Currently in Texas, child support guidelines often do not represent the best interests of the children. Texas child support is calculated based solely on the non-custodial parent's income and is irrespective of the custodial parent’s income or what the actual expenses of raising the children are. It is not in the best interest of the children if the non-custodial parent is unnecessarily burdened with high child support payments when the custodial parent earns similar or higher income.  This issue could be solved if both parents incomes are a factor in calculating the child support amount. It is often the case that child support received by the custodial parent is not spent on the children and is instead diverted for personal expenditures while the non-custodial parent is unfairly punished with a lower standard of living and unable to provide as much for the children when they are in his/her care. It would be in the best interest of the children that the non-custodial parent be left sufficient resources to to provide good living conditions, activities, experiences, and material items for their children when in their care. Other States such as North Carolina, have adopted child support guidelines where both parents’ incomes are considered and  deductions are based on who pays for medical, dental, etc.  It's time to change the Texas child support guidelines and establish equality of child support amount based on both parents’ income.

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