Form No 14 Child Support Amount Calculation Worksheet Dshs Wa

What is the child support chart in Texas?

The child support chart in Texas serves as a guideline for determining the amount of child support one parent may owe to another following a divorce or separation. This chart is based on the non-custodial parent's income and the number of children requiring support. It aims to ensure that child support payments are fair and consistent across different cases, taking into account the financial responsibilities of the paying parent.

Key elements of the Texas child support chart

The Texas child support chart includes several key components that are essential for calculating support obligations:

• Income of the non-custodial parent: The chart uses the gross income of the parent who will be making payments.
• Number of children: The amount of support varies depending on how many children are involved.
• Percentage guidelines: The chart specifies a percentage of the non-custodial parent's income that should be allocated for child support, which increases with the number of children.
• Health insurance costs: Additional considerations may include costs for health insurance and other necessary expenses related to the children's welfare.

Steps to complete the child support calculation using the Texas chart

To accurately calculate child support using the Texas child support chart, follow these steps:

1. Determine the gross monthly income of the non-custodial parent.
2. Identify the number of children requiring support.
3. Refer to the Texas child support chart to find the percentage that corresponds to the non-custodial parent's income and the number of children.
4. Calculate the basic child support obligation by applying the percentage to the gross monthly income.
5. Consider any additional expenses, such as health insurance, to adjust the final amount.

Legal use of the Texas child support chart

The Texas child support chart is a legally recognized tool that courts use to establish child support obligations. It is important to note that while the chart provides a guideline, judges have the discretion to deviate from these amounts based on specific circumstances, such as the needs of the child or the financial situation of the parents. Understanding the legal framework surrounding the chart can help parents navigate their obligations more effectively.

How to obtain the Texas child support chart

The Texas child support chart can be obtained through various official sources, including:

• The Texas Attorney General's Office website, which provides access to the most current version of the chart.
• Family law attorneys, who can provide guidance and copies of the chart as part of their services.
• Local family court offices, where copies may be available for public access.

Examples of calculations using the Texas child support chart

To illustrate how the Texas child support chart works, consider the following examples:

• If a non-custodial parent earns $5,000 per month and has one child, the chart indicates a support obligation of 20%, resulting in a payment of $1,000 per month.
• For a non-custodial parent with three children earning $6,000 per month, the obligation may be 30%, leading to a monthly payment of $1,800.