Understanding How Child Support is Calculated
When a couple decides to divorce and legally end their marriage, the divorce proceedings can be complicated and drawn out, especially if the couple has children. Typically, one parent is awarded primary custody of the children and the non-custodial parent is required to make child support payments to the custodial parent.
In most divorce proceedings, deciding on how much child support should be paid is a formulaic decision that involves many different variables. Child support payments typically last until a child turns 18.
Gross and Net Income
Child support payments are typically based on a percentage of one’s net income – the income an individual makes after taxes. Gross income includes everything before taxes, such as:
- Salary and bonuses
- Royalties
- Tips
- Interest
Net income is whatever a person is left with after paying income and social security taxes as well as any health insurance premiums.
Child Support Formula
After determining an individual’s net income, the court will use the following percentages to determine the amount of child support he or she owes:
- 20% for one child
- 25% for two children who are under the custody of the same parent
- 17.5% each when two children have different custodial parents
All of these percentages only apply to the first $6000 an individual brings home in net income every month. If you make more than $6000 a month in net income, the court cannot take a percentage of the money beyond that amount.
Contact Us
At Garg & Associates, P.C., our Conroe child support lawyers will help you fight for a fair child support agreement. Contact us today at 800-242-2151 for more information on calculating child support or to schedule an initial consultation.
