Texas Child Support Calculation Guide

Texas uses a percentage-of-income model to calculate child support, applying set percentages to the obligor's monthly "net resources." Unlike income-shares states, Texas focuses solely on the paying parent's income. The guidelines are codified in Texas Family Code Chapter 154. Whether you're navigating an uncontested or contested divorce, understanding these calculations is essential.

What Are Net Resources?

Net resources are the foundation of Texas child support calculations. They include:

• All income sources: Wages, salary, overtime, commissions, bonuses, tips, interest, dividends, rental income, retirement benefits, Social Security (except SSI), and self-employment income
• Exclusions: Return of principal, TANF benefits, SSI, and foster care payments

To calculate net resources, deduct from gross income: Social Security taxes, federal income tax (single filer with standard deduction), union dues, the child's health and dental insurance premiums, and nondiscretionary retirement contributions if not paying Social Security.

Guideline Percentages

For obligors with monthly net resources of $1,000 or more:

• 1 child: 20% of net resources
• 2 children: 25%
• 3 children: 30%
• 4 children: 35%
• 5+ children: 40% (minimum)

Low-Income Schedule

For obligors with monthly net resources under $1,000, lower percentages apply (effective September 1, 2021):

• 1 child: 15%
• 2 children: 20%
• 3 children: 25%
• 4 children: 30%
• 5+ children: 35% (minimum)

The Net Resources Cap

Guideline percentages apply only up to a monthly cap, adjusted for inflation every six years:

• Effective September 1, 2025: $11,700/month
• Previous cap (2019–2025): $9,200/month
• Maximum for 1 child: 20% × $11,700 = $2,340/month

For income above the cap, courts may order additional support based on the child's proven needs, but the obligor cannot pay more than the greater of the presumptive amount or 100% of proven needs.

Estimate Your Texas Child Support

Use our calculator to get a preliminary estimate. For official calculations, use the Texas OAG Child Support Calculator.

Multiple-Family Adjustments

If the obligor supports children in other households, adjusted percentages apply. For example, with one child before the court and one other child elsewhere, the percentage drops from 20% to 17.50%. The Family Code includes complete tables for these adjustments.

Medical and Dental Support

Texas requires mandatory medical and dental support provisions:

• Medical support: Health insurance required if available at "reasonable cost" (≤9% of obligor's annual resources); otherwise, cash medical support is ordered
• Dental support: Coverage required if available at reasonable cost (≤1.5% of annual resources)
• Premium deduction: The child's share of premiums is deducted when computing net resources

Parenting Time and Deviations

Unlike many states, Texas has no automatic parenting time formula. However, courts may deviate from guidelines based on:

• Amount of time of possession/access
• Child-care costs for employment
• Special educational or health-care needs
• Travel costs for visitation
• In-kind benefits (housing, vehicle)

For 50/50 custody, many courts use an offset method: calculate each parent's guideline obligation and order the higher-earning parent to pay the difference.

Modification Rules

Child support can be modified when:

• Material and substantial change in circumstances of the child or a party
• At least 3 years since the order AND the guideline amount would differ by 20% or $100, whichever is less

The 2025 cap increase from $9,200 to $11,700 may qualify many older orders for modification.

Common Calculation Mistakes

• Using gross instead of net resources: Always apply statutory deductions first
• Ignoring the cap: Percentages apply only up to $11,700/month
• Forgetting multiple-family adjustments: Support duties to other children reduce the percentage
• Using outdated cap figures: The cap changed September 1, 2025
• Missing medical/dental provisions: These are mandatory in all orders

Arrears and Enforcement

Texas takes enforcement seriously:

• Interest rate: 6% simple interest per year on arrears
• Income withholding: Required in virtually every order
• License suspension: Driver's, professional, and recreational licenses can be suspended for 3+ months' arrears
• Passport denial: Federal program denies passports for arrears exceeding $2,500

Key Takeaways

• Percentage-of-income model: Based solely on obligor's net resources
• Standard percentages: 20% for one child, +5% per additional child up to 40%
• Low-income schedule: 5% lower for net resources under $1,000/month
• Cap: $11,700/month (effective September 1, 2025)
• Medical/dental support: Mandatory in all orders (9% and 1.5% thresholds)
• No parenting time formula: Deviations handled case-by-case

For more information about Texas divorce processes, see our Texas divorce timeline and filing checklist.