No, not in Texas. The court may not use any portion of your new spouse’s income to increase your net resources when calculating your child support obligation.
On the flip side, the court may not subtract the needs of your new spouse or step-children, if any, when calculating your child support obligation. So, for example, if your new spouse is a full time student and has no income, you are not entitled to a reduction in child support. Also, if your step-children’s other parent fails to pay child support, you are not entitled to a reduction since you have no legal duty to support step-children.
Speak with a qualified family law attorney if you have questions other questions about how blended families may be impacted by child support issues.
Author Jim Cramp is a retired active duty colonel and principal attorney at the Cramp Law Firm. The Cramp Law Firm provides a spectrum of family-related legal services in the greater San Antonio Region.