools, travel, a nanny, etc.) Child support is calculated based on the number of children, health insurance premiums and your monthly net income. If you are at the top end of the pay scale, September 1 may mean an increase in your current child support. An excellent article explaining this adjustment by the Texas Legislature appears here.
The adjustment is not automatic. The parent seeking an increase must file a petition for modification and ask the court to set child support per the new guideline amount. Defenses to an increase in child support must be carefully discussed with your attorney. Bonuses and over-time are topics that should be addressed as well as lump sum pay-outs or cashing out 401Ks.
Be aware. If you fit into the category of a high earner, you should consider making an appointment with an attorney whose law practice specializes in child support cases.
Showing posts with label child support. Show all posts
Showing posts with label child support. Show all posts
Monday, July 1, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Child support is calculated based on income. People paying it feel it is too much. People receiving it feel it is never enough. Parents paying daycare understand child support usually doesn't even cover those costs let alone clothes, shoes, haircuts, birthday parties, etc..
It is fairly common knowledge that Texas calculates child support based on the non-possessory parent's net income: 20% for 1child, 25% for 2 children, etc. Their website provides information on how to calculate child support for your particular situation.
Texas does not care how much the other parent makes, whether they are being supported by a boyfriend or others. It is all about income. If the the non-possessory parent is unemployed, works part-time or is a student, child support is calculated at minimum wage.
If parents are considering split custody (50/50), each parent's income is taken into consideration. A 50/50 split requires good communication as well as living close enough so that getting the children to and from school and activities is not a burden on anyone.
Medical costs are usually split 50/50 between the parents. Make sure you submit the bills to the other parent promptly. Contributing to the cost of providing health insurance is also seen as additional child support (but the cost must be the amount just to cover the children). Parents are ordered to cover those costs regardless of who carries the insurance.
Child support, possession, income, health insurance, out of pocket medical expenses are issues that you should become very familiar with. The Attorney General claims they review child support cases every three years. You can hire a private attorney to review your case and determine whether filing a modification or enforcement action is appropriate.
It is fairly common knowledge that Texas calculates child support based on the non-possessory parent's net income: 20% for 1child, 25% for 2 children, etc. Their website provides information on how to calculate child support for your particular situation.
Texas does not care how much the other parent makes, whether they are being supported by a boyfriend or others. It is all about income. If the the non-possessory parent is unemployed, works part-time or is a student, child support is calculated at minimum wage.
If parents are considering split custody (50/50), each parent's income is taken into consideration. A 50/50 split requires good communication as well as living close enough so that getting the children to and from school and activities is not a burden on anyone.
Medical costs are usually split 50/50 between the parents. Make sure you submit the bills to the other parent promptly. Contributing to the cost of providing health insurance is also seen as additional child support (but the cost must be the amount just to cover the children). Parents are ordered to cover those costs regardless of who carries the insurance.
Child support, possession, income, health insurance, out of pocket medical expenses are issues that you should become very familiar with. The Attorney General claims they review child support cases every three years. You can hire a private attorney to review your case and determine whether filing a modification or enforcement action is appropriate.
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