Texas · Guidelines explained

How Texas calculates child support

Texas uses the Percentage of Income model under Texas Family Code § 154.125. Here's exactly how the math works.

The formula

The Percentage of Income model

Only the non-custodial parent's income enters the formula. A fixed percentage — set by statute and scaled by the number of children — is applied directly to gross income. The result is the monthly obligation. Fewer variables means a simpler calculation, but there's no income-sharing component.

Quick reference

Key facts for Texas

Income type: net
Support ends: Age 18
Income cap: $11,700/month

Deductions

Adjustments that lower the obligation

Federal income tax
Social Security taxes
State income tax
Union dues
Health insurance for obligor

Common questions

What the guidelines don't say

Not true: “50/50 custody means zero support”

Even with equal parenting time, the higher-earning parent typically still owes support if incomes are unequal. The formula accounts for time, but income differential drives the result.

Not true: “These numbers are the final word”

Courts can deviate from guideline amounts based on special circumstances — extraordinary expenses, disabled children, or other factors the formula doesn't capture. A calculator gives an estimate, not a court order.

Source

Official guidelines

This calculator implements the formula directly from Texas's published guidelines. For the authoritative text: Texas child support guidelines →

Last verified: 2025-01-01

Texas uses only the non-custodial parent's net resources. Net resources are capped at $11,700/month.

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