How is child support calculated in Texas?

As a percentage of the paying parent's monthly net resources, not gross income and not both parents' combined income. The standard percentages are 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and up to 40% for five or more.

Is there a cap on net resources used in the calculation?

Yes. The percentages presumptively apply only to the first $11,700 of monthly net resources. Above that, courts have discretion to order additional support based on the child's proven needs, but it isn't automatic.

Are there different guidelines for lower-income parents?

Yes. Since September 1, 2021, parents with monthly net resources below $1,000 use a reduced percentage schedule, for example 15% for one child instead of the standard 20%.

How do I request a modification in Texas?

There are two paths: an in-office negotiation through the Office of the Attorney General's Child Support Review Process (CSRP), or a court hearing. You can ask the OAG to review your case if your circumstances have changed.

How is child support enforced in Texas?

Around 80% of payments happen through wage withholding, automatically deducted once the Office of the Attorney General has the payer's employment information. The OAG can also request driver's license suspension for parents more than three months overdue, place liens on property, and pursue civil or criminal sanctions.

Texas, United States

Texas Child Support: A Parent's Guide

How child support works in Texas, in plain English: the percentage-of-net-resources guidelines, modification, and enforcement through the Attorney General.

Legal sources reviewed: August 10, 2026

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In short: Texas calculates child support as a percentage of the paying parent's net resources, capped at a specific dollar threshold, with lower percentages for lower-income parents. Around 80% of payments happen automatically through wage withholding, and modifications go through either an Attorney General review process or a court hearing.

This is an educational overview written for parents, not lawyers. It isn't legal advice. For anything beyond general understanding, talk to a licensed Texas family law attorney.

What Texas generally provides

Under Texas Family Code Chapter 154, child support is calculated as a percentage of the paying parent's monthly net resources, a distinctive approach compared to states that combine both parents' incomes. The standard guideline percentages are 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and up to 40% for five or more.

Important terminology

Net resources: the base figure for Texas's calculation, computed under Subchapter B of Chapter 154, including wages, self-employment income, interest, and certain benefits, minus standardized deductions.
Net resources cap: the $11,700 monthly threshold above which the standard percentages presumptively stop applying.
Low-income guidelines: the reduced percentage schedule for parents with net resources under $1,000/month.

How the calculation works

A percentage of one parent's resources, not combined income

Texas's approach differs from an income-shares state: rather than combining both parents' incomes and splitting a total obligation proportionally, Texas applies a set percentage directly to the paying parent's own net resources, based on the number of children owed support.

The net resources cap

The guideline percentages presumptively apply only to the first $11,700 of the paying parent's monthly net resources. Above that threshold, a court has discretion to order additional support based on the child's proven needs, but it isn't automatic, the requesting parent generally has to show why more is warranted.

Lower-income adjustments

Since September 1, 2021, Texas applies a reduced percentage schedule for parents whose monthly net resources fall below $1,000, for example 15% instead of 20% for one child, recognizing that the standard percentages could be unworkable at very low income levels.

Requesting or defending a modification

Texas offers two modification paths: the Child Support Review Process (CSRP), an in-office negotiation through the Office of the Attorney General, or a court hearing. You can ask the OAG to review your case if your circumstances have changed, such as a job loss or major income shift. See the child support calculator and guideline finder for Texas-specific calculation sources and guidance.

How enforcement works

Wage withholding handles roughly 80% of all child support payments in Texas. Once the Office of the Attorney General has the paying parent's employment information, it notifies the employer, and support is automatically deducted from each paycheck. Beyond wage withholding, the OAG can request driver's license suspension for a parent more than three months overdue, place liens on property, and pursue civil or criminal sanctions for continued nonpayment.

Common questions

Does the percentage change with the number of overnights? The Texas guideline percentages are based primarily on net resources and number of children, not a direct time-share formula like some states use, though a court retains discretion to deviate based on the actual possession schedule.

What if my income changes significantly? Request a review through the OAG's Child Support Review Process, or file for a court modification, rather than unilaterally changing what you pay, which can create arrears and enforcement exposure.

What if my co-parent isn't paying? Contact the Office of the Attorney General's Child Support Division to pursue wage withholding, license suspension, or other enforcement tools.

Practical considerations

Because Texas applies its percentages to net resources rather than gross income, and caps that base at a specific dollar figure, understanding exactly what counts as a deduction (and what doesn't) matters more here than in a state that simply combines gross incomes, worth confirming with a Texas family law attorney or the OAG directly. For the custody and possession rules that often intersect with support disputes, see the Texas custody guide.

Official Texas resources

FAQ

Questions, answered

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Family law varies by individual circumstances and may change over time. Consult a qualified attorney or appropriate official resource for advice about your situation.