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The Basics of Child Support

The Texas Family Code sets forth guidelines for determining the amount of child support the obligor (the spouse obligated to pay child support) must pay each month. The Family Code guidelines are applicable to situations in which the obligor's net monthly resources are $7,500.00 or less. "Net monthly resources" is defined broadly. In situations where net monthly resources are less than $7,500.00, the court will apply the following formula to determine the child support payment:

When the obligor's net monthly resources exceed $7,500.00, the court presumptively applies the above percentages to the first $7,500.00 of net monthly resources. The court may require additional child support without reference to the percentage. However, the court may not order the obligor to pay more than the presumptive amount of child support (calculated by multiplying the applicable percentage by $7,500.00) or an amount equal to 100% of the established needs of the child, whichever is greater. The percentages listed above may also be reduced if the obligor is required to support children from another relationship.

The obligor must also maintain the children on his or her employment health insurance policy. However, if health insurance is unavailable through the obligor's employer, but is available through the other spouse's employer, the obligor must pay the premium costs of the other spouse's health insurance for the children. Finally, if health insurance is not available through either spouse's employment, the obligor must provide coverage to the extent it is available and affordable. The court may also order the obligor to maintain life insurance covering the amount of child support due to the children until the child support obligation terminates.

The Dallas child custody lawyers at Reed & Riordan, PLLC have experience representing clients who are facing divorce and who need advice regarding their child support obligations. Contact one of our knowledgeable Dallas child custody lawyers today at (214) 570-9555 or (888) 229-8985 to answer your questions.

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