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What does child support cover?

by | Mar 19, 2020 | Child Support |

Texas is like many states in that it uses a general equation to calculate the amount of child support that a non-custodial parent should pay. The formula does not take into consideration the income of the custodial parent, but does consider the number of children, the cost of living, and other relevant factors. Whether determined by a judge or agreed upon by the parents, the idea is to provide for the basic needs of the child or children.

Defining basic needs is where parents often have questions. They may find it challenging to agree upon all the things they think a child needs.

Defining basic needs

Basic needs are generally food, shelter, transportation costs, clothing, school expenses, and medical care. Depending on the age of the children, outside childcare costs may apply in as well. Any parent knows, however, that there are additional expenses. These will often include:

  1. Extracurricular activities
  2. College tuition
  3. Entertainment
  4. Maintaining a standard of living

Put it in writing

Parents will often have questions about child support, so it is often constructive for them to work with an experienced Board-certified Family Law expert attorney in Collin County, Dallas County, Denton County, Midland County, Ector County, and surrounding areas of Texas. These legal professionals can help you to draft support agreements that outline what is covered. They can also help parents hold the other parent accountable if they do not uphold the agreement.

If and when changes are needed, parents can modify this agreement, with the help of a Board-certified Family Law expert attorney to be approved and adopted by a Judge as a new or modified Order of the Court in your case. 

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