How does child support work in Texas? 💰
Gary Ashmore, Managing Partner at The Ashmore Law Firm, explains how Texas calculates child support, who pays it, and what factors courts consider when setting or modifying a support order.
You’ll learn:
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How the court determines which parent must pay child support
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What “net monthly resources” include under Texas law
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The guideline percentages when the obligor’s net resources are up to the cap
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FYI: the cap on net resources has been updated as of September 1, 2025
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What to do if you need to modify or enforce a child support order
The Texas Family Code provides clear guidelines for how child support is determined. Courts start by identifying which parent is responsible for paying support and then calculate the payment amount using state formulas.
Step 1: Determining Net Resources for Child Support in Texas
Under Texas Family Code § 154.062, the court calculates a parent’s net resources — basically, their take-home pay after certain deductions. Net resources include wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, and even retirement benefits.
From that total, the court subtracts items like taxes, union dues, and health insurance for the child to find the amount available for support.
Step 2: Applying the Texas Child Support Guideline Percentages
Once the court determines net resources, it applies the guideline percentages outlined in Texas Family Code § 154.125:
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1 child – 20% of net resources
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2 children – 25%
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3 children – 30%
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4 children – 35%
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5 children – 40%
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6 or more children – not less than the amount for 5 children
These percentages apply up to a maximum income cap, which is updated every six years to reflect changes in the cost of living.
As of September 1, 2025, that cap increased from $9,200 to $11,700 per month in net resources, meaning courts may calculate guideline support on a higher income.
If the obligated parent supports children from other relationships, the court may reduce the percentage accordingly.
Working With an Experienced Texas Child Support Attorney
Every family’s situation is different. The court can adjust child support based on special circumstances, such as medical needs or shared custody.
At The Ashmore Law Firm, we help parents understand their rights, calculate accurate child support, and navigate modifications or enforcement when life changes. Our goal is to help you protect your children’s well-being and ensure fairness for everyone involved.
Authority: Texas Family Code §§ 154.062, 154.125; Gary Ashmore, Super Lawyer in Family Law, The Ashmore Law Firm
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