How Much Is Child Support in Texas? (2026 Guide)

Texas uses the Percentage of Income model, which is one of the simplest child support calculation methods in the country. Unlike most states that consider both parents' incomes, Texas primarily looks at the non-custodial parent's net monthly income.

Texas Child Support Percentages

Under Texas Family Code §154.125, the standard percentages are:

| Number of Children | Percentage of Net Income | |-------------------|------------------------| | 1 child | 20% | | 2 children | 25% | | 3 children | 30% | | 4 children | 35% | | 5 children | 40% | | 6+ children | Not less than 40% |

If the obligor has children from other relationships, the percentages are adjusted downward under §154.129.

What to Expect: Typical Texas Child Support

Based on the non-custodial parent's net monthly income (after taxes and deductions):

| Net Monthly Income | 1 Child (20%) | 2 Children (25%) | 3 Children (30%) | |-------------------|---------------|------------------|------------------| | $3,000 | $600 | $750 | $900 | | $4,000 | $800 | $1,000 | $1,200 | | $5,000 | $1,000 | $1,250 | $1,500 | | $7,000 | $1,400 | $1,750 | $2,100 | | $10,000 | $1,990* | $2,488* | $2,985* |

Subject to the income cap — see below.

The Texas Income Cap

Texas has a net resources cap of approximately $9,200/month (updated periodically). For income above this cap, the court has discretion to order additional support based on the child's proven needs. Below the cap, the percentage guidelines are presumed to be in the child's best interest.

This means that for very high earners, the guideline amount for one child maxes out at about $1,840/month (20% of $9,200), though courts can go higher if the child's needs justify it.

How Texas Calculates Net Income

Texas starts with all income sources and subtracts:

• Federal income taxes (single, one exemption)
• State income taxes (Texas has none, so this only applies to out-of-state income)
• Social Security taxes (FICA)
• Medicare taxes
• Health insurance for the child
• Union dues
• Existing child support for other children

What Counts as Income in Texas

• Wages, salary, overtime, tips, bonuses, commissions
• Self-employment income
• Interest and dividends
• Rental income
• Retirement and pension income
• Trust income
• Annuity payments
• Social Security benefits
• Unemployment benefits
• Workers' compensation

Custody and Parenting Time in Texas

Texas calls its shared custody arrangement "Standard Possession Order" (SPO). The standard order gives the non-custodial parent approximately 43% of the time (about 157 nights/year with the expanded SPO).

For parents with true 50/50 custody, the court may:

• Calculate each parent's obligation to the other
• Offset the amounts
• Order the higher-earning parent to pay the difference

Modifying Texas Child Support

Under Texas Family Code §156.401, you can request a modification if:

• It's been 3 years since the last order AND the amount would differ by 20% or $100/month
• OR there's been a material and substantial change in circumstances

Common qualifying changes include job loss, significant income change, change in custody, or change in the child's needs.

Texas Child Support Enforcement

The Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division provides free services:

• Income withholding (wage garnishment)
• License suspension (driver's, professional, hunting/fishing)
• Credit bureau reporting
• Tax refund intercept
• Passport denial
• Liens on property
• Contempt of court (up to 6 months in jail per violation)

Key Takeaways

• Texas uses a simple percentage model: 20% for one child, 25% for two, etc.
• Only the non-custodial parent's income matters for the basic calculation
• There's an income cap (~$9,200/month net) above which courts have discretion
• The Standard Possession Order gives non-custodial parents about 43% of time
• Use our Child Support Calculator to estimate your Texas obligation

For more details, visit the Texas child support page.