If you and your former spouse were awarded shared custody (called “joint conservatorship” in Texas), you may be wondering about child support duration. The non-custodial parent pays the custodial parent monthly income to ensure that the child’s financial needs are covered. But if you have 50/50 custody, does that impact the duration of your child support payments?
In short, no—a non-custodial parent pays child support until the child turns 18 unless the child has special or medical needs, there is an agreement to extend it longer, or the child dies. Child support is based on the income of both parents and the differences between the two, not the amount of custodial time awarded. In extreme cases such as domestic abuse, a non-custodial parent can be ordered to pay child support and receive little or no custody.
What Is Shared Custody?
This means that both parents share equal physical custody as well as an equal division of parenting duties and time with the child. It has no impact on child support or the duration, nor does it eliminate or reduce child support. The court assesses both parent’s financial situations, then determines and awards child support alongside custody.
Shared custody also means that the child’s time is divided as equally as possible between both parents. This requires considerable planning and cooperation between the parents, as well as a shared commitment to the child’s rearing and education.
These decisions are made in the child’s best interest regardless of the custody arrangement, and is intended that the child has adequate support after the parents are no longer together.
Child Support And Shared Custody
The equal sharing of custody does not eliminate child support, and child support duration depends on several factors. It is especially important in cases where there is a considerable income difference between the two parents. However, if a couple decides to share the costs of the child and have equal parenting time, the court may agree to waive child support in some cases. This is especially true in cases where there are additional financial considerations, such as associated educational expenses.
There are other factors included in the child support decision, such as:
- The child’s individual needs, i.e., medical care, disability, etc.
- The family’s circumstances, including the number of children
- Other financial obligations, such as a mortgage
Because each case is different, child support must be personalized for the family. The intent is for the child to have a consistent standard of living in both parents’ homes.
Get Help With Child Support And Other Family Law Matters
If you have questions about shared custody, child support, or other questions related to family law, call us. We’re here to help.
Wendy L. Hart is an experienced family law attorney serving families throughout Tarrant County and the Fort Worth area. We represent both men and women in family law matters and are happy to discuss child support duration and custody matters with you. Use our online contact form, or call us at (817) 842-2336 for an appointment.
