Child support in Texas is often determined by a simple formula where a percentage of income is paid depending on the number of children before the court and the number of children a parent must support. When all of a parent’s children are before the court, the percentages of income paid out as child support increase as follows.

• One child – 20 percent
• Two children – 25 percent
• Three children – 30 percent
• Four children – 35 percent
• Five children – 40 percent

These percentages will be applied to the first $7500 of the obligor’s (parent who must pay child support) net monthly resources.  Net monthly resources are determined by averaging gross monthly income and deducting standard amounts as prescribed in the Texas Family Code. The final amount is usually referred to as “guidelines child support” and that amount is presumed to be in the best interest of the child; however, sometimes guidelines support is too much or to little based on the child’s and the parent’s circumstances.

When guidelines support is inappropriate, or when a parent is hiding money, you need an experienced attorney.  As a board certified family law attorney, I have the discovery and trial experience needed to track down hidden sources of income and bring them before the court.  Don’t get stuck with an unbearable child support burden.  Don’t let your children go without because their parent is not paying as much as they should.  Call me today for a consultation.