Texas Child Support
Estimate for Texas
Texas uses the Percentage of Income model.
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
§ 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
- Apply for services through the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) Child Support Division, or file a petition in court.
- The OAG locates the absent parent and establishes paternity if needed (voluntary acknowledgement or DNA test).
- Calculate the guideline amount using the OAG Monthly Child Support Calculator and the tax charts.
- A court enters the support order (or an administrative order in IV-D cases); medical support is included.
- Payments are made through the OAG via income withholding; the OAG enforces the order.
- To modify, request an OAG review or file a court action showing a material/substantial change in circumstances.
◈ Illustrative examples
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.
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
↗ Official policy & agency links
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
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).