Barton & Associates · Free Texas Tool
Texas Child Support Calculator
Calculate your Texas child support obligation in 60 seconds using the
official state guidelines from Texas Family Code Chapter 154. Our free
calculator applies the current percentage guidelines under § 154.125,
the $11,700 net resources cap effective September 1, 2025, the low-income
schedule under § 154.125(c), and the multiple-household adjustment table
under § 154.129 — so whether you're in San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi,
or anywhere else in Texas, you get the number a court actually uses.
Updated September 2025
Texas Family Code compliant
No email required
60 seconds
Updated for the 2025 Texas child support cap increase.
Effective September 1, 2025, the monthly net resources cap rose from
$9,200 to $11,700 under Texas Family Code § 154.125(a-1). This calculator
applies the current cap. If your existing order was finalized before
September 1, 2025, it may be eligible for modification — the cap increase
is considered a "material and substantial change" under Texas law.
Guideline amount, not a final court order.
This calculator applies the Texas Family Code presumptive guidelines. Courts
can and do deviate from guideline amounts when factors under § 154.123
apply (special needs, significant possession time variations, high-income
scenarios, and more). For your specific case, consult with a Texas family
law attorney.
How Texas Child Support Is Calculated
Unlike most states that balance multiple factors subjectively, Texas
uses a straightforward statutory formula. The Texas Family Code
provides specific percentages to apply to the paying parent's net
resources — up to the current $11,700 monthly cap.
01
Calculate Net Resources (§ 154.062)
Start with gross monthly income, then subtract federal income tax
(as if single claiming one exemption), Social Security/Medicare
taxes, state income tax if any, union dues, and the child's health
and dental insurance premiums. What remains is "net resources."
02
Apply the Cap ($11,700/mo)
If net resources exceed $11,700/month, the guideline percentages
apply only to the first $11,700. Courts can order additional support
on income above the cap if the child's proven needs justify it, but
guideline percentages don't automatically extend past the cap.
03
Apply Guideline Percentages (§ 154.125)
For net resources of $1,000+: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30%
for three, 35% for four, 40% for five or more. For net resources
under $1,000, the low-income schedule under § 154.125(c) uses lower
percentages. If the paying parent supports other children, § 154.129
reduces the percentages further.
Texas Child Support Guideline Percentages
These are the presumptive percentages Texas courts apply under Family Code
§ 154.125, along with the current maximum monthly amounts under the
$11,700 cap effective September 1, 2025. Courts can order less under the
low-income schedule or when multiple-household adjustments apply.
| Children in This Order |
Standard % |
Max Monthly Support at Cap |
Statute |
| 1 child |
20% |
$2,340 |
§ 154.125(b) |
| 2 children |
25% |
$2,925 |
§ 154.125(b) |
| 3 children |
30% |
$3,510 |
§ 154.125(b) |
| 4 children |
35% |
$4,095 |
§ 154.125(b) |
| 5 children |
40% |
$4,680 |
§ 154.125(b) |
| 6+ children |
not less than 40% |
$4,680+ |
§ 154.125(b) |
Texas Child Support Law — What Every Parent Should Know
Texas child support law is governed by Chapter 154 of the Texas Family
Code. While the statutory formula is clear, the details around
modifications, enforcement, and deviation from guidelines can make or
break real-world outcomes for San Antonio and Texas families.
The 2025 Cap Increase
Effective September 1, 2025, the monthly net resources cap rose
from $9,200 to $11,700 — a 27% increase to account for inflation
since 2019. This was the first adjustment in six years, per
§ 154.125(a-1). The next scheduled review is 2031.
Low-Income Guidelines (§ 154.125(c))
For paying parents with net resources under $1,000/month, Texas
applies a reduced percentage schedule: 15% for one child, 20% for
two, 25% for three, 30% for four, 35% for five, and not less than
40% for six or more. This ensures minimum-wage earners aren't
crushed by standard percentages.
Medical & Dental Support Are Separate
Under § 154.064 and § 154.1815, parents must also provide medical
and dental support for the child — typically through health
insurance. This is ORDERED SEPARATELY from guideline child support
and often adds $100–$400/month to the paying parent's obligation.
Multiple Households Adjustment (§ 154.129)
If the paying parent has a legal duty to support children in other
households, the percentages applied to this case are reduced. For
example, 1 child here + 1 child elsewhere = 17.50% instead of 20%.
This spreads the support obligation across all of the parent's
children.
Income Withholding Is Mandatory (§ 154.007)
Texas child support orders typically include an automatic income
withholding order sent directly to the paying parent's employer.
Payments are deducted from each paycheck and routed through the
State Disbursement Unit — not paid directly to the other parent.
Modification Requires "Material & Substantial Change"
Under § 156.401, modifying an existing child support order
requires a material and substantial change in circumstances — or
the order must be 3+ years old AND the guideline amount would
differ by 20% or $100. The 2025 cap increase qualifies as a
material change for orders finalized before September 2025.
