Relating to the calculation of a person's net resources for purposes of determining child support liability.
Impact
The change in law proposed by SB1820 will apply only to legal proceedings to establish or modify child support obligations that are pending or filed after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2009. This means that any child support calculations from this date forward will adhere to the new stipulations regarding net resources, potentially altering the financial outcomes for many families within the jurisdiction. The clear definition of what constitutes 'resources' is expected to lead to more consistent rulings in child support cases, thereby affecting the financial responsibilities of parents in Texas.
Summary
SB1820 seeks to amend the Texas Family Code concerning the calculation of a person's net resources when determining child support liability. The primary objective of this bill is to clarify which resources should be included or excluded from this calculation. By specifically excluding certain forms of income and benefits, such as a return of principal or capital, foster care payments, and certain government assistance, the bill aims to provide a more accurate reflection of an individual's financial ability to contribute to child support. This is particularly important as it directly affects the calculation of child support obligations in the state.
Contention
While the bill primarily serves to streamline the process of determining child support obligations, there may be underlying contention regarding how these exclusions of specific resources might impact low-income families. Critics could argue that removing certain forms of income from the calculation may unfairly disadvantage families who rely on these resources, potentially leading to lower support payments and increased financial strain. Supporters of the bill, however, likely advocate for the clarity it brings to the law and its potential for preventing overburdening parents with unrealistic support obligations.