Texas Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in Texas using our free calculator based on the official Texas Family Code Chapter 154. Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

Texas Child Support Calculator

Based on Texas's 2025 Texas Family Code Chapter 154

$

This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

Key Facts: Child Support in Texas

  • Texas uses the Percentage of Income model to calculate child support, basing the obligation on the non-custodial parent's net resources.
  • The guideline percentages are: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 30% for 3 children, 35% for 4 children, and 40% for 5 or more children.
  • Texas caps net resources at $11,700 per month for guideline calculations (effective September 1, 2025 under SB 1936). Courts may order above-guideline support for higher earners.
  • Net resources include wages, salary, tips, and other income minus federal/state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare deductions.
  • Courts may deviate from guidelines based on factors like the child's special needs, shared custody arrangements, or the obligor's other support obligations.

Source: Texas Family Code Chapter 154 • Last verified: 2026-05-30

How Much Is Child Support in Texas?

If you make $60,000 a year in Texas, child support for 1 child is estimated at $1,000 per month ($12,000 per year) based on the Texas Family Code Chapter 154. This is based on the guideline percentage applied to your income. The actual amount depends on your net resources and any deductions.

If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in Texas, child support for 1 child is approximately $867/month.

Texas Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $667/mo $833/mo $1,000/mo
$50,000/yr $833/mo $1,042/mo $1,250/mo
$60,000/yr $1,000/mo $1,250/mo $1,500/mo
$70,000/yr $1,167/mo $1,458/mo $1,750/mo
$80,000/yr $1,333/mo $1,667/mo $2,000/mo
$100,000/yr $1,667/mo $2,083/mo $2,500/mo
$120,000/yr $2,000/mo $2,500/mo $3,000/mo

Based on Texas guideline percentages applied to gross income. Actual amounts vary based on net resources and deductions. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Texas

Texas uses the Percentage of Income model to calculate child support obligations. This means child support is based on a set percentage of the non-custodial parent's net income, with the percentage increasing based on the number of children.

Factors That Affect Child Support in Texas

Non-custodial parent's net monthly resources
Number of children before the court
Number of children from other relationships
Health insurance and dental insurance costs
Child care expenses
Travel costs for visitation
Age and needs of the child
Possession and access schedule
Child's educational expenses

Important Notes for Texas

  • Texas uses the Percentage of Income model, basing child support on the non-custodial parent's net resources.
  • Net resources include wages, salary, tips, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and other income sources minus federal taxes, state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and union dues.
  • The court may deviate from guidelines if the child has special needs or if the obligor has other children to support.
  • Texas law caps the net resources subject to the guideline percentage at $11,700/month (effective September 1, 2025 under SB 1936). Income above the cap may still be considered by the court.

Example Child Support Calculation in Texas

Scenario: Non-custodial parent earns $5,000/month net income, 2 children.

Step 1: Determine net monthly income: $5,000

Step 2: Apply the guideline percentage for 2 children: 25%

Step 3: Calculate: $5,000 × 25% = $1,250/month

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Child Support

How is child support calculated in Texas?
Texas uses the Percentage of Income model. Child support is calculated as a percentage of the non-custodial parent's monthly net resources: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 30% for 3 children, 35% for 4 children, and 40% for 5 or more children. Net resources include income minus federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.
What percentage of income is child support in Texas?
In Texas, child support is 20% of net resources for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 30% for 3 children, 35% for 4 children, and 40% for 5 or more children. These percentages apply to the non-custodial parent's net monthly resources, not gross income.
What is the maximum child support in Texas?
Texas caps the net resources used for calculating child support at $11,700 per month (as of September 2025, under SB 1936). This means the maximum monthly child support for 1 child is $2,340 (20% of $11,700), $2,925 for 2 children, and $3,510 for 3 children. Courts may order additional support above the cap if the child's needs warrant it.
Does child support change with 50/50 custody in Texas?
Texas courts may adjust child support when parents share custody equally (50/50). The court considers each parent's income and expenses, but there is no automatic formula reduction for shared custody. The judge has discretion to deviate from guidelines based on the specific arrangement.
How long does child support last in Texas?
In Texas, child support typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school (whichever occurs later), marries, has the disabilities of minority removed by court order, or dies. Support may continue indefinitely for a child with a disability.

About This Calculator

This calculator uses the official Texas Family Code Chapter 154 (2025 guidelines) to estimate child support in Texas. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by Texas courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Texas family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Percentage of Income model as defined in the Texas Family Code Chapter 154. Updated for 2026.

Child Support Calculators for Other States

Alabama Income Shares model Alaska Percentage of Income model Arizona Income Shares model Arkansas Income Shares model California Algebraic Formula (ยง 4055) model Colorado Income Shares model

View all 50 state calculators →