The battle for custody of your child may be among the most painful experiences that you have to face in Texas courts. Sometimes, it may even get ugly when your co-parent shows resentment against you, not wanting you to access your child.
According to a 2010 report by the U.S. Census Bureau, more child support was collected in Texas that year, than anywhere else. The report also shows that parents currently owe about 13.3 billion in child support. Both parents can have custody of their children. However, if you feel you cannot trust your partner with the kids, you need to file a case in court.
Here are some things you need to know about child support in Texas.
The Cost of Child Support in Texas
Child support payments are determined through specific guidelines and formulas. These payments are for the benefit of the child and are calculated from the percentage of noncustodial parent’s income. The court will first determine the monthly net resources of such a parent. This income does not include federal income tax, social security taxes, state income tax, expenses for health insurance coverage, and union dues. Then, the court will calculate the percentage based on the number of children you have. Here’s a breakdown of the rates for the number of children:
- 1 Child: 20%
- 2 Children: 25%
- 3 Children: 30%
- 4 Children: 35%
- 5 Children: 40%
- For any number of children above five, you’ll pay an amount that is not less than that of five children.
The Cost of a Child Support Lawyer in Texas
The costs of hiring a child support lawyer in Texas varies depending on various factors. Determining the estimated cost may not be easy. However, there are average costs that can help you in planning—the average cost per hour ranges from $100 and $500. If your case is uncontested, the total cost may vary from $2,500 to $5,000. On the other hand, if it is contested, you could pay any amount starting from $5,000 to $25,000. Alternatively, a child support services the woodlands, tx, may advise you on how much you need to pay.
How a Parent Can Lose Custody of Child
If a county probation office determines that you are unfit, you will lose your child’s custody. An unfit parent is one who can’t give a secure and nurturing home for his or her child. If the child is in an unsafe environment, he may risk suffering psychological, emotional, or physical harm. A juror may, therefore, determine that it’s not in the best interests of the child to remain in such a home.
If you also fail to provide care for the child, are abusive, or neglectful, you’ll be deemed unfit. Mental disturbance, anger management issues, addiction to drugs or alcohol, violation of court orders, and engaging in criminal activities may also make you lose custody.
Is Overtime Calculated in Child Support in Texas
According to Beachley, most folks believe that because bonuses and overtime aren’t guaranteed, they aren’t used to calculate child support payments. However, according to the Texas Family Code, the court includes overtime and bonuses when calculating what you owe in child support.
Conclusion
Losing a child may be a painful experience. Therefore it’s important to know what it takes to support them, especially if you can’t win against a child support case. On the other hand, if you are the committal parent, you need to know how much a lawyer will cost you and how much your partner is supposed to pay you for the custody of your child.