Texas calculates child support as a fixed percentage of the paying parent's monthly net resources — 20% for one child, 25% for two children, and up to 40% for five or more children under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125. Effective September 1, 2025, the net resources cap increased from $9,200 to $11,700 per month, meaning the maximum guideline child support for one child is $2,340 per month in 2026. Using a child support calculator Texas families can rely on requires understanding how net resources are computed, which deductions apply, and when courts deviate from guideline amounts.
Key Facts: Texas Child Support at a Glance
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Percentage of obligor's net resources (not income shares) |
| 1 Child | 20% of net resources |
| 2 Children | 25% of net resources |
| 3 Children | 30% of net resources |
| 4 Children | 35% of net resources |
| 5+ Children | 40% of net resources |
| Monthly Net Resources Cap | $11,700 (effective September 1, 2025) |
| Maximum for 1 Child | $2,340/month |
| Low-Income Threshold | Below $1,000/month net resources (reduced percentages) |
| Filing Fee | $200 to $400 depending on county |
| Residency Requirement | Child must have lived in Texas for 6 consecutive months |
| Governing Statute | Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 154 |
| Official Calculator | Texas Office of the Attorney General |
| Modification Standard | Material and substantial change, or 3 years + 20%/$100 difference |
How Texas Calculates Child Support: The Percentage-of-Net-Resources Model
Texas uses a percentage-of-net-resources model rather than the income shares model used by 41 other states, making it one of only 9 states that base calculations solely on the paying parent's income. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125, the court applies fixed percentages — 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five or more — to the obligor's monthly net resources up to the $11,700 cap. This means Texas child support calculations do not consider the custodial parent's income when determining guideline amounts.
The percentage-of-net-resources model simplifies calculation compared to income shares states, but it also means the result can diverge significantly from what a dual-income formula would produce. For example, an obligor earning $8,000 per month in net resources with one child would owe $1,600 per month regardless of whether the custodial parent earns $0 or $100,000. Courts retain discretion under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.123 to deviate from guidelines based on 19 specific factors including the custodial parent's resources, the child's needs, and travel costs for possession.
What Counts as Net Resources Under Texas Family Code § 154.062
Net resources under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.062 include 100% of all wage and salary income, commissions, overtime pay, tips, bonuses, net rental income, severance pay, retirement benefits, pensions, trust income, annuities, capital gains, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and workers' compensation. The court starts with this gross income total and subtracts only specific deductions permitted by statute to arrive at the net resources figure used in the child support worksheet.
Permitted deductions from gross income include:
- Social Security taxes (FICA employee share, 7.65% on wages up to the Social Security wage base)
- Federal income tax calculated at the rate for a single person claiming one personal exemption and the standard deduction
- State income tax (zero in Texas, providing no deduction)
- Union dues
- Cost of health insurance or dental insurance for the child, as ordered by the court
- Nondiscretionary retirement plan contributions if the obligor does not pay Social Security taxes
Texas does not allow deductions for voluntary retirement contributions, car payments, credit card debt, mortgage payments, or personal living expenses. The Office of the Attorney General publishes annual tax charts that provide pre-calculated monthly tax amounts for various income levels, simplifying the conversion from gross to net resources.
Using the Official Texas Child Support Calculator
The Texas Office of the Attorney General provides a free online child support calculator at csapps.oag.texas.gov that applies the statutory guideline percentages to estimated net resources. This child support calculator Texas tool requires entering gross monthly income, applicable deductions, the number of children before the court, and any children from other relationships. The calculator returns an estimated monthly child support obligation based on Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125 guidelines.
To use the OAG calculator accurately, follow these steps:
- Gather the obligor's last 3 pay stubs and most recent federal tax return to verify gross income
- Calculate monthly gross income by multiplying semi-monthly pay by 2, biweekly pay by 26 and dividing by 12, or weekly pay by 52 and dividing by 12
- Enter the gross monthly income amount into the calculator
- Input the monthly cost of health insurance for the child (not the entire family plan — divide by number of covered dependents per Tex. Fam. Code § 154.062(d))
- Select the number of children before the court and any children from other relationships
- Review the estimated monthly obligation
The calculator provides a guideline estimate only. Courts may order different amounts based on the 19 deviation factors in Tex. Fam. Code § 154.123. Self-employment income, variable bonuses, and multiple income sources require additional analysis that the basic calculator cannot fully address.
The 2026 Net Resources Cap: $11,700 Per Month
Effective September 1, 2025, the Texas Legislature increased the monthly net resources cap from $9,200 to $11,700 — a 27.2% increase representing the most significant child support adjustment in recent years. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125, guideline percentages apply only to the first $11,700 of monthly net resources. For one child, this sets the maximum guideline amount at $2,340 per month ($11,700 x 20%), up from the previous maximum of $1,840 ($9,200 x 20%).
