Child Support Calculator Texas: 2025 Guide by Bryan Fagan

Child support payments impact thousands of families across Texas every year. When a couple separates, the financial responsibility doesn’t vanish. Texas courts use a specific formula to determine what one parent must pay, but the process is more complex than it may seem. Factors such as income, deductions, medical coverage, and even the number of other children involved can all influence the final amount. Understanding how child support payments are calculated is crucial for preparing for court or negotiating a fair agreement.

How Texas Law Calculates Child Support

Texas follows a percentage-based model when determining child support. The noncustodial parent pays a percentage of their net income based on how many children need support. The state provides a guideline, but judges can consider additional factors when needed.

Standard Percentage Guidelines

Texas law applies the following percentage of the noncustodial parent’s net income:

One child: 20%
Two children: 25%
Three children: 30%
Four children: 35%
Five children: 40%
Six or more: Not less than 40%

These numbers apply to the first $9,200 of the noncustodial parent’s monthly net resources. If the parent earns more than this cap, the court may order extra support if the child has additional needs.

Understanding Net Income for Child Support

Texas courts use “net resources” to decide the correct child support amount. This does not always mean take-home pay. It includes all sources of income, then subtracts specific costs.

Income Included in the Calculation

The court considers:

Wages, salaries, commissions
Self-employment income
Bonuses, overtime, and tips
Rental income
Retirement benefits
Unemployment and workers’ comp
Severance pay
Alimony received
Trust income
Prizes and gifts

The court adds all qualifying income to calculate the gross monthly income.

Deductions Allowed by Texas Law

To get the net amount, Texas subtracts:

Social Security taxes
Federal income taxes (based on one personal exemption)
State income tax (not applicable in Texas)
Union dues
Health insurance premiums for the child

Once deducted, the remaining figure becomes the basis for child support payments.

Special Cases That Affect the Calculation

Some situations make the basic percentage model less straightforward. Judges have the power to adjust the amount in certain circumstances.

Multiple Families

If the parent already pays child support for another child in a different household, the court adjusts the percentage. For example, if the parent supports one child in a previous case and now supports another, the percentage applied to the current case may be reduced.

High-Income Earners

Texas sets a maximum cap on the income used to calculate support. As of 2023, that cap is $9,200 per month. If the parent earns more, the court will apply the percentage only to that first $9,200 unless the child has proven needs that require more financial support. These could include medical conditions, education, or therapy.

Low-Income Noncustodial Parents

If the noncustodial parent earns a very low income, the court may adjust the amount to avoid creating financial hardship. Texas uses an “alternative minimum support” table for parents whose income falls below a certain level.

Adjustments for Medical and Dental Coverage

Texas requires parents to cover the cost of health and dental insurance for their children. If the noncustodial parent does not provide insurance, the court may order them to pay additional support to help the custodial parent cover the cost. This is called “cash medical support.”

The cost of premiums gets factored in when calculating the final child support obligation. The parent who pays for insurance receives a credit, which reduces their support amount.

How to Estimate Your Payment

While online calculators exist, they only provide a rough estimate. These tools use the guideline percentages and standard deductions, but they don’t account for individual court adjustments.

To estimate your payment:

Add all sources of monthly income.
Subtract allowed deductions (Social Security, taxes, health insurance, union dues).
Multiply the remaining amount by the percentage based on the number of children.
Adjust for any additional credits or obligations.

Filing for a Support Order in Texas

Parents can request child support through a court order. This can be done as part of a divorce, custody case, or a stand-alone support case. The Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) helps parents apply for support services even without a private attorney.

The process involves:

Opening a case with the OAG
Locating the noncustodial parent, if necessary
Confirming paternity, if disputed
Calculating the payment amount
Issuing the support order

Once the court issues the order, it becomes legally binding.

Modifying a Support Order

Child support orders don’t stay the same forever. Texas allows modifications when circumstances change. A parent can ask the court to increase or decrease the payment if:

The paying parent’s income changes significantly
The child’s needs change
The current order is at least three years old and differs from the guideline by 20% or $100

The parent requesting the change must file a petition and prove why the adjustment is needed.

Consequences of Missing Payments

Failing to pay child support has serious consequences in Texas. The state enforces orders aggressively. Missed payments can lead to:

Wage garnishment
Seizure of tax refunds
Suspension of driver’s licenses
Denial of passports
Contempt charges, which could result in jail time

Interest also accrues on unpaid child support, making the debt grow quickly. The OAG tracks payment histories and can take action automatically in many cases.

Working with the Texas Attorney General

The Office of the Attorney General manages child support enforcement across the state. They offer help to custodial and noncustodial parents alike. Services include:

Filing support cases
Locating absent parents
Establishing paternity
Collecting and distributing payments
Enforcing court orders

Parents can apply online or visit a local child support office.

Tips for Staying Compliant

Keeping up with payments helps avoid legal trouble and supports your child’s needs. Parents who struggle to pay should take action early.

Set up automatic payments
Communicate with the other parent
Keep records of payments
Contact the court if your income changes
Request a modification if needed

Ignoring the problem will only lead to penalties and long-term consequences.

Final Thoughts

Calculating child support payments in Texas involves more than just plugging numbers into a formula. While the law provides a standard calculation, real-life situations often require adjustments. Parents should understand how net income is determined, what qualifies as a deduction, and how factors like other children or medical expenses can affect the final amount. Staying informed helps both parents manage their financial responsibilities and ensure their children receive the support they need.

FAQs on Calculating Texas Child Support

How do I calculate Texas child support?

Child support in Texas is calculated based on the non-custodial parent’s net monthly income and the number of children they are responsible for supporting. Use the percentage guidelines provided by the Texas Family Code, adjusting for the number of children.

What is the max child support per month in Texas?

The maximum child support in Texas for net resources up to $9,200 per month is capped at a percentage based on the number of children, starting from 20% for one child to 40% or more for five or more children.

Is child support in Texas based on gross or net income?

Child support in Texas is calculated based on the non-custodial parent’s net income, after deductions like taxes, union dues, and health insurance premiums for the child.

How is child support calculated in Texas with 50 50 custody?

In cases of 50/50 custody, child support may still be ordered if there is a significant discrepancy in the parents’ incomes. The court will consider both parents’ incomes and the needs of the child to determine the support amount.

Do you pay child support with 50 50 custody in Texas?

Yes, even with 50/50 custody, one parent may be required to pay child support to the other to balance the child’s needs with the parents’ financial capabilities.

Does child support increase if salary increases in Texas?

Yes, child support can be adjusted if the non-custodial parent’s salary increases significantly. Either parent can request a review of the support order for possible adjustment.

Is child support based on 40 hours or overtime in Texas?

Child support calculations in Texas take into account all sources of income, including overtime, as part of the non-custodial parent’s gross income.

While there’s no fixed “average” rate due to variations in individual circumstances, child support is generally a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s net income, ranging from 20% for one child to 40% for five or more children.

Child Support Calculation Texas