State of Texas
Divorce Laws & Financial Calculators
Texas follows specific guidelines for child support and spousal maintenance (alimony) based on the Texas Family Code. Our calculators help you understand potential obligations under current state law.
Child support calculated using percentage of obligor's net income (20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, etc.)
Spousal maintenance limited to lesser of $5,000/month or 20% of average gross monthly income
Income cap of $9,200 monthly net income for child support percentage calculations
Texas Calculator Tools
Texas Family Law Guide & Resources
- • Child support percentage model
- • Spousal maintenance eligibility
- • Income caps and limitations
- • 2024 law updates
- • Texas Family Code Chapter 154
- • Spousal maintenance laws
- • Court forms and procedures
- • Filing requirements
- • Board-certified family lawyers
- • Local attorney directories
- • Consultation guidance
- • Legal aid resources
Texas Child Support Guidelines
Income Cap: $9,200 monthly net income
Special provisions for net income under $1,000/month
Calculate Net Income
Gross income minus taxes, social security, and health insurance
Apply Percentage
Multiply net income by percentage based on number of children
Consider Adjustments
Account for multiple families, health insurance, and other factors
Texas Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
Marriage lasted at least 10 years, OR
Spouse convicted of family violence within 2 years before filing, OR
Spouse lacks earning ability due to incapacitating physical/mental disability
Maximum Amount: Lesser of $5,000/month or 20% of average gross monthly income
Note: Court may order shorter duration based on specific circumstances
Real Texas Calculation Examples
Calculation:
$5,000 × 25% (2 children) = $1,250/month
Gross Income: $6,500/month
Net Income: $5,000/month (after taxes, SS, insurance)
Number of Children: 2
Percentage Applied: 25%
Monthly Support: $1,250
Calculation:
$8,000 × 20% = $1,600/month for up to 5 years
Marriage Duration: 15 years
Payor's Gross Income: $8,000/month
Percentage Applied: 20%
Maximum Duration: 5 years
Monthly Maintenance: $1,600
Texas Divorce Process Overview
File Petition
File divorce petition in county where you or spouse resided for 90+ days
Serve Papers
Serve divorce papers to spouse via process server or agreed method
60-Day Wait
Mandatory 60-day waiting period before divorce can be finalized
Final Decree
Court issues final decree outlining support obligations and property division
Essential Documents for Texas Divorce
Common Texas Divorce Mistakes to Avoid
Underreporting Income
Failing to include all sources of income can lead to inaccurate support calculations and potential legal consequences.
Ignoring Tax Implications
Not considering how child support, alimony, and property division affect your tax situation can be costly.
Inadequate Financial Disclosure
Texas requires full financial disclosure. Hiding assets or income can result in sanctions and unfavorable rulings.
Verbal Agreements Only
All support and custody arrangements must be in writing and court-approved to be legally enforceable.
Not Understanding Guidelines
Assuming support amounts are arbitrary when Texas has specific mathematical guidelines for calculations.
Delaying Documentation
Waiting too long to gather financial documents can delay proceedings and increase legal costs.
Modifying and Enforcing Support Orders
Material and Substantial Change
Texas requires proof of a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order.
Income Changes: Significant increase or decrease in either party's income
Employment Changes: Job loss, promotion, or career change affecting income
Medical Needs: New medical expenses for children or disabilities
Custody Changes: Modifications to possession and access schedules
Cost of Living: Substantial changes in the cost of supporting children
Texas Attorney General Services
Free enforcement services available through the Texas AG Child Support Division.
Wage Garnishment: Automatic deduction from payor's paycheck
Asset Seizure: Bank accounts, property, and other assets can be seized
License Suspension: Driver's, professional, and recreational licenses
Credit Reporting: Unpaid support reported to credit bureaus
Contempt of Court: Jail time for willful non-payment
Texas Family Law Resources
Harris County: 1115 Congress St, Houston
Dallas County: 600 Commerce St, Dallas
Bexar County: 300 Dolorosa St, San Antonio
Travis County: 1000 Guadalupe St, Austin
Tarrant County: 401 W Belknap St, Fort Worth
Texas Legal Aid: Statewide legal services
Lone Star Legal Aid: Southeast Texas region
Legal Aid of Central Texas: Austin area
Houston Volunteer Lawyers: Harris County pro bono
Dallas Legal Aid: Dallas County assistance
Texas Attorney General: Child support services
Texas Supreme Court: Family law forms
State Bar of Texas: Lawyer referral service
Texas Department of Family: Protective services
Office of Court Administration: Self-help resources