Above Guidelines Child Support
Most people do not realize that parents can agree to an amount of child support to be paid, and the court will usually approve that amount. Where no agreement is reached, the courts step in to determine the proper amount of child support to be paid. The Houston child support attorneys at Wilhite & Lea, P.C. will explain what goes into the courts' decisions on these matters.
Courts are required to consider the following factors in determining how much child support is appropriate:
- The statutory guidelines
- The needs of the child
- The ability of the parents to contribute to the child’s support
- The amount of access each parent has to the child
Houston Child Support Guideline Attorneys
If you are located in the greater Houston area of Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Waller, Grimes, and Washington counties and need help understanding your child support guidelines or any court orders for child support, the attorneys at Wilhite & Lea, P.C. are ready to serve. Contact one of our family lawyers in Houston and schedule a free consultation to discuss your child support questions.
The Statutory Guidelines
Texas law provides somewhat complicated guidelines for determining the amount of child support to be paid.
The guidelines are based on a percentage of the parent’s “net resources.” “Net resources” include all of the parent’s income, with certain deductions for things like FICA and union dues. “Net resources” are capped at $7500/month. Even if the parent makes more than that amount, they will usually not be required to pay more child support.
The percentage of net resources that a parent pays is based on the number of children involved. For example, the parent will be ordered to pay 20% of their net resources if they have one child. They will be ordered to pay 40% of their net resources if they have five children.
It is presumed that these guidelines are in the best interest of the child. If the court deviates from these guidelines, they must provide reasons why.
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Why the Court May Deviate from the Guidelines
The court may order a parent to pay more if the child has special needs. Special needs might relate to:
- Medical care
- Educational needs
- Child care
- Adaptive equipment
- Dietary restrictions or requirements
Every child is different, and the amount of support a court orders depends on a variety of factors and circumstances. Where the court deviates from the guidelines, they must provide justification for the deviation.
You should speak with an experienced Texas child support attorney to determine what amount of child support would likely be ordered in your case, or to find out whether the amount of support ordered in your case is appropriate for your circumstances.
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Wilhite & Lea, P.C. | Texas Child Support Guideline Lawyers
Understanding the complex requirements set forth by state child support guidelines can be a bit tricky, but you don't have to figure them out yourself. The attorneys at Wilhite & Lea, P.C. are experienced in matters concerning family law and child support, and we are more than happy to help you through the process. If you have a question about child support in the greater Houston area, contact our attorneys to set up a free consultation for your case.