Courts Can Deviate From Guidelines (§ 154.123)
Courts can order more or less than the guideline amount based on
factors including the child's age and needs, a spouse's ability to
support the child, possession/access time, special medical or
educational needs, and significant income disparity. The party
seeking deviation must prove it.
Enforcement Tools Are Severe
Texas enforcement for unpaid child support includes income
withholding, driver's license and professional license suspension,
passport denial, tax refund interception, liens on property,
contempt of court, and jail time. The Texas Office of the Attorney
General's Child Support Division aggressively enforces orders.
San Antonio & Bexar County Child Support
Barton & Associates handles child support cases throughout
San Antonio, Bexar County, Comal County, Guadalupe County, Kendall
County, and surrounding Central Texas communities. Bexar County
child support cases are typically filed at the Bexar County
Courthouse, 100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, TX 78205, and heard in
the associate judges' courtrooms before going to the elected district
judge for final orders.
The Texas Office of the Attorney General's Child Support
Division handles many child support cases across Bexar County
as Title IV-D cases — these follow the same § 154.125 guidelines but
move through a specialized process. Parents in Title IV-D cases can
still hire private counsel to protect their interests, particularly
when income calculations are disputed, self-employment is involved, or
deviation from guidelines is appropriate.
Whether you're a service member at Lackland AFB, Fort Sam
Houston, or Joint Base San Antonio dealing with Servicemembers
Civil Relief Act protections, a self-employed professional
whose income is harder to calculate than a W-2 earner's, or a
parent seeking modification of an older order under
the 2025 cap increase, the Texas child support analysis starts with the
same formula — but the evidence and arguments required
to get a favorable result vary enormously.
Common San Antonio child support matters we handle:
initial orders in divorce cases, Suit Affecting the Parent-Child
Relationship (SAPCR) cases, modifications after the 2025 cap increase,
modifications following job loss or income changes, enforcement of
unpaid support, defense against enforcement actions, interstate child
support under UIFSA, self-employed and business-owner income
calculations, deviation requests for high-income obligors, and
retroactive support claims.
Texas Child Support Calculator — Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Texas?
Texas child support is calculated using a statutory formula under
Texas Family Code § 154.125. The paying parent's gross income is
reduced to "net resources" by deducting federal income tax, Social
Security/Medicare taxes, state income tax if applicable, union dues,
and the child's health and dental insurance premiums. The resulting
net resources figure is then multiplied by a percentage based on the
number of children: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three,
35% for four, and 40% for five or more children. As of September 1,
2025, only the first $11,700/month of net resources is subject to
guideline percentages.
How much is child support in Texas for one child?
For one child, Texas child support is 20% of the paying parent's
monthly net resources (capped at $11,700/month in net resources as of
September 1, 2025). That means the maximum guideline support for one
child under the current cap is $2,340 per month
($11,700 × 20%). For a paying parent earning $5,000/month in net
resources, child support for one child would be $1,000/month (20% ×
$5,000). Under the low-income schedule for parents with net resources
under $1,000/month, the percentage drops to 15% for one child.
What is the Texas child support cap in 2025?
The current Texas child support cap is $11,700 per month in
net resources, effective September 1, 2025. This replaced
the prior $9,200 cap that had been in place since 2019. The cap is
the maximum amount of net resources to which the guideline percentages
automatically apply under § 154.125. Courts can still order additional
support on income above the cap based on the proven needs of the
child, but guideline percentages don't automatically extend past
$11,700. The next scheduled cap adjustment is 2031, per § 154.125(a-1).
Does Texas child support include health insurance?
No — health insurance for the child is ordered SEPARATELY from
guideline child support. Under Texas Family Code § 154.064 and
§ 154.1815, the court must order one or both parents to provide
medical and dental support for the child, usually through employer-
sponsored health insurance. The paying parent's health insurance
premium for the child IS deductible from net resources when
calculating guideline support (§ 154.062(d)(5)), so you get credit
for it — but the insurance obligation itself is an additional,
separate component of the overall child support order.
Does the custodial parent's income affect Texas child support?
Under the standard Texas guidelines, the custodial parent's income is
NOT factored into the guideline calculation — the formula applies
only to the paying parent's (obligor's) net resources. However, a
significant income disparity can be a factor for deviation from
guidelines under § 154.123(b)(5), particularly in high-asset
divorces or when the custodial parent is also a high earner. For
50/50 possession or equal-custody arrangements, courts often deviate
from the standard guideline amount, though this requires evidence and
is not automatic.
How long does child support last in Texas?
Under Texas Family Code § 154.001, child support continues until the
child turns 18 OR graduates from high school — whichever is LATER
(typically this is 18 for most children, but extends to graduation
for children still in high school at 18). Support ends earlier if
the child marries, has their disabilities removed, enlists in the
military, or dies. For children with disabilities that prevent self-
support, § 154.302 allows for indefinite support that extends past
age 18.
