Estimate Texas child support using the Percentage of Income Model. Free, private, and updated for 2026.
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These calculators provide estimates for educational purposes only. Child support and family law calculations vary significantly by state, judge, and individual circumstances. Results are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed family law attorney in Texas for advice specific to your situation.
Texas uses the Percentage of Income Model to determine child support obligations. Texas uses the Percentage of Income model applied to the obligor's monthly net resources (after taxes). Texas is the most-searched state for child support. Percentages: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 30% for 3, 35% for 4, and 40% for 5+ children. Texas caps the obligor's net monthly resources at $9,200 for guideline purposes.
Texas caps guideline child support at $9,200/month net resources (as of 2021, adjusted periodically). Above this cap, courts may order additional support based on the child's proven needs. Texas support ends at age 18 or graduation from high school. Texas courts also award support for disabled adult children.
The Texas Attorney General provides an official Child Support Calculator at texasattorneygeneral.gov/cs-calculator. This is one of the most accurate state calculators available.
Alex earns $5,500/month gross income. Jordan earns $3,200/month. They have 2 children in Texas. Alex has primary custody; Jordan has standard visitation (every other weekend, approximately 73 overnights/year).
This example uses approximate calculations. Actual Texas child support requires the official Percentage of Income Model worksheet or software and should be verified with a licensed family law attorney or the court.
Both Parents' Income
Texas's Percentage of Income Model bases support on the paying parent's income. The other parent's income does not directly affect the calculation for primary custody arrangements, though it matters for shared custody adjustments.
Custody and Parenting Time
Texas adjusts child support based on the amount of parenting time each parent has. More overnight time with the paying parent generally reduces the support obligation — reflecting that the paying parent directly absorbs the children's costs during their parenting time. Texas caps guideline child support at $9,200/month net resources (as of 2021, adjusted periodically).
Health Insurance and Childcare
Health insurance premiums for the children and work-related childcare costs are added to the basic child support obligation in Texas. The cost is typically split proportionally based on each parent's share of combined income. These add-ons can significantly increase the total support obligation, particularly in cases with high childcare or health insurance costs.
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Texas uses the Percentage of Income Model to calculate child support. Texas uses the Percentage of Income model applied to the obligor's monthly net resources (after taxes). The guideline amount is the starting point, but courts may deviate based on special circumstances such as a child's extraordinary medical needs, travel costs for visitation, or significantly different financial situations from the guideline assumptions. Always confirm your specific calculation with a Texas family law attorney.
Texas calculates child support based on the paying parent's net monthly income after taxes and mandatory deductions. Courts may also impute income to a parent who is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed without good cause — meaning they may be held to what they could earn rather than what they actually earn.
No. In Texas, shared custody reduces but does not eliminate child support in most cases. When both parents share custody equally, Texas typically uses an offset method where each parent's guideline support is calculated and the higher earner pays the difference. The goal is to ensure the children maintain a similar standard of living in both households. If incomes are nearly equal, the resulting payment may be very small, but it rarely drops to zero unless incomes are identical.
In Texas, child support generally continues until the child reaches the age of majority (typically age 18), graduates from high school, or is otherwise emancipated — whichever occurs later up to the state maximum. Courts may also continue support for adult disabled children who cannot support themselves. Support does not automatically end — the paying parent must file for termination when the child ages out or becomes emancipated.
Yes. Texas child support can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Most states, including Texas, require that the new calculated amount differ from the existing order by at least 15% — or that three years have passed since the order was entered, triggering an automatic review. Changes that typically qualify include significant income changes for either parent, a change in custody arrangement, a child's new medical needs, or loss of health insurance coverage. Modifications require filing a motion with the family court — the original order remains in effect until a new order is entered.