Many parents who pay child support in Beaumont, Texas, see the procedure as anything but straightforward. Texas has a unique system for calculating child support that some see as unfair, at times, to the parent who has to pay child support and, other times, to the parent who receives child support.
It is worth noting that the amount of child support paid in Texas each year is 400 billion dollars. Because of the size of the system, change can come slowly. Texas has been using old technology and procedures longer than other states.
Understanding child support guidelines
The process begins when a parent files for child support, either online or in person. Next, a negotiation conference is scheduled by the child support office. If the parents cannot agree, the case is put in the hands of the government court. Even if neither parent requests child support, the Texas Office of the Attorney General might petition for child support if the custodial parent seeks Medicaid or other public benefits.
How much child support do noncustodial parents have to pay?
Noncustodial parents must contribute 20% of their net income if they have one child. An additional 5% is tacked on for each additional child. If a noncustodial parent has five or more children that receive child support, they must contribute a minimum of 40% of their net income.
Even if a parent is unemployed, they still must pay child support. If a noncustodial parent has children in different homes, the court may tailor the amount they have to pay based on the circumstance. Child-support payments are processed via paycheck deduction, check or money order, or online payments.
Negotiating child-support agreements
Negotiating child-support agreements in Texas can be a challenge. Seeking legal counsel can be beneficial. The best results are seen when both parties are reasonable and strive to reach an agreement that works for each individual and, most importantly, is in the child’s best interests.