Overview of Texas Child Support Formula
Texas uses a percentage-of-income model codified in Texas Family Code § 154.125. Unlike income-shares states that calculate based on combined parental income, Texas applies fixed percentages solely to the obligor's (paying parent's) net resources.
This approach is straightforward: determine the obligor's monthly net resources, apply the guideline percentage based on number of children, and cap the calculation at $9,200/month. While simpler than multi-variable models, Texas courts retain discretion to deviate when guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate.
Key Components of the Formula
1. Net Resources Definition
Texas Family Code § 154.062(b) defines net resources as all income from any source, including:
- Wage and salary income
- Self-employment income (gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses)
- Interest, dividends, and royalties
- Rental income (net)
- Retirement and pension benefits
- Social Security benefits (except SSI)
- Unemployment and workers' compensation
- Disability benefits
- Gifts and prizes
- Trust income
- Severance pay
From gross resources, the following deductions are allowed to arrive at net resources:
- Social Security taxes
- Federal income tax (based on tax rate for a single person claiming one personal exemption and standard deduction)
- State income tax
- Union dues
- Expenses for health insurance coverage for the child
2. Guideline Percentages
Under TFC § 154.125(b), the guideline percentages of net resources are:
| Number of Children | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 1 child | 20% |
| 2 children | 25% |
| 3 children | 30% |
| 4 children | 35% |
| 5+ children | 40% |
These percentages apply to the first $9,200 of monthly net resources. If the obligor has children from multiple relationships, the guideline amount is divided pro-rata among the children.
3. The $9,200 Net Resources Cap
The guideline presumption applies only to the first $9,200 of monthly net resources (TFC § 154.125(a)). For income above the cap, the court may order additional support if the obligee proves the child's needs exceed the guideline amount. The court must consider:
- The child's proven needs
- The parents' financial resources
- The child's standard of living before the parents separated
The cap is reviewed every six years by the Texas Attorney General and the Office of Court Administration (TFC § 154.130). Our calculator uses the current statutory cap and is updated when the legislature adjusts it.
Step-by-Step Calculation
When Courts May Deviate from Guidelines
Texas Family Code § 154.123 allows courts to deviate from the guideline if applying it would be unjust or inappropriate under the circumstances. Factors the court may consider include:
- The age and needs of the child
- The ability of the parents to contribute to the support of the child
- Any financial resources available for the support of the child
- The amount of time the child spends with each parent (possession schedule)
- The amount of the obligee's net resources
- Childcare expenses
- Whether the obligor has an automobile, housing, or other benefits furnished by their employer, business, or another person
- The amount of other deductions from the obligor's wage or salary
- Provisions for health insurance and uninsured medical expenses
- Special needs of the child (e.g., disability, educational needs)
- Travel costs for exercising possession and access
- Whether a parent has custody of other children
For more details on deviation rules and how courts apply them, see our Texas Deviation Factors Guide.
Low-Income Considerations
If the obligor's net resources are less than $1,000/month, Texas Family Code § 154.125(d) sets the minimum presumed child support at $0. However, the court must still order support based on the obligor's ability to provide support, considering their actual circumstances.
For net resources between $1,000 and the guideline threshold, courts generally apply the guideline percentage, but may consider the obligor's actual ability to pay and may deviate if the guideline amount would cause undue hardship.
Multiple Families and Pro-Rata Division
When the obligor has children from multiple relationships, the total guideline amount is calculated as if all children were from one family, then divided pro-rata among the children (TFC § 154.128). For example:
Modifying Support Orders
Either parent may request a modification of child support if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order, or if it has been at least three years since the order was established and the monthly support amount differs by either 20% or $100 from the current guideline amount (TFC § 156.401). Learn more in our Texas Child Support Modification Guide.
Enforcement of Support Orders
Texas has robust enforcement mechanisms for child support, including wage withholding, property liens, license suspensions, and contempt proceedings. The Texas Attorney General's Office provides enforcement services for parents receiving state assistance or who request help. See our Texas Enforcement Guide for details.
Use Our Texas Child Support Calculator
Our free Texas Child Support Calculator implements these exact formulas and guidelines. Enter your income, deductions, and number of children to get an instant, accurate estimate of your child support obligation.
- Accurate net resources calculation per TFC § 154.062
- Guideline percentage application with $9,200 cap
- Multiple children and multiple family scenarios
- Low-income considerations
- Instant results with detailed breakdown