Texas Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using Texas' official guidelines
About Texas' Guidelines
Percentage of Net Resources Model
Note: Uses NET resources (after taxes/deductions): 20% (1 child) to 40% (5+ children)
Key Information
- •Model: Percentage of Income
- •Income Cap: $9,200/month combined
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Texas uses the Percentage of Income model — only the non-custodial parent's income is used. Enter both incomes and we'll determine the calculation based on your custody time.
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a Texas family law attorney for official calculations.
Official Texas Court Forms
Download official court forms from the Texas judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.
Child Support Forms
Official petitions & worksheets
Modification Forms
Request changes to orders
Financial Disclosure
Income & expense statements
These links go to official Texas court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
Texas Child Support Guidelines
Texas uses the Texas Child Support Guidelines (Texas Family Code § 154) to determine child support obligations. Under the Percentage of Income model, a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's net income is applied based on the number of children. This approach focuses primarily on the paying parent's ability to contribute.
Texas has several distinctive features in its child support system. Texas uses "net resources" — a unique definition that includes most income minus taxes, Social Security, health insurance, and union dues. There is a hard income cap: support is calculated only on the first $9,200/month in net resources (updated annually). Texas has the "Standard Possession Order" — a default custody schedule that affects how support interacts with visitation.
Texas bases calculations on net income — meaning income after mandatory deductions like taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. This gives a more accurate picture of each parent's take-home pay. The self-support reserve in Texas is $1,275/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How Texas Calculates Child Support
Texas follows a 6-step process under the Texas Child Support Guidelines (Texas Family Code § 154):
- 1
Calculate the obligor's gross monthly income from all sources
- 2
Convert to "net resources" by deducting: federal income tax (single, 1 exemption), state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and health insurance for the children
- 3
If net resources exceed $9,200/month, apply the percentage only to the first $9,200
- 4
Apply percentage: 20% (1 child), 25% (2), 30% (3), 35% (4), 40% (5+)
- 5
If the obligor has children from other relationships: use the "multiple family" adjusted percentages
- 6
For income above $9,200, the court can order additional support based on the children's proven needs
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in Texas
Maximum Income Cap
$9,200/mo
Self-Support Reserve
$1,275/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
128 nights/yr
35% of overnights
Income Basis
net
Support Percentages by Number of Children
20%
1 child
25%
2 children
30%
3 children
35%
4 children
40%
5 children
Custody Time Adjustments in Texas
Texas recognizes "Expanded Standard Possession" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 128 overnights per year (approximately 35% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.
Under Texas' Percentage of Income approach, shared custody adjustments offset each parent's calculated obligation against the other's. Each parent's support is computed independently, and the parent with the higher obligation pays the difference to the other parent.
Below 128 overnights, Texas generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Child Support
What is the Texas net resources cap?
What are net resources in Texas?
What if I have children from multiple relationships?
How does the Standard Possession Order affect support?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in Texas
While child support is determined by Texas' guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In Texas, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.
Ensure Accurate Income Reporting
Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.
Claim All Allowable Deductions
Texas allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.
Request a Modification When Eligible
If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.
Account for Other Children
If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.
Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.
Key Facts About Child Support in Texas
Calculation Model
Percentage of Income
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Income Cap
$9,200/mo
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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