Yes, the court has the right to do so, and this is actually the most common type of child support collection. Although the non custodial parent has the right to dispute it, the custodial parent will generally go before the court and request a certain amount of the non custodial parent’s wages be withheld (up to 50%).

Probably not. Texas law recognizes that a child has a right to know both of his or her parents. Also, Texas courts want to make sure that children are supported and cared for. This is why they always try to do what’s in the “best interest of the child.”

Unless there is another person that wants to adopt your child, it’s unlikely that a judge would grant a termination of parental rights.

The monthly net income is the monthly gross income minus federal income taxes, state income taxes, social security taxes, and union dues.

If the monthly net income is greater than $7,500 after this calculation, then you can reduce it to $7,500. ($7,500 is the maximum monthly net income for the purposes of Texas child support calculations.)

If the person paying child support only has children by this marriage, Texas child support will be calculated as follows:

• 1 child: 20% of net income
• 2 children: 25%
• 3 children: 30%
• 4 children: 35%
• 5 or more children: 40%

The percentages will differ from those stated above if the parent who will be paying child support has children from other marriages or relationships.

Let’s work through an example.

We’ll assume your gross salary is $4,000 a month, your federal withholding is $275 per pay period and your social security withholding is $250 per pay period. For the example, we’ll say you have 2 children and no other children from other relationships.

Your monthly net income would be $3,475 ($4,000 – $275 – $250). Since you have 2 children, your monthly child support obligation would be 25% of your net income.

In this example, your child support payment would be $868.75 per month.