What Expenses Are Covered by Child Support in Texas?

 Posted on February 15, 2023 in Family Law

For married parents going through a divorce in the state of Texas, as well as unmarried parents who expect to share custody of one or more children, child support will be an important aspect of the proceedings. Most of the time, one parent will be responsible for paying monthly child support to the other parent to help cover the costs associated with raising the couple's children. However, parents may be unsure about what expenses are actually covered by child support. By understanding how Texas' laws affect these cases, parents can make sure their children will have the necessary financial resources.

Expenses Included in Child Support

Under the Texas Family Code, child support is determined by taking a percentage of the paying parent's "net resources," which consist of all sources of income they receive minus certain types of taxes and mandatory expenses such as union dues. When children live primarily with one parent, the other parent will be responsible for paying child support. These support payments may address child-related expenses such as:

• Living Expenses - These may include any expenses associated with caring for children, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, clothing, diapers, and other household items that may be needed on a regular basis.

• Education Costs - This may include tuition, fees, books, and supplies related to schooling. If children will attend private school or require tutoring or other educational services, the associated costs may be included in a child support order, or parents may make agreements on how they will divide any extraordinary expenses.

• Transportation Costs - Each parent will usually be required to cover any expenses related to transportation during the days and times children will be staying with them. That is, a parent who picks up or drops off children will typically be expected to pay for gas or other expenses related to their vehicle. In cases where parents live a significant distance apart, they may agree on how to divide costs related to transportation, such as plane tickets.

• Extracurricular Activities - The costs of extracurricular activities are also typically included in a standard child support order. These activities may include sports teams, music lessons, camps, or classes that help children develop skills or hobbies. If both parents wish to ensure that children can participate in certain activities, they may agree that they will divide certain types of expenses that would not otherwise be covered by child support.

When creating child support orders, the court may consider multiple factors to determine whether the amount paid by one parent to the other should be adjusted. Issues such as travel expenses and the costs of child care while either parent is working may be considered. In addition to standard child support orders, parents may also be required to provide medical support for their children. Medical support orders may divide the costs of providing health insurance for children between parents, and they may also address any out-of-pocket medical expenses that parents may need to pay.

Contact Our Galveston Child Support Lawyer

Child support is an essential part of raising children after divorce, and it is important for divorcing parents to understand the specific issues that may affect the amount of support that will be paid by one parent to the other. The specifics of each case will vary depending on a family's circumstances, and to ensure that all issues will be addressed properly, it is important to consult with a family law attorney who can provide guidance in these matters. At Daniel R. Bacalis, P.C., we can help you negotiate a fair divorce settlement that will ensure that your children will have the financial resources they need. Contact our Galveston County child support attorney at 409-392-1511 to set up a free consultation today.

Source:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.154.htm