Texas Child Support Calculator 2026
Free Texas child support estimator using the 2026 state guidelines
How Texas Calculates Child Support
- ✓Texas net resources include wages, salary, tips, commissions, and self-employment income
- ✓Net resources cap is set annually by the Texas OAG (approximately $9,200/month)
- ✓Additional support may be ordered above the cap for high-income obligors
- ✓Texas caps net resources at approximately $9,200/month, income above this cap triggers discretionary above-guideline support, which courts can order but are not required to; the cap is adjusted annually by the Office of the Attorney General
- ✓Texas defines 'net resources' broadly under Fam. Code § 154.062 to include wages, overtime, tips, commissions, self-employment income, interest, dividends, alimony received, and Social Security income
Texas Child Support Laws at a Glance
⚖️ Governing Statute
Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125
🏛️ Enforcement Agency
OAG Child Support Division (AG's Office)
📅 Support Ends At
Age 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later (max age 19)
Understanding Texas's Child Support Formula
Texas uses the Percentage of Income model, one of the simpler child support approaches in the United States. The court converts the paying parent's gross monthly income to net income by applying a 76% factor that accounts for estimated taxes and mandatory payroll deductions. That net income figure is then multiplied by a fixed percentage that increases with each additional child:
| Children | % of Net Income | Monthly at $5,000 gross |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | 20% | $760/mo |
| 2 children | 25% | $950/mo |
| 3 children | 30% | $1,140/mo |
| 4 children | 35% | $1,330/mo |
| 5 children | 40% | $1,520/mo |
Texas caps the paying parent's net income at $9,200/month for guideline calculations. A parent earning above approximately $12,105/month gross will have their obligation calculated from the cap rather than their actual income. Courts retain discretion to order additional support above the cap for high earners in cases involving extraordinary expenses.
Sample Texas Child Support Calculation
Scenario: Paying parent earns $5,500/month gross, 2 children, standard custody arrangement.
Actual court orders in Texas may also include health insurance premiums, childcare costs, and extraordinary expenses on top of the guideline base. Average awards in Texas range from $450–$1,100/month across all income levels.
Texas Child Support, Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage does Texas use for child support?
Texas uses 20% of adjusted net income for one child, 25% for two children, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five or more children. These percentages apply to the paying parent's net income after a 76% conversion factor for taxes.
Is there an income cap for child support in Texas?
Yes. Texas caps the paying parent's net income at $9,200/month (approximately $12,105/month gross) for guideline calculations. Income above this threshold does not increase the standard obligation. However, a judge can order additional support beyond the cap in cases where the child has extraordinary needs, such as private schooling, medical conditions, or significant extracurricular costs, or where the paying parent earns substantially more than the cap.
What is the average child support payment in Texas?
Child support awards in Texas typically range from $450–$1,100/month based on current data. The actual amount varies significantly depending on both parents' incomes, the number of children, custody arrangements, and whether costs like health insurance or childcare are included in the order. Higher income households and multiple children will produce awards above this range.
Can a Texas judge order a different amount than the calculator shows?
Yes. The Texas guidelines produce a presumptive amount — the starting point, but a judge can deviate from it when following the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a specific case. Common reasons for deviation include extraordinary medical or educational expenses, one parent directly paying significant healthcare premiums, a parent's substantial assets or non-wage income, the needs of children from other relationships, or significant travel costs related to custody exchanges.
How do you modify a child support order in Texas?
Either parent can petition the Texas court to modify an existing child support order when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. This typically means a significant change in either parent's income (usually 15–20% or more), a change in custody or parenting time, the child developing extraordinary medical or educational needs, or a change in the cost of health insurance. Most states, including Texas, also allow automatic review every three years if either party requests it, even without proving a substantial change.
When does child support end in Texas?
In Texas, child support terminates at: Age 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later (max age 19). The governing law is Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125, administered by the OAG Child Support Division (AG's Office). If you have an existing order and believe your child is approaching the termination age, contact OAG Child Support Division (AG's Office) or your family law attorney to confirm the specific end date and ensure a formal termination order is entered.
Child Support Calculator for Every State
Each state uses its own formula. Select yours to get a state-accurate estimate.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
USLegalCalc.com provides estimates and document templates for informational purposes only. Results are not legal advice and vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney before making legal decisions.