Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County Child Support Attorneys

How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas?

In Texas, the amount of child support is determined by the court based on specific factors. When parents do not live together—either following a divorce or because they're separated or not married—the non-custodial parent is required to make ongoing child support payments until the child turns 18 years old.

Child support in TX can be determined based on, but not limited to:

• The number of children involved
• The net income of the non-custodial parent
• Basic living expenses for the child/children
• Expenses for the child/children's health care
• Expenses for the child/children's educational needs

Net resources include, but are not limited to:

• All wage and salary income (including tips and overtime)
• Self-employment income
• Social Security or disability benefits
• Worker's compensation
• Retirement benefits
• Spousal maintenance

Social security taxes, federal income taxes, state income taxes, union dues, and the cost of health insurance or cash medical support are deducted from the Obligor's resources to determine the Obligor's net resources. These deductions are calculated using the Texas Attorney General’s Tax Charts.

>> Make sure you have the best possible chance of getting the outcome you need. Call (940) 293-2313to speak with a child support attorney!

When Does Child Support End in Texas?

A common question about child support is "Does child support automatically end at 18?" In Texas, child support ends when the child is emancipated, which happens automatically when the child turns 18 years old. In some rare cases, a child can be emancipated at a younger age, such as by getting a full-time job or joining the military.

Do you need legal counsel for a child support case? Reach out to our team for guidance! The team at Coker, Robb & Cannon has been delivering effective child support solutions to families for over 20 years. Our Denton child support lawyers are committed to helping you resolve your child support matter as promptly and as effectively as possible. We have offices in Denton, Frisco, and Fort Worth to better serve you. We offer financing to help with retainer fees. Click here to see your options.

Do I Have to Pay Child Support if I'm Unemployed?

It is a common misconception that if the Obligor (the person paying child support) does not have a job, then they cannot be ordered to pay child support. If the Obligor is unemployed, then the court can order child support based on minimum wage. The amount will be calculated the same way as if the Obligor was employed.

If you have lost your job and have court-ordered child support payments, then the court needs to be made aware of your situation, even if you and your ex-spouse have reached an agreement. Your child support attorney can help you file for a modification of child support to either put it on hold or greatly reduce the amount while you remain unemployed.

This modified order is temporary until you find a new job. Once you find new employment, you will have to modify the order once again to reflect your new income.

You should also note that the court will not allow an indefinite amount of time to not pay any child support while hunting for a new job. Be sure to keep extremely accurate and detailed records regarding your job hunt process, as you may need to submit them to the judge as proof that you are indeed searching for a job and not putting off paying child support.

Is Child Support Tax Deductible in Texas?

No, child support is not tax deductible because it is not considered income. If you are paying child support, then you will not be able to deduct those expenses from your taxes. While you can deduct items such as alimony and other costs related to the care of your child, child support is not considered income and cannot be taxed in that way.

If you are going through a divorce, are seeking to establish child support, or would like to request a review of your existing child support obligations, Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers can help. We've been working with clients across Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County since 1998.

Why You Need a Child Support Lawyer

Child support cases involve two very sensitive issues: family and finances. While both parents may want what's best for their child, there are often disputes regarding a parent's ability to pay and the amount of support requested.

Our Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County child support attorneys understand how important it is that your children receive the financial support that they deserve. We work closely with you to help make the process as stress-free as possible and to ensure that your case receives a favorable outcome.

If your paperwork is submitted incorrectly or is incomplete, it can easily get lost in the system. Leave all the legal details to us, including paperwork and documents! Our child support attorneys in Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County can help to make sure all documents and paperwork are filed correctly and in a timely manner.

Recommended Reading on Child Support Law

• Child Support and Taxes
• How Can I Change a Child Support Order?
• How to Get an Up-to-Date Record of Your Texas Child Support Account