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Texas Child Support

Percentage of Incomeofficial schedule loaded

Estimate for Texas

Texas uses the Percentage of Income model.

Enter the paying parent’s net (after-tax/deductions) monthly income.

Estimated monthly support$1,250.00per month
Annual estimate$15,000.00
Effective rate25%
MethodFlat 25% of net monthly income (2 children)
View calculation breakdown
Statutory rate (2 children)25%
net monthly income$5,000
Estimated monthly support$1,250

Estimated monthly support by number of children

$1,0001$1,2502$1,5003$1,7504$2,0005$2,0006+
At the incomes you entered, for 2 children.

§ How Texas calculates support

Texas uses a flat percentage-of-income model under Family Code § 154.125 applied to the obligor's net resources. Rates: 20% (1 child), 25% (2), 30% (3), 35% (4), 40% (5), and not less than the 5-child amount for 6+. The schedule applies to net resources up to $7,500/month (inflation-adjusted); above that the court applies the percentages to the first $7,500 and may order more based on proven needs. Notable features: a low-income schedule when net resources are under $1,000 (15%/20%/25%/30%/35%), multiple-family rules in § 154.129, and a rebuttable presumption.

Content verified against official sources on 2026-08-09.

✦ How to open or modify a case in Texas

  1. Apply for services through the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) Child Support Division, or file a petition in court.
  2. The OAG locates the absent parent and establishes paternity if needed (voluntary acknowledgement or DNA test).
  3. Calculate the guideline amount using the OAG Monthly Child Support Calculator and the tax charts.
  4. A court enters the support order (or an administrative order in IV-D cases); medical support is included.
  5. Payments are made through the OAG via income withholding; the OAG enforces the order.
  6. To modify, request an OAG review or file a court action showing a material/substantial change in circumstances.

◈ Illustrative examples

Illustrative example
Illustrative example — one child

Scenario: Obligor's net resources are $4,000/month, one child.

Walk-through: 20% × $4,000 = $800/month.

Takeaway: Texas applies 20% of net resources for one child; medical support is ordered separately.

Illustrative example
Illustrative example — low-income schedule

Scenario: Obligor's net resources are $900/month (below the $1,000 low-income threshold), two children.

Walk-through: Low-income schedule: 20% × $900 = $180/month.

Takeaway: When net resources are under $1,000, Texas's reduced low-income percentages apply.

? Frequently asked questions

What are 'net resources' in Texas?
Gross income minus Social Security taxes, income taxes for a single person with one exemption, and certain other deductions (union dues, health insurance, noncustodial children's support). The OAG tax charts convert gross wages to net.
Is there a cap on the percentage?
The flat percentages apply to net resources up to $7,500/month (adjusted for inflation). Above that, the court applies the percentage to the first $7,500 and may add more based on proven needs.
What if the obligor supports children in another household?
Texas Family Code § 154.129 provides an alternative method for multiple families so the first household is not unfairly reduced.
How long does support last?
Generally until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later (whichever occurs first after turning 18).
Can the court deviate from the guidelines?
Yes, but only with written findings that applying the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate (e.g., extraordinary needs, special circumstances).

↗ Official policy & agency links

Texas Office of the Attorney General — Child Support ↗Texas Monthly Child Support Calculator (OAG) ↗Texas Family Code § 154.125 / § 154.129 (statute) ↗

Sources verified: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?artSec=154.129&chapter=FA.154&code=FA&tab=1 · https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support · https://csapps.oag.texas.gov/monthly-child-support-calculator · https://www.dob.texas.gov/other-regulated-entities/faq

Statute: Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 154.125Income basis: netData last updated: 2026-08-08Next review: 2027-01-01Status: verified schedule

How Texas calculates support

Texas applies a flat percentage of net resources by number of children (20% / 25% / 30% / 35% / 40% for 1–5+ children).

Not legal or financial advice. This estimate follows the state’s statutory guideline formula but cannot capture every factor a court considers (health insurance, childcare, prior orders, deviations, imputed income).