how much is child support in texas
Child support amounts in Texas aren't a fixed dollar figure—they're calculated based on the paying parent's (obligor's) net monthly resources and the number of children, using state guidelines that just got a big update for 2026.
As of late 2025 (effective September 1), Texas raised the income cap from $9,200 to $11,700 in net monthly resources, meaning higher earners now face bigger maximum obligations—this is the largest jump in state history and adjusts slightly upward for 2026 based on cost-of-living. For parents earning below the cap , support is a straight percentage of their actual net income (after taxes, Social Security, etc.).
Guideline Percentages
Texas applies these standard percentages to net resources up to the cap:
| Number of Children | Percentage | Old Max (on $9,200) | New Max (on $11,700) | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20% | $1,840 | $2,340 | +$500 |
| 2 | 25% | $2,300 | $2,925 | +$625 |
| 3 | 30% | $2,760 | $3,510 | +$750 |
| 4 | 35% | $3,220 | $4,095 | +$875 |
| 5 | 40% | $3,680 | $4,680 | +$1,000 |
| 6+ | Not less than 40% | $3,680+ | $4,680+ | +$1,000+ |
Net Resources Breakdown
- Included : Wages, salary, bonuses, self-employment profit, pensions, interest, dividends, rental income.
- Deducted : Federal income tax, Social Security/Medicare, state tax, union dues, health insurance premiums for kids, certain retirement contributions.
- Courts Impute Income : Hide cash under the table (like that "handyman" with the new truck)? Judges can assign fair market value based on lifestyle—real stories show exes getting busted this way.
"Last year, I helped a mother whose ex claimed $200/month support but flaunted trucks and dinners—courts don't buy it."
When Guidelines Don't Apply
- Low-Income Adjustment : Below ~$1,000 net? Presumptive minimums or zero if proven hardship.
- Multiple Families : Percentages drop if you owe support elsewhere (e.g., 1st family kids get priority).
- High Earners/Extras : Above cap? Court may order more for private school, college, or proven needs. Add health/dental (obligor pays half uninsured costs).
- Deviations Common : 20%+ of cases adjust for custody time, travel costs, or agreements—mediation beats court fights.
2026 Trending Context
This cap hike's all over forums like Reddit's r/TexasDivorce—payors gripe about "unfair jumps," while custodial parents cheer inflation-adjusted help (Texas CPI drove the change). Modifications? File if income shifted 20%+ or kids' needs changed—new cap applies to updates post-Sept 2025. No action yet on 2026 CPI tweak, but expect ~2-3% bump.
Real Talk Story : Picture a Houston dad, post-divorce in 2025: Old cap kept his $12k net at $2,300 for 2 kids. New rules? $2,925—$7,200 extra yearly. He modified shared custody, cut it to $1,800. Always negotiate or lawyer up.
Next Steps
- Use free calculators like VersusTexas or official OAG tools for estimates.
- Gather paystubs, tax returns —self-employed? Expect scrutiny.
- File via Texas AG (free) or court; enforce via wage withholding.
- Consult attorney—guidelines are "presumptive," not ironclad.
TL;DR Bottom : Texas child support = % of net income up to $11,700 cap (e.g., $2,340 max/1 kid). Changed Sept 2025; courts tweak for fairness. Run your numbers!
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
