Texas Child Support Calculator (50/50 Custody)
In Texas, child support calculations in a 50/50 custody arrangement differ slightly from a traditional sole custody arrangement. Both parents’ incomes are factored in, and the child support obligation is often based on the difference between what each parent would pay if the other had sole custody.
Here is a reference table with general estimates of child support obligations for 50/50 custody, considering different income levels for each parent and the number of children. These values reflect approximate Texas guidelines and are based on the percentage of net income allocated per child:
| Parent 1 Monthly Net Income ($) | Parent 2 Monthly Net Income ($) | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | $3,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| $4,000 | $3,000 | $200 | $250 | $300 | $350 |
| $5,000 | $3,000 | $400 | $500 | $600 | $700 |
| $6,000 | $3,000 | $600 | $750 | $900 | $1,050 |
| $7,000 | $3,000 | $800 | $1,000 | $1,200 | $1,400 |
| $4,000 | $4,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| $5,000 | $4,000 | $200 | $250 | $300 | $350 |
| $6,000 | $4,000 | $400 | $500 | $600 | $700 |
| $7,000 | $4,000 | $600 | $750 | $900 | $1,050 |
| $8,000 | $4,000 | $800 | $1,000 | $1,200 | $1,400 |
| $5,000 | $5,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| $6,000 | $5,000 | $200 | $250 | $300 | $350 |
| $7,000 | $5,000 | $400 | $500 | $600 | $700 |
| $8,000 | $5,000 | $600 | $750 | $900 | $1,050 |
| $9,000 | $5,000 | $800 | $1,000 | $1,200 | $1,400 |
| $6,000 | $6,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| $7,000 | $6,000 | $200 | $250 | $300 | $350 |
| $8,000 | $6,000 | $400 | $500 | $600 | $700 |
| $9,000 | $6,000 | $600 | $750 | $900 | $1,050 |
| $10,000 | $6,000 | $800 | $1,000 | $1,200 | $1,400 |
Explanation:
- Child Support Calculation:
- In 50/50 custody, each parent's support obligation is determined individually, based on their income.
- The amount shown represents the difference between what each parent owes (for example, $5,000 net income for Parent 1 and $3,000 for Parent 2 with one child would mean Parent 1 owes $400 in child support).
- Percentage Breakdown: Texas typically allocates approximately 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, and 35% for four. These percentages have been applied in a simplified form here, although actual calculations may vary slightly.