Child support paid by an individual earning under $4,000 a month is determined by a percentage of the obligor's (person paying support) net resources. Net resources is gross income reduced by certain defined expenses. The idea is similar to net income.

The net resources figure, in conjunction with the number of children, and other factors, is then used to calculate child support, twenty percent (20%) for one child, twenty five percent (25%) for two children, 1/3 for three or more.

Basically, child support is payable until further order of the court, or until child is 18 years of age and has graduated or stopped attending high school, or until child is emancipated through marriage, removal of disabilities by a court, or by operation of law, or, until the death of the child, if the child is disabled, for an indefinite period.

If child support is not paid, it can be enforced by filing a Motion for Enforcement, or Contempt, in the Court of Continuing Jurisdiction (the court that granted the order). Failure to pay child support can have very serious consequences, including imprisonment until the support is paid.

The Texas Attorney General's Office collects past due child support, though some find their service slow. It is, however, competent and thorough. Persons trying to collect child support can also go directly to court with a Motion to Enforce, for which an attorney is strongly recommended

Yes, it can be modified up or down. See Modifications . . .

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