How is Child Support Calculated in Texas?
Parents have a general responsibility to provide support for their children in Texas. After a divorce or separation, one parent may be required to pay child support to the other parent. This raises an important question: How is child support calculated in Texas? The short answer is that our state has child support guidelines that apply to most cases. Our child support attorney understands how child support is calculated in Texas and can guide you through the process.
What is Child Support?
Child support in Texas is a court-ordered financial obligation that ensures both parents contribute to a child’s basic needs after a divorce or separation. It is calculated in accordance with statutory guidelines based on the paying parent’s net resources under the Texas Family Code. The amount covers essentials such as food, housing, clothing, education, and medical care.
An Overview of the Child Support Guidelines in Texas
Texas calculates child support using the statutory guidelines outlined in Texas Family Code Chapter 154. The guidelines apply to most cases. However, if a court finds that following the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in the circumstances, deviation is permissible. The calculation starts with determining the obligor’s “net resources,” a defined term under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.062.
Net resources include wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, rental income, self-employment income, retirement benefits, and most other forms of taxable or non-taxable income. The statute excludes certain items, such as means-tested public benefits. Once net resources are established, the guidelines apply a percentage based on the number of children who are before the court. Here is an overview:
- 20% of net resources for one child
- 25% of net resources for two children
- 30% of net resources for three children
- 35% of net resources for four children
- 40% of net resources for five or more children
Texas has a Cap: Without a deviation, child support is capped by state law. The Office of the Attorney General states that the most significant monthly net resources used to calculate child support under the guidelines are $11,700 (2025).
Deviation From Guidelines is Allowed but Requires Strong Supporting Evidence
While the guidelines govern most cases, courts have authority under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.123 to order a higher or lower amount when supported by evidence. Relevant factors include the child’s age, special needs, educational costs, travel expenses between households, the parents’ ability to provide support, child-care expenses, and the amount of time each parent has possession. Deviations must be supported by written findings explaining why guideline support would be unjust or inappropriate.
Consult With Our Child Support Lawyer Today
Our dedicated child support lawyer is a skilled, knowledgeable advocate for clients. We solve problems. If you have any questions about how child support is calculated, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your strictly confidential, no-obligation initial consultation. From our Pearland law office, we represent parents in child support cases throughout the region.
