One of the highest points of contention in divorce can be the payment of child support. Parents want to make sure their children are cared for, but when one parent pays child support to the other parent, they may feel like the other parent is benefiting from the support payments rather than the child.

In Texas, child support is calculated according to the paying parent’s income. The percentage that is applied is based on the number of children who need to be supported, including children from other relationships.

While child support is set by statute, it is negotiable in certain circumstances, and the Texas Family Code provides for alternative calculation when it is in the children’s best interest to deviate from the guidelines.