Texas Child Support Calculator

Estimate Texas child support using the Percentage of Income Model. Enter the non-custodial parent's net income and number of children to calculate the estimated monthly obligation based on Texas Family Code guidelines.

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Enter the non-custodial parent's net income to see the estimated Texas child support obligation.

How Texas Child Support Is Calculated

Texas uses the Percentage of Income Modelfor child support, which is applied to the non-custodial parent's net resources. Unlike the Income Shares Model used by many other states, Texas's model considers only the non-custodial parent's income (except in certain circumstances). The Texas Family Code Chapter 154 governs all child support calculations.

Texas Child Support Percentages

Number of ChildrenPercentage of Net Resources
120%
225%
330%
435%
5+40% (minimum, court may increase)

Key Factors in Texas Support

  • Net resources: Texas calculates support based on net (not gross) income after taxes, Social Security, and certain deductions
  • Income cap: Net resources above approximately $8,000-10,000 per month may not be subject to guideline percentages
  • Medical support: Health insurance and uninsured medical expenses are additional obligations
  • Childcare: Work-related childcare can be added to the support amount
  • Additional children: If the non-custodial parent supports other children, a deduction may apply

Modification and Duration

Texas child support orders can be reviewed every 3 years. Support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later. Child support may also continue for children with disabilities beyond age 18. Wage withholding is automatic in most Texas child support orders.

Important Disclaimer

This calculator provides an educational estimate based on the Texas Family Code. Actual support amounts may differ based on specific court findings, deviations, and judicial discretion. Consult a licensed Texas family law attorney for your specific situation.

Sources

  • Texas Family Code Chapter 154 — Child Support
  • Texas Attorney General — Child Support Division
  • Texas Office of Court Administration

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Texas calculate child support?
Texas uses the Percentage of Income Model. Child support is calculated based on the non-custodial parent's net resources (income after taxes and certain deductions). The percentages are: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 30% for 3, 35% for 4, and 40% for 5+ children. Texas also allows for additional medical support and childcare expenses.
What counts as net resources in Texas?
Net resources include wages, salary, commissions, tips, self-employment income, interest, dividends, rental income, trust income, unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, Social Security, disability, and most other income. Deductions include federal income tax, Social Security taxes, union dues, and health insurance costs.
Is there a cap on child support in Texas?
Yes. Texas has a cap on net resources used for calculating support, which is adjusted periodically. For most cases, the maximum net resources considered is approximately $8,000-9,000 per month. For income above the cap, the court may order additional support based on the child's needs and the parent's ability to pay.
How does parenting time affect Texas child support?
Texas uses a standard possession order that typically gives the non-custodial parent every other weekend, holidays, and extended summer time. If the non-custodial parent exercises this standard possession, they receive a credit that can reduce their support by up to approximately 15-20%. More or less parenting time can increase or decrease the credit.
How often can Texas child support be modified?
Texas allows modification every 3 years without proving a material change. You can request modification anytime if there's a material and substantial change in circumstances (e.g., job loss, income change of 20%+). Child support typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school (whichever is later).
What are medical support obligations in Texas?
Texas requires both parents to provide health insurance for the child if it's available at reasonable cost. The court also orders medical support for uninsured expenses. The non-custodial parent may be ordered to pay additional cash medical support if the child is covered by public insurance like CHIP.

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