How is child support calculated in Texas?

Texas child support is governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 154 and uses one of the simplest Percentage of Income formulas in the country.

1. The Guideline Percentages (§ 154.125)

Applied to the obligor's monthly net resources:

1 child — 20%

2 children — 25%

3 children — 30%

4 children — 35%

5 children — 40%

6+ children — not less than 40%

2. Net Resources (§ 154.062)

Includes wages, self-employment income, rental income, dividends, severance, retirement, unemployment, disability, and gifts. Deductions: federal income tax (single, one exemption), Social Security, union dues, and the cost of the child's health insurance.

3. The Cap (§ 154.125(a)(1))

Guidelines apply only to the first $9,200 of monthly net resources (cap effective Sept. 1, 2019; the Office of the Attorney General adjusts every 6 years for inflation). Above the cap, the court may order additional support only if proven needs of the child exceed the presumptive amount.

4. Multiple Households (§ 154.129)

A separate "multiple-family adjusted" table reduces percentages when the obligor has children from other relationships (e.g., 17.5% for 1 child if the obligor has 1 other child to support).

5. Duration (§ 154.001)

Support continues until the later of:

The child's 18th birthday, OR

Graduation from high school (if enrolled and complying with attendance/credit requirements).

Indefinite support is available for an adult disabled child (§ 154.302).

6. Modification (§ 156.401)

Modification requires either:

A material and substantial change in circumstances of a party or child, OR

The order is 3+ years old AND guideline calculation differs by 20% or $100.

7. Medical & Dental Support (§§ 154.181, 154.1815)

In addition to base support, the obligor must provide health and dental insurance, or pay cash medical support if insurance is unavailable.

This is legal information, not legal advice.