As a general rule, noncustodial parents in Texas and throughout the country are required to make monthly payments to a son or daughter’s primary caretaker. These payments are meant to cover the cost of housing, clothing and feeding a minor, and in some cases, they can be used to pay for discretionary expenses. However, there is a chance that you will be required to make child support payments even if you have custody rights.
Parenting time is only one factor to consider
The state will use a variety of criteria when crafting a child support order in your case. For instance, you may be required to provide additional financial support if you have a job and your former spouse or partner doesn’t. This might also be true if he or she has other children to take care of.
Does your child have special needs?
If your child has a medical condition, you’ll likely be responsible for paying some or all of the costs incurred to treat it. In the event that your child has a learning disability, you might be ordered to pay for a tutor or to cover other expenses related to helping your child excel in school.
Don’t forget about college
In the state of Texas, parents are only required to make child support payments until their children turn 18. However, a parenting plan can stipulate that one or both parents will pay for a son or daughter’s college education. A college support agreement must be in writing to be considered valid.
As a parent, it is your responsibility to provide your child with a relatively comfortable lifestyle. In some cases, this may require you to make child support payments despite sharing custody of your son or daughter. An attorney may be able to provide more insight into how support orders are created and what can be done to modify them in the future.