Establishing Child Support

Establishing child support is an important step in ensuring that a child’s financial needs are met following a separation or divorce. In San Antonio child support cases, the parent entitled to receive child support is known as the obligee, while the parent required to pay support is referred to as the obligor.

In many cases, the parent with primary possession of the child is the obligee. This is typically the parent with whom the child primarily resides and who incurs most day-to-day living expenses, including housing, food, clothing, and childcare.

How Child Support Is Determined in Texas

The Texas Office of the Attorney General uses a standardized formula commonly referred to as the Texas child support guidelines. These guidelines are used to calculate how much the obligor pays the obligee each month.

It is important to understand that these are guidelines, not rigid rules. Every child support case is unique, and courts may adjust support amounts based on the specific circumstances of the parents and the child.

Online child support calculators can provide a general estimate, but they do not account for all variables. Working with an experienced San Antonio child support attorney can help ensure that the final amount accurately reflects your situation and complies with Texas law.

What Is Child Support?

Child support is a court-ordered payment made by one parent to the other to help cover the costs of raising a child. These expenses often include:

• Housing and utilities

• Childcare and medical care

• Clothing and food

• School supplies and educational expenses

• Extracurricular activities

The goal of child support is to maintain financial stability for the child and support their overall well-being.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas?

Texas calculates child support based on the obligor’s net resources, which may include:

• Employment income or wages

• Self-employment income

• Investment income

• Retirement or pension benefits

• Social Security benefits (excluding SSI)

• VA disability benefits

• Unemployment or workers’ compensation benefits

An attorney can help determine what income is included, whether any caps apply, and how deductions affect the final calculation.

When Does Child Support End in Texas?

In most cases, child support ends when the child:

• turns 18, or

• graduates from high school, whichever occurs later

However, if a child has a qualifying disability and the court determines continued support is necessary, child support may continue indefinitely.

Do I Have to Pay Child Support If We Share 50/50 Custody?

Yes. Even when parents share equal parenting time, child support may still be ordered. Texas courts consider both parents’ incomes, and in some cases, child support is calculated using an offset when one parent earns significantly more than the other.

Because multiple factors affect these determinations, it is best to consult with a knowledgeable San Antonio family law attorney to understand how child support applies to your specific situation.

Protecting Your Child’s Financial Future

Establishing child support helps ensure that your child has access to necessities such as clothing, food, education, extracurricular activities, and a safe, stable home environment.

The experienced legal team at Denis Law Group is dedicated to helping families navigate child support matters in San Antonio and Bexar County. We work to protect your child’s best interests and secure the financial support they deserve.

Contact Denis Law Group today to schedule a consultation and discuss your child support options.