Alimony vs. Child Support in Texas: What's the Difference? (2026 Guide)
Texas limits spousal maintenance to $5,000/month max while child support follows 20-40% guidelines. Learn key differences in eligibility, duration, and enforcement.
How support is calculated, modified, and enforced — from guidelines to college expenses.
Texas limits spousal maintenance to $5,000/month max while child support follows 20-40% guidelines. Learn key differences in eligibility, duration, and enforcement.
Texas courts can order parents to split extracurricular costs above the $2,340/month guideline max. Learn how sports fees and activity costs are handled in divorce.
Texas child support payments go through the State Disbursement Unit. Pay online via Smart e-Pay, wage withholding, or cash at 2.55% fee. Processing takes 3-5 days.
Child support is not taxable income in Texas under IRC § 61. Payers cannot deduct payments. Full 2026 tax rules, exemptions, and filing guidance.
Texas child support ends at 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later, under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.001. Learn exceptions for disability, emancipation, and how to terminate.
Texas child support is 20% of net resources for 1 child, capped at $11,700/month (2026). Learn how to calculate payments, deductions, and modification rules.