Californiavs
Texas
Compare child support guidelines, calculation methods, and requirements between these two states.
Key Differences
Calculation Model
Different Models
CA Model
Income Shares
TX Model
Percentage of Income
California
CA
Calculation Model
Income SharesHow It Works
Income Shares with complex time-sharing formula
Income Cap
$30,000/month combined
Deviation Factors
- High earner exception
- Deferred sale of family home
- Hardship deductions
Important Notes
Uses statewide uniform guideline formula (algebraic), considers tax effects
Last updated: January 15, 2024
Texas
TX
Calculation Model
Percentage of IncomeHow It Works
Percentage of Net Resources Model
Income Cap
$9,200/month combined
Deviation Factors
- Net resource caps
- Multiple children from different relationships
- Healthcare costs
Important Notes
Uses NET resources (after taxes/deductions): 20% (1 child) to 40% (5+ children)
Last updated: January 15, 2024
Different Calculation Methods
California uses the Income Shares model, while Texas uses Percentage of Income. This means support calculations can vary significantly even with identical incomes and custody arrangements. The Percentage of Income model only considers the non-custodial parent's income, while Income Shares considers both parents' incomes.
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