Professional Athlete Compensation and Texas Child Support

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Understanding Child Support Laws in Texas

The Dallas/Fort Worth area is home to numerous professional and semi-professional sports teams. Many of these athletes have formed families or had children. As with other types of families, child support will be an issue to address after a divorce or when parents are no longer in a relationship. However, child support cases involving professional athletes can sometimes present unique challenges. These athletes often have high incomes and fluctuating earnings, which can complicate the determination of child support obligations.

Dallas Professional Athlete Compensation and Texas Child Support Attorney

effective legal help in child support matters

In Texas, child support laws are designed to ensure that children receive financial support from both parents following a separation or divorce. To ensure that the laws are applied correctly, a parent will want to work with an attorney who can make sure the correct financial factors will be considered. At Clark Law Group, we work with families of all sizes and types, and we can provide effective legal help in matters involving child support. We can represent athletes who may be required to pay child support, and we can also provide help for parents who are seeking child support, ensuring that they will have the resources to meet their children’s needs.

Texas Child Support Laws

In Texas, child support is governed by specific guidelines outlined in the Texas Family Code. The purpose of these guidelines is to establish a fair and consistent method for calculating child support payments based on the income of the noncustodial parent. The calculation takes into account several factors, including the number of children who require support and the “net resources” that are available to a parent. The child support guidelines will require a non-custodial parent to pay a certain percentage of their monthly net resources. The specific percentage used in a particular case will be based on the number of children being supported:

One child: 20 percent of the non-custodial parent’s net resources
Two children: 25 percent of the non-custodial parent’s net resources
Three children: 30 percent of the non-custodial parent’s net resources
Four children: 35 percent of the non-custodial parent’s net resources
Five children: 40 percent of the non-custodial parent’s net resources
Six or more children: At least 40 percent of the non-custodial parent’s net resources

Income Considerations for Professional Athletes

Professional athletes often earn substantial incomes through salaries, endorsements, bonuses, and other sources. When determining child support obligations for professional athletes in Texas, there are certain considerations that may be taken into account, including:

Earnings history: Courts may consider an athlete’s historical earnings when calculating child support payments. This includes reviewing past contracts and income tax returns to determine average annual earnings over a period of time.
Potential income: If an athlete has intentionally reduced their income or earning potential (such as by taking lower-paying contracts), courts may impute additional income based on what they could reasonably be expected to earn given their skills and experience.
Bonuses and endorsements: Any additional income received by professional athletes beyond their salary can significantly impact child support calculations. These additional earnings may be factored into the overall income when determining child support obligations.
Fluctuating income: Professional athletes often experience changes in their income from year to year due to factors such as injuries, contract negotiations, or endorsements. In these cases, courts may consider an average of the athlete’s income over a specific period to establish a fair child support amount.

The Maximum Amount of Income Considered for Child Support Calculations

In Texas, there is a cap on the maximum amount of income that will typically be considered when calculating child support payments. As of September 1, 2019, this cap is set at $9,200 per month (or $110,400 per year), and it is scheduled to be adjusted in 2025 based on inflation. Any portion of a parent’s monthly income exceeding $9,200 typically will not be factored into child support calculations. However, there are some situations where courts may award additional child support if a judge determines that this would be appropriate based on the income of both parents and the needs of the child. In these cases, an amount of child support that exceeds the maximum amount of support that would be awarded under the guidelines must be based on a child’s proven needs.

Contact Our Dallas Child Support Lawyer

If you are a professional athlete who is involved in a child support case, or if you are a parent who is seeking child support from an athlete, Clark Law Group can help you navigate through the complex legal issues you may need to address. We can work with you to determine the appropriate payment amounts based on the unique financial circumstances of your case. If necessary, we can assist in the enforcement of child support orders to ensure that your child will have the resources to address their ongoing needs.

Our attorney will work diligently on your behalf to protect your rights and advocate for fair and just outcomes for you and your children. With our experience handling complex family law cases, we can provide you with the guidance and representation you need. Contact us at 469-906-2266 to schedule a consultation.