Child Support · 2025-03-01 · 10 min read · Anthony Robles
How Much Is Child Support in Texas? 2026 Calculation Guide
TL;DR (Quick Summary)
Texas guideline child support is a percentage of the paying parent's NET resources: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 30% for 3, 35% for 4, 40% for 5+. Net resources = gross income minus federal taxes (single rate), Social Security/Medicare, union dues, and the child's health/dental insurance cost. The guideline applies to the first $9,200/month of net resources (cap adjusted every 6 years) — above that, extra support requires proven needs of the child. Percentages drop slightly if you support children in other households. Courts can deviate for special needs, travel costs, and intentional underemployment (they can impute income).
The Formula, Step by Step
- Step 1 — Gross income: wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, self-employment, rental income, unemployment, severance — nearly everything counts (§154.062). Oilfield per diems and bonuses are routinely included.
- Step 2 — Net resources: subtract federal income tax (single-person rate), Social Security/Medicare, union dues, and the cost of the child's health and dental insurance.
- Step 3 — Apply the percentage: 1 child 20%, 2 children 25%, 3 = 30%, 4 = 35%, 5+ = 40% of net resources, up to the $9,200/month cap.
- Step 4 — Multi-family adjustment: children you legally support in other households reduce the percentage (e.g., 1 before the court + 1 elsewhere = 17.5%).
Example: $6,000/month net resources, 2 children → $1,500/month, plus medical and dental support. Payments run through the State Disbursement Unit via wage withholding.
Deviations, Imputed Income, and West Texas Realities
Guidelines are presumptive, not absolute (§154.123). Courts deviate for a child's special medical or educational needs, significant travel costs for visitation, and heavy possession time beyond the standard order (50/50 schedules often justify offset support). If a parent is intentionally unemployed or underemployed, the court can impute income based on earning capacity — a big issue in the Permian Basin, where oilfield incomes swing between $120K years and layoffs. Judges typically look at income history, not just the current paycheck.
Above the $9,200 cap, additional support requires proof of the child's actual needs — private school, therapy, activities. And remember: support obligations only change by court order — if your income drops, file a modification immediately, because arrears accrue and never expire. Questions about your number? Case Evaluation: (432) 366-6000.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is child support for one kid in Texas?
20% of the paying parent's net resources — for example, roughly $1,000/month on $5,000 net. Add the child's health and dental insurance obligation on top.
What is the max child support in Texas?
The guideline applies to the first $9,200/month in net resources — so 20% ($1,840) for one child at the cap. Courts can order more only by proving the child's actual needs exceed that.
Does overtime and bonus pay count for child support?
Yes. Texas counts nearly all compensation, including overtime, bonuses, and self-employment income. Courts often average fluctuating oilfield income over 12–24 months.
Does 50/50 custody mean no child support?
Not automatically. Many courts order the higher earner to pay an offset amount even with equal possession. It depends on both incomes and the children's needs.