Can Texas child support be modified?
Yes. Under Texas Family Code § 156.401, either parent can file to
modify an existing child support order if there has been a "material
and substantial change in circumstances" — OR if the current order
is 3+ years old AND the guideline amount would differ by 20% or $100.
The 2025 cap increase from $9,200 to $11,700 is considered a material
and substantial change, meaning orders finalized before September 1,
2025 involving paying parents over the old cap may be eligible for
immediate modification. Common modification grounds include job loss,
income changes, changes in custody time, and changes in the child's
needs.
What happens if I don't pay Texas child support?
Texas has aggressive enforcement mechanisms for unpaid child support,
including: income withholding from paychecks (automatic in most
cases), interception of tax refunds and lottery winnings, suspension
of driver's license and professional licenses, denial or revocation
of passports, liens on real and personal property, credit bureau
reporting, contempt of court with jail time up to 180 days, and
federal prosecution for interstate cases. The Texas Office of the
Attorney General and private enforcement through the court both have
these tools available.
How is child support calculated for self-employed parents in Texas?
For self-employed parents, calculating "net resources" becomes much
more complex. Under § 154.065, self-employment income is calculated
as gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses
required to produce that income. Texas courts scrutinize deductions
closely — many personal expenses disguised as business deductions
(vehicle allowances, meals, travel, home office) are often disallowed
for child support purposes even if legitimate for tax purposes. This
is an area where hiring an experienced family law attorney and often
a forensic accountant can significantly change the outcome.
Does remarriage or a new child affect Texas child support?
Remarriage alone does NOT change child support in Texas. Under
§ 154.069, a new spouse's income cannot be added to the paying
parent's net resources. However, if the paying parent has a
biological or adopted child with the new spouse (creating a legal
duty of support to that new child), § 154.129's multiple-household
adjustment may apply — slightly reducing the percentage applied to
the existing case. This is one of the most common reasons for
post-divorce child support modifications.
What is "net resources" for Texas child support?
Under Texas Family Code § 154.062, "net resources" starts with gross
monthly income from all sources — wages, salary, commissions,
overtime, tips, bonuses, self-employment earnings, rental income,
interest, dividends, retirement benefits, and most other income.
Then specific deductions are subtracted: federal income tax
(calculated as if the parent is single with one exemption), Social
Security and Medicare taxes, state income tax if applicable, union
dues, and the child's health and dental insurance premiums.
Means-tested public assistance (SSI, SNAP, TANF), foster care
payments, and certain return on principal/capital are excluded from
gross income.
How does 50/50 custody affect child support in Texas?
Texas doesn't automatically eliminate child support for 50/50 or
equal-possession arrangements. The standard guidelines still apply
to the parent designated as the "obligor" — even when possession is
equal. However, § 154.123(b) lists factors courts can consider for
deviation from guidelines, and significant possession time by the
paying parent is commonly cited as a basis for reducing (but not
eliminating) the guideline amount. Some Texas judges will reduce
guideline support by 25–50% in true 50/50 cases, while others apply
the guidelines strictly. Local practice varies by county.
Can I agree to pay less than Texas guideline child support?
Parents can agree to less than guideline support, but any written
agreement requires court approval — and courts will NOT approve
below-guideline support unless the agreement includes evidence that
the guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate under § 154.123.
Private side agreements between parents that aren't incorporated into
a court order are generally unenforceable for child support purposes.
If you want below-guideline support, you must document the
justification in the court order itself.
Is my information from this calculator saved or shared?
No. All calculations happen entirely in your browser. We don't save,
transmit, or track any of the numbers you enter. Nothing is sent to
our office unless you choose to schedule a consultation through one
of the contact buttons.
Get a real answer from a San Antonio child support attorney
A calculator shows you the statutory formula — but real cases involve
income disputes, deviation arguments, interstate issues, modification
strategy, and enforcement questions that no online tool can handle. A
free consultation with our Texas family law attorneys can tell you
exactly what your specific case is worth pursuing.
This Texas child support calculator is an educational tool only. It
applies the presumptive guideline formula under Texas Family Code Chapter
154 (§§ 154.062, 154.125, 154.129) with the current $11,700 net resources
cap effective September 1, 2025. Courts can deviate from guidelines under
§ 154.123 based on factors including the child's needs, possession time,
income disparity, and special circumstances. Tax deductions used by this
calculator are simplified estimates based on the Texas OAG tax charts —
actual net resources calculations in court may differ. This calculator is
not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and
does not address medical support calculations, modifications of existing
orders, enforcement actions, or interstate child support under UIFSA. For
specific analysis of your Texas child support situation, consult with a
licensed Texas family law attorney. Barton & Associates, Attorneys at
Law, PLLC · 115 Camaron St, San Antonio, TX 78205 · Serving San Antonio,
Austin, Corpus Christi, and all of Bexar County, Comal County, Guadalupe
County, and Kendall County.
