Calculating Child Support in Texas: Insights from Rudd Legal
Welcome to Rudd Legal - Your Trusted Texas Family Law Firm!
At Rudd Legal, we understand that child support is a critical aspect of ensuring the well-being of your child after a divorce or separation. Calculating child support can be complex, particularly when a parent is self-employed or has varying income sources. We're here to provide you with essential information on how child support is determined in Texas, what income is considered, and how to address unique situations involving self-employed parents.
Calculating Child Support in Texas:
Child support in Texas is primarily calculated based on the paying party’s gross income, which aims to ensure that all sources of income are considered when applying the guideline percentages.
Income Considered for Child Support:
When calculating child support, various types of income are considered, including:
- Wages and Salary: This includes income from employment, bonuses, commissions, and overtime pay.
- Self-Employment Income: If a parent is self-employed, their net income from their business or profession is considered.
- Rental Income: Income generated from rental properties or real estate holdings.
- Investment Income: This includes income from dividends, interest, and capital gains.
- Retirement Benefits: Payments from retirement plans, pensions, and Social Security benefits.
- Other Sources: Any other sources of income, such as disability benefits, unemployment benefits, and worker's compensation.
Income Deductions:
Certain allowable deductions are subtracted from the parent's gross income to arrive at their net income, which is then used to calculate child support. Deductions may include:
- Taxes: Federal income tax, state income tax, and Social Security taxes, as provided by the Texas Family Code.
- Union Dues and Retirement Contributions: Mandatory deductions for union dues or nondiscretionary retirement plan contributions.
- Child Support for Other Children: If a parent is already paying child support for other children that do not share parents, the percentage used to calculate the child support will be lowered. For instance, if a parent has one child in the current suit and another child from a previous marriage, the court will 17.5% to calculate the support instead of the standard 20%.
Self-Employed Parents and Child Support:
When a parent is self-employed, calculating their income for child support purposes can be more complex. Self-employed individuals often have fluctuating income and business expenses that must be carefully considered. To calculate child support for a self-employed parent:
- Determine Net Income: Calculate the self-employed parent's net income by subtracting legitimate business expenses from their gross income.
- Review Business Records: Carefully review the self-employed parent's financial records, including tax returns, profit and loss statements, and business expenses, to accurately assess their income.
- Account for Irregular Income: If the self-employed parent has irregular income, an average income over a specified period may be used to determine child support.
- Impute Income: In some cases, income may be imputed if a self-employed parent is intentionally underreporting their earnings.
How Rudd Legal Can Help:
Navigating child support calculations, especially when a parent is self-employed, can be complex. At Rudd Legal, we have the experience and expertise to guide you through the process, ensuring that child support is calculated accurately and fairly. Whether you are the custodial parent seeking support or the self-employed parent with unique income sources, we will work to protect your rights and ensure the best interests of your child are met.
If you have questions or need assistance with child support matters in Texas, including situations involving self-employed parents, please contact us today for a consultation. We are here to provide compassionate, personalized legal counsel and representation to ensure that your child's financial needs are met. Your child's well-being and financial security are our top priorities.
Five-Star Client Testimonials
We prioritize your family's experience, and it shows. Read some of our client reviews below.
-
"Can't Recommend Them Enough!"
Blake and Erin are professional, meticulous, and above all care deeply about their clients. The counsel that I received from Blake proved to be invaluable time and time again. They simply care about the clients not just in the beginning but throughout the
- Raja R. -
"Compassionate and Knowledgeable"
Blake's knowledge of the law and the legal system has been useful in handling family law matters. More important than his legal skills, is his knowing when not to be a lawyer and just be a resource on how to deal with the real-life implications and emotion
- Robert T. -
"We'd Follow This Team Anywhere!"
Blake is by far the best! He truly cares about our family and understands the ins and outs of family law. With so much at stake, we really didn’t want a lawyer that didn’t have our best interests at heart. He invested his everything into our ca
- Colton W. -
"A Great Communicator"
Blake was a great representation during a really tough time in my life. He was a great communicator and showed real care for my case. Very personable and compassionate, he fought every step of the way to help me. Throughout the process, he was always there
- Ryan B. -
"Top-Notch Team"
Blake and his team are top-notch and stand by their word. They reassured me of every worry and were very detailed with every action they took. These cases can be prolonged due to the opposing counsel and unlike other lawyers, they worked with me and found
- Jorge G. -
"Very Well Worth the Money"
The Rudd Legal team is very professional, family-oriented, and hard-working. They are very well worth the money. They won my case for me in a short period of time by how fast they worked and how knowledgeable they are and my cooperation.
- Kyle K. -
"They Want to Help and Truly Understand"
Rudd Legal and team were absolutely professional from day one! Blake is very fast to respond and a complete professional! The best thing about Rudd Legal and team is that it’s not just about billing their clients... they want to help and truly unders
- Donny H. -
"They Were Awesome"
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! Blake and Erin are the utmost professional and polite legal team I have ever come across. They were on point with my son's case and handled everything in a very timely manner. They helped my son gain full custody
- Tammy K.