Determining a Fair Amount of Child Support
In Texas, the parent who does not have primary residential custody of the children will pay child support based on his or her net income. Determining the amount of support is fairly straightforward as long as you know the net income of the payor. However, if the payor is self-employed, owns a business, or is paid bonuses or commissions, determining net income can be complicated.
I am Sharon Merrick, a family law attorney in Richardson, Texas. I represent both payors and receivers of child support in the Richardson-Plano area. If the two parties don't agree on what is a fair amount of child support, I am willing to go to court to represent your interests.
How Much Child Support is Fair?
The amount of child support is based on the net income of the payor. It begins at 20 percent of net income for one child and increases 5 percent for every child, up to a maximum of 50 percent.
| Number of children you support | Amount of child support |
| 1 | 20 percent of net income |
| 2 | 25 percent of net income |
| 3 | 30 percent of net income |
| 4 | 35 percent of net income |
| 5 | 40 percent of net income |
| 6 | 45 percent of net income |
| 7 or more | 50 percent of net income |
It is important to note that the court can deviate from these guidelines in special circumstances.
How Is Net Income Determined?
To calculate the net income, we typically ask the payor to produce his or her last paycheck or W-2 form. However, a paycheck or W-2 may not present a complete or accurate picture of a person's income.
For example, a business owner may have control over how much income appears on a paycheck or W-2 form, so the child support calculation may be too low. If the payor received a significant bonus or commission payment in the previous pay period, the child support calculation may be too high.
As your lawyer, I will work to ensure that net income reflects a true picture of your former spouse's ability to pay child support.
Learn more about child support modifications.
Free attorney consultation: To discuss child support with me, lawyer Sharon Merrick, call 972-591-2323 or fill out the contact form on this Web site.
