How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas?
Child support calculations can often feel confusing and impersonal, especially when families are already dealing with emotional stress. In Texas, child support follows a structured formula set by law; but real-world cases often involve details that affect the final amount.
Understanding how support is calculated helps parents set realistic expectations and recognize when a court order may need to be reviewed or modified.
The Guiding Principle Behind Child Support
Under Texas law, child support is designed to ensure that children receive consistent financial support from both parents. Courts focus on meeting the child’s basic needs while accounting for the paying parent’s ability to contribute.
Child support is not meant to punish either parent. It is meant to provide stability for the child.
Who Pays Child Support?
Typically, the parent who does not have primary physical custody pays child support to the parent who does. This parent is called the obligor, while the parent who receives support is known as the obligee.
Courts focus on which parent has primary responsibility for the child’s day-to-day care rather than income alone, meaning either parent may be ordered to pay support depending on the custody arrangement.
What Income Is Used to Calculate Child Support?
Texas courts calculate child support using the obligor’s net monthly income, not gross income. Net income includes wages and other earnings after certain deductions.
Income that may be included:
Salary or hourly wages
Overtime, commissions, and bonuses
Self-employment income
Rental income
Retirement benefits
Certain disability or unemployment benefits
Allowable deductions generally include federal income tax, Social Security or Medicare taxes, union dues, and the cost of health insurance for the child.
Per Texas Statutes, only the first $11,500 of net monthly income is used to calculate child support. This means that if an obligor makes more than $11,500 in net monthly income, the custodial parent must prove that including more than the statutory cap is necessary for the children. Usually this is due to the children attending private school, having a disability, or other high cost necessities.
*Note, that this cap was increased by the Texas State legislature in HB 2643, effective Sept. 1, 2025. The statutory cap was previously $9,200 in net monthly income.
Texas Child Support Guideline Percentages
Once net monthly income is determined, courts apply guideline percentages based on the number of children being supported in that order and any other children the Obligor supports.
The standard guidelines are (if there are no other children supported that are not included in the current order):
One child: 20 percent of net income
Two children: 25 percent
Three children: 30 percent
Four children: 35 percent
Five or more children: 40 percent
These percentages apply up to a statutory income cap. Income above that cap may still be considered depending on the child’s needs.
Adjustments and Special Circumstances
While guideline calculations apply in many cases, courts may adjust child support when circumstances justify a different amount. Factors that can influence support include:
The child’s medical or educational needs
Health insurance and uninsured medical expenses
Childcare costs
Travel expenses for visitation
Support obligations for other children
In some cases, courts may order support above or below the guideline amount if it better serves the child’s best interests.
Self-Employed and Variable Income Parents
Calculating child support can be more complex when a parent is self-employed or earns irregular income. Courts may review tax returns, bank records, and business expenses to determine actual earning capacity.
If a parent is underemployed or intentionally earning less than they could, the court may base support on earning potential rather than reported income. This is called an “imputation of income.”
When Child Support Can Be Modified
Child support orders are not always permanent. A modification may be possible if:
A parent’s income changes significantly
The child’s needs change
Custody arrangements change
Several years have passed since the last order and guideline amounts differ substantially
Until a court approves a modification, the existing order remains enforceable.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Even though Texas uses a formula, child support cases are rarely simple. Errors in income calculations or overlooked factors can result in unfair or unsustainable orders.
A family law attorney can help you:
Ensure income is calculated accurately
Identify when guideline deviations apply
Request or oppose modifications
Enforce existing child support orders
Protecting Your Child’s Financial Stability
Understanding how child support is calculated gives parents clarity and confidence during an already difficult time. When questions or disputes arise, having the right legal guidance helps protect both your rights and your child’s future.
LDG, PLLC assists parents across Texas with child support calculations, modifications, and enforcement. Contact us to discuss your situation and ensure your child’s financial needs are properly addressed.