Skip to content
Child support isn’t just a number on a court order—it’s part of a structured system in Texas that affects how parents manage their responsibilities and rights. Many people misunderstand what child support covers, how it’s calculated, and the consequences of missing a payment. Understanding the key things to know about child support can help you stay prepared and avoid costly mistakes. This article highlights five important points that matter to both paying and receiving parents.
1. Texas Uses a Set Formula to Calculate Child Support
Income-Based Guidelines Drive the Payment Amount
The Texas Family Code uses a percentage of the paying parent’s income to determine the monthly child support amount. The system focuses on the net income, which means income after taxes, Social Security, and health insurance for the child.
Here’s how the percentage usually works for one household:
- 1 child: 20% of net income
- 2 children: 25%
- 3 children: 30%
- 4 children: 35%
- 5 or more: 40%
This structure assumes the parent paying support has no other children to support. If that parent has children in another household, the amount may decrease slightly.
Judges rarely stray from these guidelines unless the situation demands it. The system is built to be consistent. That helps parents know what to expect when calculating what they owe or receive.
Courts Review All Sources of Income
The state doesn’t limit child support to paychecks. Courts include tips, bonuses, overtime, self-employment income, commissions, rental income, and even severance pay. If someone tries to hide income or work under the table, the court can impute income based on their skills and employment history.
2. Child Support and Custody Aren’t Connected
You Still Owe Support Even Without Visitation
Many parents assume that child support ends if the other parent blocks visitation. That’s not true in Texas. Child support and custody are separate issues. You can’t stop paying just because you don’t see the child. Likewise, a parent can’t deny visitation because support hasn’t been paid.
If a parent denies access to a child, the proper route is to file a motion to enforce visitation rights, not withhold support. Failing to pay puts you at legal risk and can lead to serious penalties.
Courts want children to have both financial and emotional support. They don’t view one as a reward for the other. That’s why the law separates the two responsibilities.
3. Failing to Pay Has Serious Consequences
The State Has Strong Tools to Collect Unpaid Support
Texas doesn’t take child support lightly. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) enforces support orders. If a parent falls behind, the OAG can take action without going to court. That includes:
- Wage garnishment
- Bank account seizures
- Property liens
- License suspensions (driver’s, professional, hunting, etc.)
- Intercepting tax refunds
Judges can also hold parents in contempt of court. That means jail time, large fines, or both. Even if someone moves to another state, Texas can still enforce the order through federal law.
Don’t Wait to Act if You Can’t Pay
Life happens. Jobs end, injuries occur, and incomes change. If you lose your job or your pay drops, file a modification request immediately. Don’t assume the court will backdate changes. You owe the full amount until a judge changes the order.
4. Parents Can Agree, but Courts Must Approve
Private Agreements Still Need Legal Approval
Some parents try to make informal deals. One agrees to accept less support for a while. Another pays cash instead of going through the official payment system. These kinds of arrangements might work for a short time, but they don’t hold up in court.
Texas only recognizes official child support orders. Any agreement that changes the amount or method of payment must go through a judge. If the receiving parent later claims the payments were missed, you could face penalties even if you handed over the money.
Use the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit (SDU) to track payments. It provides a clear record and protects both parents. If there’s a dispute, the court will look at SDU records, not text messages or handshakes.
It’s Possible to Modify Support Legally
The court allows modifications in certain situations. If the paying parent’s income changes significantly or if the child’s needs shift due to health or education issues, you can ask for a review. Parents can also request a change if it has been at least three years since the last order and the new calculation would differ by 20% or $100.
Just remember, until the court approves a new amount, the current order stays in effect.
5. Support Doesn’t Always End on the Child’s 18th Birthday
Several Conditions Can Extend Support
Most people think child support ends when the child turns 18. In Texas, that’s not always true. Support continues until the child graduates from high school, even if they’ve turned 18. If the child has a disability that requires lifelong care, support may continue indefinitely.
Support also doesn’t pause during temporary living changes. For example, if the child moves in with the paying parent for a few weeks or stays with a grandparent for a short time, the obligation continues unless the court modifies it.
Parents must also stay current on any back support, interest, or fees even after the child turns 18. Courts can enforce arrears long after the original support order ends.
Closing Thoughts
Child support in Texas is a serious matter, impacting both children and parents for years to come. If you’re involved in a support case, it’s crucial to stay informed, act quickly when your situation changes, and keep everything documented through the state system. Avoid informal agreements, missed payments, and last-minute decisions.
These five key things to know about child support aren’t just legal guidelines—they form the foundation of how Texas ensures children are supported when parents live apart. By respecting the process and following the rules, you can avoid issues that could cost more than just money.
Other Articles you may be interested in:
- Navigating Texas Child Support Laws: A Practical Guide
- The Best Child Support Legal Representation Texas
- Comprehensive Guide to Child Support Calculation Guidelines Texas
- What Kind of Support Does a Guardian Provide in a Family?
- Child Support Modifications: Adapting to Economic Shifts and Life Changes
- Child Support for your special needs child
- How Can a Father Stop Paying Child Support In Texas?
- Can a Child Sue a Parent For Back Child Support In Texas?
- Will You Go To Jail For Back Child Support In Texas?
- What Is The Bare Minimum For Child Support In Texas?
- What To Expect At a Child Support Review Hearing In Texas
