How is child support calculated in Texas?

Texas uses the "net resources" method under TX Family Code §154. The court calculates your monthly net resources, then applies guideline percentages: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 30% for 3, 35% for 4, and 40% for 5 or more. These rates apply when net resources are at or below the cap ($11,610/month in 2026).

What counts as income for child support in Texas?

Net resources include: wages, salary, tips, bonuses, overtime, commissions, self-employment income, severance, Social Security disability, workers comp, alimony, rental income, interest, dividends, and mineral income. Excluded: needs-based benefits (TANF, SSI, SNAP), federal/state tax credits, and payments for a child from another relationship.

What is the maximum child support amount in Texas?

The Texas guideline caps child support at net resources of $11,610/month (2026). The maximum guideline obligation is 40% of net resources (5+ children). Above that cap, courts may order additional support based on the childrens specific needs — but there is no statutory cap for high-income earners.

Can child support be modified in Texas?

Yes, under TX Family Code §156.051 a modification is possible if it has been at least 3 years since the prior order OR if a material and substantial change in circumstances has occurred — such as a significant income change, job loss, or change in the childs needs. Documenting income changes is critical to any modification petition.

Do I need a lawyer to file for a child support modification in Texas?

No, but it is strongly recommended for contested cases. Texas courts do not require an attorney, and self-help resources are available through TexasLawHelp.org. CourtCompass can generate a Motion to Modify Parent-Child Relationship once you have documented your changed circumstances.

How does joint custody affect child support in Texas?

Texas Family Code §154.124 allows a credit against the guideline amount when the non-custodial parent has significant periods of possession. If you have a 50/50 or near-equal possession schedule, the court may reduce the support obligation proportional to time spent with the child. Courts look at the actual schedule, not just the legal label.

Is the Texas child support calculator accurate?

This calculator applies the official Texas Family Code §154.061–154.073 guideline formula exactly. For most cases it will be accurate to the dollar. Results are not legal advice — the actual court order may differ based on specific circumstances, proof of income, health insurance costs, and special needs.

Does Texas have a cost of living adjustment for child support?

Not automatically. Texas does not apply an annual COLA to child support orders. However, you can request a review every 3 years or immediately upon a material change in circumstances. The Texas Attorney General can also review and adjust orders on behalf of the state.

Texas Child Support Calculator 2026

Calculate your estimated monthly child support obligation using the official Texas Family Code §154 net resources method — the same formula Texas courts apply in every case.

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Based on 2026 TX §154 guidelines. For reference only — not legal advice.

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How Texas Calculates Child Support

The §154 Net Resources Method

Texas courts determine child support using Monthly Net Resources — your total monthly income after certain deductions. The court then applies guideline percentage rates based on the number of children requiring support. This is the mandatory starting point for every Texas child support order.

If your net resources are $11,610/month or below, the court applies the table below. If your net resources exceed the cap, the court considers the childrens needs and the parents financial resources on a case-by-case basis.

Number of Children	% of Net Resources
1 child	20% of monthly net resources
2 children	25% of monthly net resources
3 children	30% of monthly net resources
4 children	35% of monthly net resources
5+ children	40% of monthly net resources

Net resources include wages, salary, tips, commissions, self-employment income, Social Security disability, workers comp, rental income, investment returns, and alimony. Excluded: needs-based benefits (TANF, SSI, SNAP), federal tax credits, and payments from a different child support order.

If you share custody (50/50 or near-equal), you may receive a credit for periods the child spends with you. This is evaluated by the court based on your actual possession schedule under Texas Family Code §154.124.

This calculator gives you an estimate. The actual court order may differ based on health insurance costs, special needs, and other statutory factors. For contested modifications, consult a licensed Texas family law attorney.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Texas Child Support Questions Answered

Texas uses the "net resources" method under TX Family Code §154. The court calculates your monthly net resources, then applies guideline percentages: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 30% for 3, 35% for 4, and 40% for 5 or more. These rates apply when net resources are at or below the cap ($11,610/month in 2026).
Net resources include: wages, salary, tips, bonuses, overtime, commissions, self-employment income, severance, Social Security disability, workers comp, alimony, rental income, interest, dividends, and mineral income. Excluded: needs-based benefits (TANF, SSI, SNAP), federal/state tax credits, and payments for a child from another relationship.
The Texas guideline caps child support at net resources of $11,610/month (2026). The maximum guideline obligation is 40% of net resources (5+ children). Above that cap, courts may order additional support based on the childrens specific needs — but there is no statutory cap for high-income earners.
Yes, under TX Family Code §156.051 a modification is possible if it has been at least 3 years since the prior order OR if a material and substantial change in circumstances has occurred — such as a significant income change, job loss, or change in the childs needs. Documenting income changes is critical to any modification petition.
No, but it is strongly recommended for contested cases. Texas courts do not require an attorney, and self-help resources are available through TexasLawHelp.org. CourtCompass can generate a Motion to Modify Parent-Child Relationship once you have documented your changed circumstances.
Texas Family Code §154.124 allows a credit against the guideline amount when the non-custodial parent has significant periods of possession. If you have a 50/50 or near-equal possession schedule, the court may reduce the support obligation proportional to time spent with the child. Courts look at the actual schedule, not just the legal label.
This calculator applies the official Texas Family Code §154.061–154.073 guideline formula exactly. For most cases it will be accurate to the dollar. Results are not legal advice — the actual court order may differ based on specific circumstances, proof of income, health insurance costs, and special needs.
Not automatically. Texas does not apply an annual COLA to child support orders. However, you can request a review every 3 years or immediately upon a material change in circumstances. The Texas Attorney General can also review and adjust orders on behalf of the state.

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Need to File a Modification?

If your circumstances have changed and you need to formalize a child support modification, CourtCompass helps you generate the Motion to Modify Parent-Child Relationship — the legal document required to petition a Texas court.

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Also see: Texas Custody Laws and How Much Does Divorce Cost?

What CourtCompass Generates

A complete Motion to Modify Parent-Child Relationship ready to file in a Texas family court, based on your answers to a 5-step guided questionnaire.

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