Child Support in Texas: How It's Calculated
Texas uses the Percentage of Net Resources Model (Family Code §154) to determine child support obligations. This guide walks through how the formula works, what factors Texas courts consider, and how to modify or enforce an order — with links to official Texas resources.
Percentage of Net Resources Model (Family Code §154) in Texas
Texas uses a Percentage of Net Resources Model under Texas Family Code §154. The paying parent's monthly net resources are multiplied by a fixed percentage based on the number of children. Net resources are broadly defined and include income from almost all sources minus specified deductions.
Texas percentages are: 1 child — 20%, 2 children — 25%, 3 children — 30%, 4 children — 35%, 5 or more children — 40% of net monthly resources. As of the most recent guidelines, the percentages apply to net resources up to a cap (periodically adjusted by the Texas Supreme Court — confirm current amount through the Texas Attorney General's office). For net resources above the cap, the court may order additional support based on the child's proven needs. Texas also provides a credit when a parent is also supporting children from another relationship.
Key Factors Texas Courts Consider
- Paying parent's monthly net resources (gross income minus taxes, FICA, health insurance for child, union dues, and certain other deductions)
- Number of children covered by the order
- Number of children the obligor is also legally obligated to support from other relationships (reduces percentage)
- Child's health insurance — can be ordered in addition to base support
- Work-related childcare — ordered separately
- Net resources cap — income above the cap is handled at court discretion
- Travel costs for parenting time if parents live far apart
Official Texas Resources
Get an accurate number from an official source
Child support calculations are complex and fact-specific. For an accurate figure, use Texas's official worksheet or consult a licensed family law attorney. This guide explains the framework — it does not produce a binding calculation.
Step-by-Step: How Texas's Formula Works
Here is how Texas applies the Percentage of Net Resources Model (Family Code §154) to calculate a child support obligation, step by step:
1. Determine the paying parent's income
Texas applies its formula to the paying (non-custodial) parent's income. Texas percentages are: 1 child — 20%, 2 children — 25%, 3 children — 30%, 4 children — 35%, 5 or more children — 40% of net monthly resources.
2. Apply the state's percentage to income
A fixed percentage is applied based on the number of children. 1 child — 20%, 2 children — 25%, 3 children — 30%, 4 children — 35%, 5 or more children — 40% of net monthly resources
3. Add health insurance and childcare if applicable
In Texas, health insurance premiums for the child and work-related childcare costs may be added to the base support amount or ordered separately, depending on the specific statute.
4. Apply parenting time adjustments
If the paying parent exercises significant parenting time, Texas may reduce the obligation. Travel costs for parenting time if parents live far apart
5. Apply income caps and deviation factors
Texas may cap the income subject to the percentage, and courts can deviate from the guideline amount with written findings that the formula result would be unjust or inappropriate.
Modifying Child Support in Texas
In Texas, a parent can seek modification by showing a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order — such as a significant income change, a change in custody or possession and access, or a change in the child's needs. Texas also permits a review every 3 years as a matter of right. The modification is filed with the court that rendered the original order (often a district court or the Office of the Attorney General). Support modifications are prospective only — Texas does not retroactively reduce arrears that have already accrued.
How Texas Enforces Child Support Orders
Texas enforces child support through the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) — Child Support Division. Tools include income withholding, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's, professional, and recreational), credit bureau reporting, placing liens on property, and contempt of court. Texas also uses the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit (TSDU) to process payments. Parents owing more than $2,500 in arrears may face passport denial under federal law.
Document Everything for Your Texas Case
Texas courts rely on documented records — parenting time logs, expense receipts, and payment histories. ReplyCalmly helps you track all of it and generate organized, exportable reports.
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