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Step 1 of 7: Income

Step 5: Deviation Factors

Courts may adjust the guideline child support amount based on statutory factors. Per §154.130, the court may deviate from guidelines based on the child's needs and other factors. Most cases proceed without deviations — skip this step if none apply.

Active Factors
0 of 11 factors
No deviations entered
Est. Basic Obligation
$0.00
Rough estimate for deviation %
Written Findings
N/A
Required if deviation >5%
Expense-Based Deviations §154.130

The court may adjust support for extraordinary expenses related to the child's medical, psychological, educational, or dental needs, as well as costs related to special needs or disability.

Monthly costs for extraordinary medical, psychological, educational, or dental expenses for the child that exceed typical expenses. Enter the monthly average of these extraordinary costs.

Monthly costs related to the child's special needs or disability, including therapy, specialized equipment, modifications, or additional care beyond typical expenses.

Income-Based Deviations §154.130

The court considers the independent income of the child, support being paid for a parent, and seasonal income variations when determining the appropriate support amount.

Monthly income earned by or available to the child from employment, investments, trusts, or other sources. The court may consider this in adjusting support.

Monthly amount of regular support being paid for a parent (not child support). Must be regularly paid and demonstrate a need by the receiving parent.

If income is seasonal or irregular, enter a percentage adjustment. For example, a construction worker who earns 80% of annual income in 6 months may warrant an adjustment.

Asset Considerations §154.130

The court may consider the total available assets of both parents and the child. Significant assets may warrant an upward or downward deviation from the guideline amount.

Total value of Parent A's available assets (savings, investments, real equity, etc.). The court may consider significant assets when deviating from guidelines.

Total value of Parent B's available assets. Compared with Parent A's assets to assess relative financial positions.

Total value of assets available to the child (trust funds, savings accounts, inheritance, etc.).

Tax Credit Impact §154.130

The court may consider the federal tax benefits available to the parents, including the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and dependency exemption. Enter the estimated monthly benefit as a positive number to reduce the obligation.

Estimated monthly impact of IRS Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and dependency exemption. This can reduce the effective cost of child-rearing.

Income Threshold Check §154.130

If the guideline support amount would exceed 55% of the obligor's gross income for a single support order, the court may reduce the obligation. Check this flag if the obligation exceeds this threshold.

Does the guideline obligation exceed 55% of the obligor's gross income?§154.130

If the guideline support amount would exceed 55% of the obligor's gross income (for a single support order), the court may reduce the obligation to avoid excessive burden.

Other Equitable Adjustment §154.130

The court may consider any other adjustment based on the particular circumstances of the case, including reasonable existing debts and expenses. Enter any additional adjustment amount (positive to increase, but you can also enter negative to decrease).

Any other equitable factor the court should consider — reasonable existing debts, unique expenses, or other circumstances warranting adjustment.

Deviation Summary Impact Analysis
Extraordinary expenses & special needs+$0.00
Child income & parent support (reduces)-$0.00
Tax credit impact (reduces)-$0.00
Other adjustment+$0.00
Net Monthly Deviation+$0.00
Written Justification Recommended

Per §154.130, if the court deviates from the guideline amount by more than 5%, it must make written findings explaining the specific reasons. Document all circumstances that support the deviation.

Required if the total deviation exceeds ±5% of the guideline amount. Describe the specific reasons and circumstances justifying the deviation. This becomes part of the court record.