The cap increase affects obligors at every income level above $9,200 per month in net resources:
| Monthly Net Resources | Previous Max (1 Child) | 2026 Max (1 Child) | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| $9,200 | $1,840 | $1,840 | $0 |
| $10,000 | $1,840 | $2,000 | $160 |
| $11,000 | $1,840 | $2,200 | $360 |
| $11,700+ | $1,840 | $2,340 | $500 |
For obligors earning above $11,700 per month in net resources, Tex. Fam. Code § 154.126 permits the court to order additional child support above guidelines if the custodial parent proves the child's needs require it. The party seeking above-guideline support bears the burden of proving those additional needs with specific evidence of expenses like private school tuition, medical costs, or extracurricular activities.
Low-Income Obligor Guidelines: Net Resources Below $1,000
Texas applies reduced child support percentages when the obligor's monthly net resources fall below $1,000 per month, as established by Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(c). These low-income guidelines, effective since September 1, 2021, recognize that applying standard percentages to very low incomes could leave the obligor without sufficient resources for basic needs like housing and food. The reduced schedule typically applies percentages 5 points lower than standard guidelines.
Courts also have authority under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.123 to deviate further downward when the obligor demonstrates that guideline amounts would be unjust or inappropriate. Common scenarios include obligors receiving only Social Security disability benefits, those recently released from incarceration, or parents with documented disabilities limiting employment capacity. The court must make specific findings explaining any deviation from guidelines.
Multiple Families: How Other Children Affect the Calculation
When the obligor has children from multiple relationships, Tex. Fam. Code § 154.128 provides a separate percentage table that reduces the per-child obligation to account for the duty to support all children. For example, an obligor with one child before the court and one other child from another relationship pays 17.5% of net resources instead of the standard 20%. An obligor with two children before the court and one other child pays 22.5% instead of 25%.
The multiple-family percentage adjustments apply regardless of whether the other children live with the obligor, whether the obligor is paying support for those children under a separate order, or whether those children were born before or after the children in the current case. The court may also consider the actual amount of support the obligor provides to other children when determining whether to deviate from guidelines.
Self-Employment Income and Imputed Income
Texas courts calculate self-employment net resources by examining gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses, not the taxable income reported on Schedule C. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.065, the court may assign a reasonable amount of income to an obligor who is intentionally unemployed or underemployed based on the obligor's recent work history, qualifications, and prevailing job opportunities in the community. This process, called income imputation, prevents a parent from voluntarily reducing income to lower child support obligations.
Imputed income is calculated by examining earning capacity rather than actual earnings. Texas courts look at education level, work experience, occupation, age, health, available job opportunities in the geographic area, and the prevailing wage for comparable positions. A parent with a law degree earning minimum wage at a retail job, for example, would likely have income imputed at the prevailing rate for attorneys in that region. The 2026 OAG tax charts provide the conversion tables needed to compute net resources from imputed gross income.
How to File for Child Support in Texas
Filing for child support in Texas costs between $200 and $400 depending on the county, with Harris County charging $350 for cases without children and $365 with children as of early 2026. The child must have lived in Texas for at least 6 consecutive months before filing, establishing home-state jurisdiction under Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201. Parents can file through the Texas Office of the Attorney General (free child support services) or through a private attorney by filing a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR).
The filing process follows these steps:
- File original petition with the district clerk in the county where the child has resided for the preceding 6 months
- Pay the filing fee ($200 to $400 depending on county; fee waivers available under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145 for qualifying low-income petitioners)
- Serve the other parent with citation (sheriff service costs $75 to $100; private process server may cost more)
- Exchange financial information including pay stubs, tax returns, and benefits documentation
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court (cost varies, typically $100 to $300 per party per session)
- Attend court hearing where the judge applies guideline percentages or makes findings for deviation
- Receive signed child support order specifying monthly amount, medical support, and dental support obligations
As of March 2026, verify all filing fees directly with your local district clerk, as counties set fees independently within statutory frameworks.
Modifying an Existing Child Support Order
Texas permits modification of child support orders under two distinct grounds established in Tex. Fam. Code § 156.401. First, either parent may file for modification if the circumstances of the child or a person affected by the order have materially and substantially changed since the order was signed. Second, modification is available automatically if 3 years have passed since the last order and the current guideline amount differs from the existing order by either 20% or $100 per month, whichever is greater.
The 3-year automatic review provision is particularly significant following the September 2025 cap increase from $9,200 to $11,700. Any obligor earning above $9,200 in monthly net resources whose order was calculated under the old cap may now owe a higher amount under current guidelines, potentially triggering the 20%/$100 threshold. For example, an obligor with $11,700 monthly net resources previously paid a maximum of $1,840 for one child; the 2026 guideline amount is $2,340, a difference of $500 (27.2%), exceeding both the 20% and $100 thresholds.
