End the Pain and Drain of Divorce
Child Support Lawyers

Serving clients in Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Richardson, Carrollton, Highland Park, University Park, Garland and all of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Grayson, Hunt and Tarrant counties.

By state law, Texas uses a formula to determine the amount of child support a nonpossessory (sometimes called noncustodial) parent must pay. Here is the child support formula used in Texas:

The statutory guidelines provide a starting point - 20% of net resources for one child. Other considerations used in determining child support include the age and needs of the child, the ability of the parents to contribute to the support of the child, and the number of children the paying parent is supporting - both inside and outside marriage. Absent a court finding otherwise, the maximum amount of child support in Texas is $1,500.00 per month. Child support continues until the child completes high school or turns 18, whichever comes later.

The payer of child support generally also provides health insurance. Families split deductibles and co-pays. Any private school expenses are usually split.

Negotiating Child Support Agreements
The parties in a divorce may enter into a written agreement containing provisions for support that vary from the child support guidelines. The court then must have a finding that the agreement is in the best interests of the child and render an order in accordance with that agreement. Divorcing couples can also negotiate an Agreement Incident to Divorce (AID) to cover such expenses as the planned future car purchase, college expenses, and other foreseeable expenses.

For many issues, while there is not a mandate at law, there is a mandate at being a decent parent. The important thing to remember is that you are not divorcing your children. Life with your children will go on as it always has. There are some things you just do for your child as a parent, such as buying prom dresses, sporting equipment and other expenses.

At The Barbknecht Firm, P.C. , part of our job as lawyers is to help our clients craft child support arrangements that meet court approval and also meet the needs of their children. We can also counsel you on the tax implications of your child support payments.

If there is a significant change in your financial circumstances in the future, the amount of child support you pay can be modified through a court order.

End the Pain and Drain of Divorce.
Call The Barbknecht Firm, P.C. for a free initial consultation.