Can We Agree to Child Support Above the Texas Guidelines?

Key Takeaways

• Parents in Austin can agree to pay more child support than the Texas guidelines require.
• High-income cases may involve additional factors beyond the standard child support calculation.
• Parents who agree on a higher amount can often create a more predictable plan for covering their child’s needs.

Can Parents Agree to More Child Support Than the Texas Guidelines Allow?

Yes. Parents can agree to pay more than the amount calculated under the Texas child support guidelines, but an Austin family court must still approve the agreement.

The agreement should be put in writing, and the court must determine that it is in the child’s best interest before approving an amount that differs from the guidelines. This can give parents more flexibility to create a support arrangement that fits their family’s circumstances.

Can My Spouse and I Agree on a Higher Child Support Amount?

Yes. Parents may choose to provide additional support when they believe it better meets their child’s needs. It can help to look at the expenses your child is likely to have, both now and in the future.

Depending on your family’s circumstances, a higher support amount could help cover:

• Private school or educational costs
• Childcare
• Medical and dental expenses
• Extracurricular activities
• Camps
• College savings
• Special needs or other significant expenses

A higher amount can also give parents more clarity about how these costs will be handled after the divorce. It’s also important to have a written agreement to help prevent any potential disagreements regarding the amount or if one spouse decides they no longer want to pay the agreed amount. 

How Does Child Support Work for High-Income Earners in Texas?

High-income child support cases may require more than just applying the standard guideline percentage as the guidelines apply to a certain level of net resources. When a parent’s income is above that amount, an Austin family court may consider whether the guideline amount adequately meets the child’s needs of the child.

How does child support work for high-income earners in Texas when parents have significant income or assets? An Austin family court may consider certain factors such as:

• The child’s daily needs
• Each parent’s financial resources
• Education and childcare expenses
• Health insurance and medical costs
• Travel expenses related to parenting time
• Other circumstances affecting the child’s best interests

How child support works for high-income earners in Texas cannot always be answered by looking at income alone. An experienced Austin family law attorney can help you understand how the guidelines may apply to your specific financial situation.

What Should We Consider Before Agreeing to Higher Child Support in Austin?

If you are asking, “Can my spouse and I agree on a higher child support amount?” consider both the monthly payment and the expenses your child may have in the future.

Before finalizing an agreement, parents should consider:

• Whether the amount realistically meets the child’s needs
• How additional expenses will be divided
• Whether the agreement clearly explains each parent’s responsibilities
• How changes in circumstances will be handled
• Whether the arrangement is actually in the child’s best interest

This can be especially important when asking, “How does child support work for high-income earners in Texas?” A higher-income family may have more complex finances and expenses that should be addressed in the agreement.

Talk to an Experienced Austin Child Support Attorney

Child support can become more complicated when parents have different financial circumstances or want to create an agreement that goes beyond the standard guidelines. The right approach depends on your family’s needs, finances, and what is ultimately in your child’s best interest.

If you are considering a higher support amount or need guidance on how child support works for high-income earners in Texas, it can help to have an experienced Austin child support attorney review your options before finalizing an agreement.

At Deyerle Silva Smith, PLLC, our Austin divorce and family law attorneys help parents navigate child support agreements, high-income child support matters, and other family law issues. If you are considering an agreement for more child support than the Texas guidelines provide, contact our team to schedule a consultation and discuss what may be right for your family.