Revisions to Texas Child Support Statute
During the 80th Legislative Session, there were some 375 updates to the Texas Family Code. One of the most important revisions impacts the calculation of child support.
Current statue requires the obligor parent to pay a percentage of his/her net monthly resources for the support of the child(ren). Presently that amount is capped at the first $6,000.00 of the obligor parent’s net resources. Beginning September 1, 2007, the new cap amount will be $7,500.00.
For example, the maximum child support for two children is presently $1,500.00 per month, but that maximum amount increases to $1,875.00 per month on September 1, 2007.
The Texas legislature also provided that this amount is to be adjusted for inflation every 6 years.
Q: If I have (1) child and paying $1,200.00 a month (capped); on 9/1/07 does it automatically go up or does a judge have to review and make that decision? Thank You.
A: This is a good question. Nothing will "automatically" happen to your required child support payments on September 1, 2007. The obligee parent would have to file a modification action with the court to increase child support, and meet the statutory elements to obtain one.