How child support works in Texas
Texas child support starts with a guideline: a percentage of the paying parent's monthly net resources, from 20% for one child up to 40% for five. Since September 1, 2025, the guidelines apply to the first $11,700 of monthly net resources. Courts also order medical and dental support, and a court can set an amount different from the guideline when the facts call for it.
Money worries are real worries
Whether you expect to pay support or receive it, the question underneath is the same: will my children have what they need, and will I be able to manage? Knowing how the numbers are built takes some of the fear out of it.
Scott Rewak studied accounting before law school, and he is Board Certified, Family Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He works with parents across Dallas, Collin, Denton and Tarrant counties on child support in divorces, in cases between unmarried parents and in later changes.
The guideline percentages
Texas sets guideline support as a percentage of the paying parent's monthly net resources (Tex. Fam. Code §154.125):
- 1 child: 20%
- 2 children: 25%
- 3 children: 30%
- 4 children: 35%
- 5 children: 40%
- 6 or more children: not less than the amount for 5 children
A separate, lower schedule applies when the paying parent's monthly net resources are below $1,000. The percentages can also be adjusted when the paying parent supports children in more than one household.
What "net resources" means
Net resources are, in general terms, a parent's income from most sources, minus certain deductions the law allows, such as taxes and the cost of the children's health insurance. Wages and salary count, and so can self-employment income, bonuses, commissions and investment income. For business owners and people with variable pay, figuring net resources accurately is often where the real work is.
The net resources cap: $11,700 a month
The guideline percentages apply up to a cap on monthly net resources. That cap is adjusted every six years for inflation and takes effect on September 1 of the adjustment year. As of September 1, 2025, the guidelines apply where the paying parent's monthly net resources are not greater than $11,700. The previous cap, set in 2019, was $9,200.
So, for one child, guideline support at or above the cap is 20% of $11,700, or $2,340 a month. When a parent earns more than the cap, the court can order additional support if it's shown that the child's needs call for it. Whether that applies depends on your situation.
Medical and dental support
Beyond monthly support, Texas courts order medical support and dental support for children. That usually means one parent provides health and dental insurance, or pays toward its cost, and the order says how the parents split uninsured medical expenses. These terms can add up over the years, so they deserve as much attention as the monthly number.
When the court can go above or below the guideline
The guideline is presumed to be reasonable, and most orders follow it. A court can set a different amount when applying the guideline would be unjust or inappropriate under the circumstances, and it looks at factors such as the child's needs, each parent's ability to contribute and the possession schedule. Parents can also agree to an amount, though the court still has to approve it.
How long support lasts
In general, Texas child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later, as long as the child is enrolled and on track. Support can continue longer for a child with a disability who needs substantial care. Your order will set out the end dates.
How changes happen
A child support order can be changed when circumstances change. Texas generally allows a modification when there has been a material and substantial change in the circumstances of the child or a parent, such as a significant change in income. It also allows one when three years have passed since the order was set or last changed and the guideline amount now differs from the ordered amount by 20% or $100 a month (Tex. Fam. Code §156.401).
A change takes a new court order. Agreeing informally to pay less, or accepting less, does not change what the court ordered. See modifications. If support isn't being paid, see enforcement.
Support and custody are separate
A parent can't withhold time with the children because support isn't paid, and a parent can't stop paying because time isn't being given. Each issue has its own remedy through the court. For how custody is decided, see child custody.
Questions people ask
How much is child support for one child in Texas?
The guideline is 20% of the paying parent's monthly net resources, applied to net resources up to $11,700 a month. That means guideline support for one child tops out at $2,340 a month unless the court finds the child's needs call for more.
What is the child support cap in Texas in 2025?
Since September 1, 2025, the guidelines apply to monthly net resources up to $11,700. It had been $9,200 since 2019.
Does shared custody mean no child support?
Not automatically. Even with a joint arrangement, one parent often pays support. The amount can be adjusted depending on the schedule and other factors.
Can we agree to our own child support amount?
Yes, parents can agree, but the court must approve it. If it differs from the guideline, the order usually explains why.
My income dropped. Can I just pay less?
No. The amount in the order stays in effect until a court changes it. If your income has changed significantly, ask about a modification as soon as possible.
