Most people know the purpose of child support payments. After all, each parent has an obligation to provide for their children—even in divorce. This can include everything from food and a safe place to live to clothing and education costs. That said, it’s important to remember that child support payments are only meant to cover certain necessities.
All too often, custodial parents expect the paying parent to cover more than they are obligated to. This is usually due to a lack of clarity over what’s included in the court order and differing expectations between the parents as to what counts as basic essentials.
What Expenses Are NOT Covered By Child Support?
Nothing says child support payments can’t be used to cover or offset other expenses related to the child’s needs and activities.
That said, you likely won’t find the items below explicitly outlined in a child support order unless both parents agree otherwise:
- College expenses — Child support usually ends when the child turns 18 and is no longer considered a minor. Therefore, tuition and other related costs are generally not required from the paying parent (though they may still help out voluntarily).
- Medical and special needs — While your child will almost certainly incur medical or dental expenses throughout their lives, these are considered separate obligations from standard child support and will likely be recorded in your divorce decree.
- Custodial parent’s expenses — Child support payments are designed to cover the child’s needs. They do not cover rent or car payments the custodial parent may incur while caring for the child full-time.
- Unnecessary luxury items — While the paying parent may be willing to help with wants such as a new TV, designer clothes, or even a vacation overseas, child support payments do not account for these expenses.
- Extracurricular activities — Extracurricular activities such as sports can get pretty expensive. These, too, are generally not included in child support payments unless all parties agree to expand what is necessary for the child’s everyday needs.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas?
Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual support situation. Both parties can agree on what can be included in child support payments. Still, it’s essential to sit down and discuss these matters in detail so that everyone is on the same page about their respective parental obligations after divorce. Physical custody generally determines who pays child support, and payments are calculated based on a percentage of the paying parent’s income. To determine this, the court calculates the monthly net income of the paying parent and multiplies it by a percentage based on how many children need support.
Several factors can impact the calculation, such as income level, children of a prior relationship, or the special needs of the children.
However, if your net monthly income is $9,200 or less, the typical breakdown is as follows:
- 1 child – 20% of the monthly net income
- 2 children – 25% of the monthly net income
- 3 children – 30% of the monthly net income
- 4 children – 35% of the monthly net income
- 5 children – 40% of the monthly net income
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