Child support may be something that you're concerned about as a high-earning parent. You don't have primary custody of your child, so you know you'll be expected to pay. Even though that's the case, did you know that there is a cap on the maximum child support you'll have to pay? Earning more doesn't necessarily mean you'll pay more over time.
There is a cap in Texas to prevent parents from paying more than their fair share to their children. On the whole, parents don't meet this cap. Here are some of the guidelines you may see in Texas.
1. Single children
When there is just one child, one child receives 20 percent of the noncustodial parent's income. This is based on the parent's net resources, not the gross.
2. Multiple children
When you have multiple children, the support you need to pay increases. While one child receives 20 percent of your income, two children receive 25 percent. Three receive 30 percent, and four receive 35 percent. Five or more children receive 40 percent of your income. The 40 percent cap means parents effectively may continue to earn and never have to worry about paying out a greater portion of their income. There is also a monetary limit each month, which changes each year. Your attorney can speak to you about what the limits are for 2018.
Modifying support
It's true that some parents go through extremely good times on the job and then fall on harder times. If your income varies significantly, you can ask for a child support modification based on changes to your primary income. If a change in your circumstances results in a change in your income, consider reaching out to the court for a modification that can help you pay a fair portion of your income to your children but also allow you to live comfortably and within your means.
Time together matters in Texas
The courts are able to make modifications based on your situation, so if the above limits scare you, don't worry yet. If you have your children a significant portion of the time, the court may wish to alter the support arrangements to reflect that. Accurate parenting time percentages are necessary in any custody or child support arrangement in Texas, so the court can determine if you should pay less child support.
This is just a little information about child support in Texas. Every case is different, so take the time to get accurate information for yours.