How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas?

 Posted on January 29, 2025 in Child Support

One of the most pressing questions parents have when they go through a divorce is how it will affect them financially. There can be a great deal of anxiety and confusion around things like child support, how much you might have to pay, and for how long. Generally, the noncustodial parent makes these payments to the custodial parent, but other than that, there can be a lot of uncertainty. Fortunately, a knowledgeable Texas family law attorney can explain what goes into those decisions and help you have reasonable expectations. 

How Do Your Net Resources Impact Your Child Support Payments?

The first factor in Texas child support calculations is what the paying parent’s net resources are. First, all their sources of income are calculated. These can include their salary – including bonuses and commissions, investment income, retirement benefits, social security benefits, and unemployment benefits.

Next, expenses like federal income taxes, social security taxes, state income taxes, union fees, or the child's health insurance or medical support need to be calculated. Net resources are calculated by subtracting these deductions from the total income amount, and this number serves as a baseline for what the child support payments will be.

Percentage Guidelines for Child Support Calculations

In Texas, there is a percentage-based formula used to help calculate child support, based on how many children are involved. Depending on the number of children being supported, the paying parent needs to pay the corresponding percentage of his net resources. The percentages are as follows:

• 20 percent for one child

• 25 percent for two children

• 30 percent for three children

• 35 percent for four children

• 40 percent for five children

• At least 40 percent for six or more children

There is a cap on the percentage of net resources the noncustodial parent needs to pay. As of 2023, the cap on monthly net resources is $9,200. This means that the percentages are only applied to the first $9,200 of the paying parent’s net resources, regardless of their total income. If a child has extensive needs and the noncustodial parent earns above the cap, the court might consider adjusting the amount for that family.

Are There Any Exceptions to These Child Support Calculation Guidelines?

The guidelines described above provide a foundation for child support calculations, but Texas courts can make exceptions and adjust the amount if they think it is necessary. Factors that are considered include each parent’s parenting time, any necessary travel expenses for visitation, and any special needs the child may have. Courts also account for any other children the noncustodial parent supports and they adjust the percentage accordingly.

In addition to regular child support, Texas law requires parents to provide their children with medical and dental support. This typically means making sure the child has health insurance and can include reimbursing the custodial parent for medical expenses paid out-of-pocket.

Contact a Dallas, TX Child Support Lawyer

If you are approaching a divorce, speak with a knowledgeable Tarrant County, TX family law attorney to understand how your child support payments might be calculated. At Law Office of Michelle Poblenz we are dedicated to helping our clients get favorable outcomes and we will work with you to ensure that you understand all the factors and implications. Call us at 469-845-3031 to schedule a private consultation today.