How Does San Antonio Child Support Work?

On Behalf of Kevin E. Sralla | February 15, 2025 | Blog

When married couples go through separation or divorce, one of the most pressing questions is: How does child support work? Parents have a legal obligation to financially care for their minor children, and understanding the basics of San Antonio child support can help ease concerns and provide clarity during a challenging time.

In this blog, our child support attorneys explain everything you need to know about child support in Texas. From understanding who pays child support and how amounts are calculated to enforcement options when payments stop, this guide provides clarity and reassurance.

What Is Child Support in Texas?

Child support refers to a parent’s legal duty to provide financial assistance for the nurturing and welfare of their child. In Texas, the noncustodial parent typically pays child support to the custodial parent. This financial support provides children with access to necessities like food, clothing, education, and healthcare.

How Is Child Support Determined?

Texas Courts use specific child support guidelines to calculate child support payments for one parent, considering various factors to determine a fair amount. Here are the primary considerations:

1. The Noncustodial Parent’s Income

Child support is typically determined by a percentage of the noncustodial parent’s monthly net income, which includes wages, self-employment earnings, rental income, and other sources.

2. Number of children

The percentage of net income varies depending on how many children require support.

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

What if the Noncustodial Parent Has Children with Someone Else?

If an obligor has children in more than one household, this will affect the amount of child support they must pay. State law reduces the amount of guideline support based on the number of children in other households:

Number of children before the court
Number of other children the noncustodial parent has a duty of support		1	2	3	4	5	6	7
	0	20%	25%	30%	35%	35%	40%	40%
	1	17.50%	22.50%	27.38%	32.20%	37.33%	37.71%	38%
	2	16%	20.63%	25.20%	30.33%	35.43%	36%	36.44%
	3	14.75%	19%	24%	29%	34%	34.67%	35.20%
	4	13.60%	18.33%	23.14%	28%	32.89%	33.6%	34.18%
	5	13.33%	17.86%	22.50%	27.22%	32%	32.73%	33.33%
	6	13.14%	17.50%	22%	26.60%	31.27%	32%	32.62%
	7	13%	17.22%	21.60%	26.09%	30.67%	31.38%	32%

3. Deductions

Certain expenses, such as taxes, health insurance premiums for the child, and union dues, may reduce the parent’s net resources.

Courts can also deviate from these guidelines based on various factors, such as the child’s needs and visitation arrangements.

What Expenses Does Child Support Cover?

Child support payments in San Antonio intend to provide for the child’s basic needs, including:

• Food and groceries: Having a stable and nutritious diet.
• Clothing: Covering the cost of everyday wear and seasonal needs.
• Education expenses: Includes school supplies, fees, and extracurricular activities.
• Healthcare: Medical expenses, including insurance premiums, doctor visits, and prescriptions.
• Housing and utilities: Helping maintain a safe and stable living environment.

What Happens If a Parent Stops Paying Child Support?

Unfortunately, not all parents fulfill their obligation to pay child support on time or in full. If a noncustodial parent falls behind, there are several legal options to enforce payment:

• Wage garnishment: Automatically withholding a portion of the parent’s paycheck.
• License suspension: The court can suspend driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses.
• Tax refund interception: The state may seize federal or state tax refunds.
• Passport Denial: Authorities may deny a new or renewed passport.
• Liens: Place liens on properties, bank accounts, retirement plans, life insurance plans, personal injury claims, insurance settlements or awards, and other assets.
• Contempt of court: Willful noncompliance can result in fines or even up to six months of jail time.

If your ex-partner is not meeting their child support obligations, seeking help from experienced child support attorneys can make a world of difference.

Modifying a Child Support Order

Life circumstances change, and sometimes, child support orders need to be adjusted. Common reasons for modifying a support order include:

• A significant change in either parent’s income
• Changes in the child’s needs, such as medical issues or educational expenses
• Changes in custody arrangements
• The other parent is responsible for a new child or children
• Incarceration of the other parent

A family law attorney in San Antonio, Texas, can guide you through the process of requesting a modification to meet your child’s needs.

When Does Child Support End in Texas?

Child support obligations usually end when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, there are exceptions:

• Special needs children: Support may continue indefinitely if the child has a disability and requires ongoing care.
• Emancipation: Child support may end early if a child becomes legally emancipated.

How Can a San Antonio, TX Child Support Lawyer Help?

Whether you’re the custodial or noncustodial parent, handling child support matters can be overwhelming. A skilled family law attorney can help you:

• Understand your rights and responsibilities
• Present accurate financial information.
• Negotiate fair and appropriate support amounts
• Enforce child support orders if payments stop
• Modify existing orders when life circumstances change

At Sralla Family Law, PLLC, we’re more than just legal advocates. We’re your neighbors who care about your family’s future.

Child Support Questions? Our Family Law Attorneys in San Antonio, Texas Have Answers

Navigating child support in San Antonio doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding the basics and seeking help from experienced child support attorneys, you can protect your child’s financial well-being and move forward with confidence.

Do you have questions about child support or need personalized guidance? Our team brings a professional, equipped, and friendly approach to every case. But when it’s time to fight, we’ll fight hard to help you achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us at (210) 212-5656(210) 212-5656 or complete our confidential online form to schedule your consultation. With the Strength Of A Giant and the Heart Of A Neighbor, Sralla Family Law, PLLC, is Your San Antonio Law Ally.

Copyright © 2025. Sralla Family Law, PLLC. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Sralla Family Law, PLLC
542 E. Highland Blvd.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 212-5656(210) 212-5656
https://www.familylawsanantonio.com/