Texas Child Support Calculator

Texas uses the percentage-of-income model under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125. Child support is calculated by applying a flat percentage to the paying parent's (obligor's) monthly net resources based on the number of children: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five or more. If the obligor's net resources are below $1,000 per month, a reduced low-income schedule applies (15% for one child, 20% for two, 25% for three, 30% for four, and 35% for five or more). Unlike income shares states, the receiving parent's income generally does not factor into the base calculation.

Net resources in Texas include wages, salary, commissions, overtime, tips, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, dividends, interest, royalties, severance pay, retirement and pension benefits, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, disability and workers' compensation benefits, and spousal maintenance received. From this, the court subtracts Social Security taxes, federal income tax for a single person claiming one exemption, state income tax, union dues, and the cost of the child's health and dental insurance to arrive at net resources.

Yes. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125, the guideline percentages are applied only to the first $11,700 of the obligor's monthly net resources. This cap rose from $9,200 to $11,700 effective September 1, 2025; it is indexed for inflation every six years by the Texas Attorney General (Title IV-D agency) and published in the Texas Register. If the paying parent has more than $11,700 per month in net resources, the court applies the percentage to the $11,700 cap, and may order additional support above the cap only if the child's proven needs justify it.

Texas does not reduce guideline child support based on the number of overnights or parenting days in the way income shares states do. The percentage of net resources is set by statute regardless of a standard possession schedule. However, a court may deviate from the guideline amount if applying the percentage would be unjust or inappropriate given the parties' circumstances, including the time of possession and access to the child.

Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order, or if it has been at least three years since the order and the guideline amount would differ by either 20% or $100 from the current order. Common reasons include significant income changes, changes in the children's needs, or a change in custody.

In Texas, child support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. Support may continue indefinitely for a child who is disabled and unable to support themselves. Texas courts do not order parents to pay for college as part of standard child support.

Health and dental insurance premiums for the child are deducted when determining the obligor's monthly net resources, so they are already reflected in the net-resources figure you enter; the obligor is then typically ordered to provide or reimburse the child's medical and dental support separately. If the paying parent also has other children they are legally required to support in another household, Texas reduces the percentage applied to net resources under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.128, which this calculator accounts for when you enter those other children.

This calculator provides an estimate based on the Texas guideline percentages under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125. Actual court-ordered support may differ because the court determines net resources after specific deductions, may deviate from the guidelines, and accounts for medical and dental support separately. Consult a Texas family law attorney for an accurate assessment.