Texas Child Support Calculator
Calculate monthly child support payments according to Texas Family Code guidelines
Child Support Calculation
Monthly Child Support Payment
Calculation Breakdown
Texas Child Support Guidelines
Texas follows specific percentage guidelines based on the paying parent’s net income and number of children:
Standard Percentages
- 1 Child: 20% of net income
- 2 Children: 25% of net income
- 3 Children: 30% of net income
- 4 Children: 35% of net income
- 5 Children: 40% of net income
- 6+ Children: 40%+ of net income
Income Caps (2025)
Texas applies guidelines to the first $9,200 of monthly net income. Support for income above this amount is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Maximum monthly support:
- 1 Child: $1,840
- 2 Children: $2,300
- 3 Children: $2,760
Multiple Family Adjustments
When the paying parent has children in multiple households, the support obligation may be adjusted to account for all children’s needs.
The court considers the total number of children supported by the paying parent across all relationships.
Factors Affecting Child Support
Several factors can influence the final child support amount beyond the standard guidelines:
Income Sources
Wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, overtime pay, tips, rental income, and other earnings
Healthcare Costs
Health insurance premiums and uninsured medical expenses for the children
Childcare Expenses
Work-related daycare, babysitting, and after-school care costs
Custody Arrangement
Extended possession time may reduce support obligations
Educational Needs
Private school tuition, tutoring, and educational expenses
Special Circumstances
Disability needs, travel costs, and other unique situations
Modifying Child Support Orders
Child support orders can be modified when circumstances change significantly:
Automatic Review
Either parent can request a review every three years, or when circumstances have materially and substantially changed since the current order.
Material Change Threshold
Generally, a change of at least 20% or $100 per month (whichever is greater) in the support amount qualifies as material and substantial.
Common Modification Reasons
- Significant income change (job loss, promotion, new employment)
- Changes in custody or possession schedule
- Changes in healthcare or childcare costs
- Birth of additional children
- Changes in the child’s needs
Child Support Enforcement
Texas has strong enforcement mechanisms for collecting child support:
Wage Garnishment
Automatic deduction from paychecks, including overtime and bonuses
Asset Seizure
Bank account levies, property liens, and asset seizure
License Suspension
Suspension of driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses
Credit Reporting
Delinquent support reported to credit bureaus
Contempt of Court
Jail time for willful non-payment of support
Tax Refund Interception
Federal and state tax refunds intercepted for past-due support
Legal Considerations
Child support in Texas is governed by specific legal requirements and procedures:
Establishment Process
Child support can be established through:
- Court Order: Through divorce, paternity, or modification proceedings
- Administrative Process: Through the Office of the Attorney General
- Voluntary Agreement: Approved by the court
Duration of Support
Child support typically continues until:
- The child reaches age 18 and graduates from high school
- The child reaches age 19 (if still in high school)
- The child becomes emancipated
- The child dies
- Parental rights are terminated