Child Support in Texas: What You Actually Need to Know in 2025

Going through a separation in Texas and wondering what child support will look like? This is one of the first questions parents ask, and thankfully Texas has one of the more straightforward systems in the country. Once you understand how it works, the numbers start to make a lot more sense.

Texas Keeps It Simple With Percentages

Most states look at both parents' incomes when calculating child support. Texas is different. The state focuses almost entirely on the paying parent's net monthly income and applies a fixed percentage based on how many children are involved. For one child that is 20%, two children is 25%, three is 30%, four is 35%, and five or more caps at 40%. These percentages are set by state law and judges follow them closely.

Net Income Is Not What You Think

Texas does not calculate support based on your gross salary. They start with gross income and subtract federal income taxes, Social Security and Medicare taxes, union dues, and health insurance premiums paid for the child. Someone earning $6,000 gross per month might have a net income closer to $4,400 after deductions. On $4,400 with one child, monthly support would be $880.

There Is a Cap on High Earners

The percentage formula applies to the first $9,200 of net monthly income. The maximum guideline support for one child is roughly $1,840 per month. Courts can order more if the child has special needs, but it requires specific findings and is not the default.

Custody Time Does Matter

Under a standard possession order, full guideline support applies. If you have a 50/50 arrangement, you have a reasonable argument for reduced support. Judges have discretion here and many parents negotiate a lower amount outside of court when custody is shared more equally.

How Long Are You Paying?

Child support in Texas runs until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. If a child has a disability that prevents them from supporting themselves, support can continue beyond that point.

What If Circumstances Change?

Texas requires a material and substantial change in circumstances to modify an existing order. There is generally a three year window before you can request a review without proving a specific change. Use our calculator to get a solid starting estimate before your next attorney conversation.