Texas Child Support Calculator

Texas uses the percentage of income model. Texas uses a percentage-of-income model under Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 154. Child support is calculated as a percentage of the noncustodial parent's monthly net resources. Effective September 1, 2025, the income cap was raised from $9,200 to $11,700 in monthly net resources. Guideline percentages: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 30% for 3, 35% for 4, 40% for 5, not less than 40% for 6+. A reduced schedule applies when net resources are below $1,000/month. Net resources include wages, salary, overtime, commissions, bonuses, rental income, dividends, self-employment income, retirement income, and most other income.

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in Texas generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in Texas can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

Texas has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.