Overtime, Bonuses & Commission: Are They Included?

Variable pay is where a support number gets argued. The short answer: it usually counts.

How courts handle it

Courts typically average overtime, bonuses, and commission over time, or combine a base salary with a percentage formula. Historical paystubs and the employer's compensation policy are what substantiate the claim. Texas defines net resources broadly — wages, salary, overtime, tips, bonuses, and commissions all count (Tex. Fam. Code § 154.062).

Keep it realistic

Rather than build an order on an inflated projection, propose a cap or a "true-up" — a periodic adjustment that reconciles estimated income against what was actually earned — so the number tracks real pay.

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