Common material and substantial changes that courts recognize include:
- Job loss or significant income reduction (involuntary, not self-imposed)
- Substantial salary increase
- Change in the child's medical needs or insurance coverage
- A new child born to the obligor
- Incarceration exceeding 180 days
- Release from incarceration where support was previously abated
- Disability of either parent or child
Medical and Dental Support Obligations
Texas child support orders must address medical and dental support in addition to the cash monthly payment. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.181, the court orders one or both parents to provide health insurance for the child if coverage is available at a reasonable cost, generally defined as not exceeding 9% of the obligor's gross income. If neither parent has access to affordable insurance, the court may order cash medical support of up to 9% of the obligor's gross income to be used toward the child's medical expenses.
Dental support follows a similar framework. The combined cost of health insurance and dental insurance premiums attributable to the child is deducted from the obligor's gross income before calculating net resources, meaning the obligor receives credit for these expenses in the child support calculation. If the obligor's employer plan covers multiple dependents, Tex. Fam. Code § 154.062(d) requires dividing the total premium by the number of covered dependents to determine the per-child cost.
Enforcement: What Happens When Child Support Is Not Paid
Texas enforces child support orders through multiple mechanisms including wage withholding, license suspension, contempt of court, and federal tax refund intercept. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 158.001, all child support orders include an income withholding order directing the obligor's employer to deduct support from wages before the employee receives payment. The Texas Office of the Attorney General processes over $4 billion annually in child support collections and operates the State Disbursement Unit that tracks all payments.
Contempt of court for nonpayment can result in fines up to $500 per violation, jail time up to 6 months per violation, and community service of up to 200 hours. Texas can also suspend driver's licenses, professional licenses, and recreational licenses for obligors more than 3 months behind on payments. Child support arrears accrue interest at 6% per year under Tex. Fam. Code § 157.265 and are not dischargeable in bankruptcy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the child support calculator Texas tool determine monthly payments?
The Texas child support calculator applies statutory percentages — 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three — to the obligor's monthly net resources, capped at $11,700 per month as of September 2025. Net resources equal gross income minus Social Security taxes, federal income tax at the single rate, union dues, and court-ordered health insurance for the child under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.062.
What is the maximum child support payment in Texas for 2026?
The maximum guideline child support for one child in Texas is $2,340 per month in 2026, calculated as 20% of the $11,700 monthly net resources cap under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125. For two children, the maximum is $2,925 (25%), and for three children, $3,510 (30%). Courts may order above-guideline amounts if the child's proven needs require it.
Does the custodial parent's income affect Texas child support?
No. Texas uses a percentage-of-obligor's-net-resources model, not an income shares model, so the custodial parent's income does not factor into the guideline calculation. However, courts may consider both parents' resources under the 19 deviation factors in Tex. Fam. Code § 154.123 when determining whether to order above or below guideline amounts.
How long does child support last in Texas?
Texas child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, but not beyond age 19 under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.001. If the child is disabled and requires substantial care and supervision, child support may continue indefinitely. Child support also terminates if the child marries, is emancipated by court order, or enlists in the armed forces.
Can Texas child support be modified after the 2025 cap increase?
Yes. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 156.401, any existing order can be modified if 3 years have passed and the current guideline amount differs by 20% or $100 from the existing order. The cap increase from $9,200 to $11,700 means obligors earning above $9,200 per month likely meet this threshold, potentially increasing support by up to $500 per month for one child.
What happens if the obligor is self-employed in Texas?
Self-employment net resources are calculated from gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.065. Depreciation, home office deductions, and vehicle expenses claimed on tax returns may be added back if the court finds they do not represent actual cash expenses. The court may also impute income if the self-employed parent appears to be suppressing earnings.
How does Texas handle child support with children from multiple relationships?
Tex. Fam. Code § 154.128 provides reduced percentage tables when the obligor supports children from multiple families. An obligor with one child before the court and one other child pays 17.5% instead of 20%. With one child before the court and two other children, the percentage drops to 16%. These adjustments prevent the total support obligation from consuming an unreasonable share of the obligor's income.
Can I file for child support without hiring an attorney in Texas?
Yes. The Texas Office of the Attorney General provides free child support establishment and enforcement services at no cost to either parent. Parents can open a case through the OAG by calling 1-800-252-8014 or applying online. Alternatively, parents can file a pro se (self-represented) SAPCR petition with the district court, paying the $200 to $400 filing fee, using forms available from the Texas Law Help website or the local district clerk.
What income sources does the child support worksheet include?
Texas includes virtually all income in the net resources calculation under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.062: wages, salary, commissions, overtime, tips, bonuses, net rental income, severance pay, retirement benefits, pensions, trust income, annuities, capital gains, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, and gifts or prizes. The only common exclusions are return of principal, accounts receivable, and benefits from means-tested public assistance programs like TANF.
Is there a minimum child support amount in Texas?
Texas has no statutory minimum child support amount, but even obligors with very low income are expected to contribute. For obligors with monthly net resources below $1,000, reduced percentages apply under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(c). Courts can order as little as $0 in extreme hardship cases but must make written findings explaining any deviation from guidelines. The OAG's child support calculator Texas tool will compute the reduced amounts for low-income obligors.