Child support payments are intended to provide support for a child’s needs. However, any Dallas child support lawyer knows that child support can also go beyond mere basic necessities, to include funds for school, medical costs and extracurricular activities as well.
Former football player Deion Sanders is challenging his current child support payments by seeking a modification of child support with the Texas Supreme Court claiming that his child support payments are six times more than what Texas law requires and asking that his payments be significantly reduced. Sanders’ estranged wife also filed documents with the court, detailing the reasons why she needs the amount initially ordered by the lower court, including the children’s special diet, uniforms and shoes for their sports activities, cell phones, and hair treatments.
Child support is determined by state law, and all states have established guidelines to determine how much a non-custodial parent must pay. Courts take into consideration many factors, including the parents’ incomes and the amount of support needed to maintain the child’s current standard of living. While it varies by state, child support generally may cover: food, clothing and shelter; medical care; uninsured medical expenses; school fees and extracurricular activities; childcare and entertainment.
Child support orders may be modified if needed. If the needs of the child change, or where either parent’s income and ability to pay significantly changes, a modification of the original order can be sought.
Source: TMZ.com, “Deion Sanders – My Child Support Payments are TOO DAMN HIGH!,” Sept. 23, 2012