Texas uses a percentage-of-income model applied to the obligor's monthly net resources. Net resources are calculated by subtracting federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, health insurance for the children, union dues, and mandatory retirement contributions from gross income. The applicable percentage is then applied subject to a net resources cap.
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Texas calculates child support using the Percentage of obligor net resources established under Texas Family Code §154.125. This is a statutory formula that leaves limited room for judicial discretion on the base calculation amount, ensuring consistency and predictability for families across the state.
Child Support = applicable percentage (20/25/30/35/40%) x obligor monthly net resources (capped at $11,700/month). Net resources = gross income minus federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), children's health insurance, union dues, and mandatory retirement contributions.
The calculation begins with determining each parent's net disposable income, which includes virtually all sources of income minus taxes, mandatory payroll deductions, and certain hardship deductions. The court then applies the statutory formula using the time each parent has primary physical responsibility for the children and the applicable income allocation brackets.
Beyond the base formula amount, Texasrequires additional contributions for mandatory add-on expenses. These typically include childcare costs necessary for the custodial parent's employment or education, uninsured healthcare expenses for the children, and in some cases, educational and travel costs. These add-ons are split between parents in proportion to their respective incomes.
Primary statute: Texas Family Code §154.125
Percentages by number of children: 1 child = 20%, 2 = 25%, 3 = 30%, 4 = 35%, 5+ = 40% of obligor net resources.
Net resources cap: $11,700/month (effective September 1, 2025, adjusted biennially for CPI under §154.125(a)(1)).
Above the cap, the court may order additional support only if the child's proven needs exceed the guideline amount under §154.126.
Multiple-family adjustment: §154.128 table reduces percentages when the obligor supports children from other relationships.
Net resources defined by §154.062: all income sources minus federal taxes, FICA, Medicare, children's health insurance, union dues, and mandatory retirement.
Texas has no state income tax, simplifying the net resources calculation.
Standard Possession Order (§153.252) provides approximately 42% of overnights to the non-custodial parent; expanded SPO (§153.317) provides approximately 48%.
§154.129 allows downward deviation if the obligor has significantly more possession time than the default SPO.
Net resources cap increased to $11,700/month effective September 1, 2025. Next adjustment scheduled for 2031.
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Residency Requirement
No specific state residency requirement; 90-day county residency
Mandatory Waiting Period
60 days from date of filing
No-Fault Ground
Insupportability (Texas Family Code §6.001)
State Income Tax
No state income tax
Texas uses the Percentage of obligor net resources under Texas Family Code §154.125. Texas uses a percentage-of-income model applied to the obligor's monthly net resources. Net resources are calculated by subtracting federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, health insurance for the children, union dues, and mandatory retirement contributions from gross income. The applicable percentage is then applied subject to a net resources cap.
Key factors include both parents' income, the number of children, custodial time share, mandatory add-on expenses (childcare, health insurance), and any applicable deductions. Percentages by number of children: 1 child = 20%, 2 = 25%, 3 = 30%, 4 = 35%, 5+ = 40% of obligor net resources.
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, custody arrangements, or the needs of the child. The court will recalculate support using the same statutory formula.
Child Support = applicable percentage (20/25/30/35/40%) x obligor monthly net resources (capped at $11,700/month). Net resources = gross income minus federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), children's health insurance, union dues, and mandatory retirement contributions.
Get a personalized child support calculation based on Texas's actual statutory formula.
Start My Free TexasEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on Texas family law and does not constitute legal advice. Child support calculations are approximations of the statutory formula and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed Texas family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: Texas Family Code §154.125.