When the parents of a child are no longer living together, the court may order child support. This money is meant to cover the costs of the child’s living expenses. The amount depends on the state’s child support law. 
In some states, the courts will use strict guidelines. These rules are supposed to be based on the standard of living of the children involved, the incomes of both parents, and the cost of child care. In other cases, a judge will make a decision based on the actual expenses incurred in the household.
Child support is typically calculated by using a formula. It can be paid in a lump sum or in periodic payments. For example, a court could order one parent to pay the other a monthly sum to pay for the children’s education. Alternatively, a parent might choose to pay the other person by transferring a security interest in the home. Other methods of paying child support include securing the payments with a bond, a mortgage, or a deed of trust.
A court may also order a party to make a payment to secure the arrangement. If the other party is unable to make the necessary payments, the court might require the other parent to make an assignment of the parent’s salary or wages. The person can then pay the money to the person or institution named in the order. Depending on the circumstances, a court may also transfer the title or interest in the property.
While the amount of money required to satisfy the child support is not automatic, it is generally calculated as a percentage of each parent’s gross income. Generally, the higher the income, the more money a parent will have to pay. Also, a parent may attempt to hide extra sources of income or artificially reduce their income.
Dallas #1 Child Support is the presumptive child support guideline uses a varying percentage model to calculate the base amount of support. The base amount is calculated by dividing the combined net monthly incomes of the parties by the number of children in the family. In addition, a court may award additional discretionary child support based on the needs of the children.
As you can imagine, calculating the appropriate amount of child support is a complex process. However, a court may be able to make a determination if the evidence supports a more precise calculation. There are several possible exceptions to this rule, including when the parent is receiving social security benefits. Likewise, the parent is unable to work or is unemployed. Nonetheless, the court’s determination is usually based on the most basic criteria.
Another fad for determining the appropriate child support payment amounts is a “40/60 parenting plan.” This is a court-ordered arrangement in which a parent with less income pays a percentage of their expenses while a parent with more money pays a lesser percentage. Generally, the court will not grant a deviation in a 40/60 parenting plan.
