Texas Child Support Calculator

Texas uses the percentage of obligor's net resources model under Texas Family Code § 154.125, not the income shares model used by most states. Courts apply a fixed percentage to the noncustodial parent's monthly net income: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five or more. Only the paying parent's income determines the guideline amount, with a net resources cap of $11,700 per month effective September 1, 2025.

Texas Family Code § 154.062 defines net resources as all income from all sources — wages, salary, overtime, commissions, bonuses, rental income, dividends, self-employment income, and retirement benefits — minus specific deductions. Allowed deductions include federal income taxes calculated as a single filer with standard deduction, Social Security and Medicare taxes, union dues, and health insurance premiums for the child. Texas has no state income tax, so no state tax deduction applies.

Texas applies guideline percentages to the noncustodial parent's net resources based on the custody arrangement. When parents share possession under a standard possession order, the full percentage applies to the obligor. If parents have substantially equal time with the child, courts may apply the offset method under § 154.070, calculating each parent's obligation and ordering the higher-earning parent to pay the difference. Geographic restrictions under § 153.001 can also affect which parent pays.

Texas allows child support modification under Texas Family Code § 156.401 when circumstances have materially and substantially changed since the last order, or when the existing order has been in effect for three or more years and the monthly amount differs by 20% or $100 from current guidelines. The 2025 net resources cap increase from $9,200 to $11,700 qualifies as a material change for higher-income obligors. Either parent can file a petition to modify with the court that issued the original order.

Guideline child support under § 154.125 covers a child's basic needs including food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. Beyond the base amount, Texas courts may order additional support for health insurance premiums under § 154.182, unreimbursed medical expenses split proportionally, and childcare costs necessary for the custodial parent's employment or education. Extraordinary expenses such as private school tuition, special needs therapy, or travel costs for long-distance visitation may be ordered separately.

Texas caps guideline child support at the net resources limit of $11,700 per month as of September 2025, producing maximum guideline amounts of $2,340 for one child, $2,925 for two, $3,510 for three, $4,095 for four, and $4,680 for five or more. For obligors earning below $1,000 monthly in net resources, Texas Family Code § 154.125(c) applies reduced percentages — 15% for one child instead of 20%. Courts can order above-guideline support when the obligor's income exceeds the cap, but the requesting parent must prove the child's specific needs.

Under Texas Family Code § 154.001, child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, with an absolute cutoff at age 19. Support terminates early if the child marries, is emancipated by court order, or enters military service. For children with physical or mental disabilities existing before age 18, courts may order indefinite support under § 154.302. Child support does not end automatically — the obligor must file a Motion to Terminate Withholding to stop income deductions.

The Texas Office of the Attorney General — Child Support Division enforces orders through multiple mechanisms. Primary tools include wage withholding from the obligor's paycheck, suspension of driver's, professional, hunting, and fishing licenses through 60+ licensing agencies, and contempt of court proceedings carrying up to six months in jail and $500 fines per violation. Additional measures include federal tax refund intercepts, bank account liens, property seizure, passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500, and public identification of delinquent obligors.