Texas Child Support Calculator

Free instant estimate based on Texas's Percentage of Income model (TX Family Code Ch. 154)

Enter Your Information

Your Results Will Appear Here

Select a state and enter your monthly gross income to see an estimated child support payment based on net income.

How Texas Calculates Child Support

Texas calculates child support using the Percentage of Income method as defined in the Texas Family Code Chapter 154. Unlike most states that use an Income Shares model, Texas applies a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's net resources to determine the support obligation. The percentage scales with the number of children: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, 40% for five, and at least 40% for six or more children.

Net resources are calculated by taking the non-custodial parent's gross income from all sources and subtracting federal and state income taxes, Social Security taxes, mandatory union dues, and the cost of health insurance premiums for the child. Texas also imposes a statutory cap on the net resources subject to the percentage calculation, which is adjusted periodically for inflation.

Courts may deviate from the guideline percentages if applying them would be unjust or inappropriate considering the specific circumstances of the case. Factors that may justify a deviation include the child's special needs, the age and needs of the child, the financial resources of both parents, and any extraordinary expenses related to the child's education or healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Texas calculate child support under the Percentage of Income method?
Texas uses a Percentage of Income model under Texas Family Code Chapter 154. The non-custodial parent pays a percentage of their net resources based on the number of children: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 30% for 3 children, 35% for 4 children, 40% for 5 children, and at least 40% for 6 or more children.
What is the income cap for Texas child support?
Texas has a statutory cap on the amount of net resources subject to child support, which is adjusted every six years based on inflation. As of 2024, the cap is $9,200 per month in net resources. If the non-custodial parent earns more than the cap, the court may order additional support based on the needs of the child.
What counts as net resources in Texas child support?
Net resources include all wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, interest, dividends, rental income, royalties, pensions, severance pay, and Social Security benefits, minus federal and state income taxes, Social Security taxes, union dues, and health insurance premiums for the child.
Does Texas consider both parents' income for child support?
Unlike most states, Texas primarily bases child support on the non-custodial parent's income using fixed percentages. The custodial parent's income is generally not considered in the base calculation. However, the court may consider both parents' circumstances when deciding whether to deviate from the guidelines.
Can Texas child support be modified?
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order, or if it has been at least three years since the order was last modified and the support amount would differ by either 20% or $100 from the current order.

Important Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on SupportCalc is for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this website should be taken as legal advice. Child support calculations are estimates based on publicly available state guidelines and may not reflect the exact amount ordered by a court. Every case is unique, and many factors can affect the final support order. Please consult with a qualified family law attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation.