How Is Child Support Determined in Texas?

 Posted on March 11, 2026 in Child Support

Divorce involving children comes with big questions about finances. If you were the main breadwinner in your marriage, you’re probably wondering how much you’ll end up paying in child support. On the flip side, if you were a stay-at-home parent or you earn less than your spouse, you may be anxious that you won’t have enough to make ends meet.

Child support can be one of the most contentious issues between co-parents. The paying parent sometimes loses sight of the fact that this money goes toward their child's care rather than their ex. The receiving parent may feel they are being underpaid if they don’t have a clear view of their ex-spouse’s finances. Understanding how Texas law works can help both parents approach the process more clearly.

If you have questions about Texas child support in 2026 and want to understand how these payments are calculated, a Frisco child support attorney can walk you through what to expect.

How Does Texas Calculate Child Support?

Texas uses a percentage-of-income model to calculate child support. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 154, the court looks at the paying parent's monthly net income and applies a set percentage based on how many children need support.

Some states use a calculation that includes both parents’ incomes to decide support. Texas law can do this in some cases, but courts generally require the parent who spends less time with the child to pay. The standard guidelines break down as follows:

• One child: 20 percent of net monthly income
• Two children: 25 percent of net monthly income
• Three children:30 percent of net monthly income
• Four children: 35 percent of net monthly income
• Five children: 40 percent of net monthly income
• Six or more children: Not less than 40 percent of net monthly income

If the paying parent's net income falls below $1,000 per month, the percentages applied to the net income are reduced by five percent. For one child of a parent making less than $1000 net income a month, the obligation would be 15 percent rather than 20.

The guidelines apply to the first $11,700 of the paying parent’s monthly net resources. Courts may order additional support if the child’s proven needs justify it.

What Counts as Monthly Income for Texas Child Support Calculations?

To use the percentage-of-income model, the court first has to figure out the paying parent's net monthly income. This is not as simple as looking at a paycheck. Texas law looks at a variety of possible income sources, including:

• Wages, salaries, tips, commissions, overtime, and bonuses
• Self-employment income or profits from a business that the parent owns
• Social Security, retirement, and pension payments
• Disability payments and workers' compensation
• Unemployment benefits
• Capital gains and passive income, such as annuities or trust payments
• Rent received from being a landlord or subletting
• Alimony or child support that the parent receives for other children

A new spouse's income does not count toward the paying parent's income for child support purposes.

Are Any Deductions Made from the Net Income Amount?

After adding up all sources of income, some deductions are applied to arrive at the parents’ net income. Allowable deductions generally include federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, and union dues. Health and dental insurance premiums are also deducted.

The result after deductions is the net monthly income to which the percentage guidelines are applied.

Can Parents Decide on Their Own Child Support Agreement in Texas?

Parents who end their relationship on good terms sometimes wonder if they can just work out child support between themselves without going to court. While it’s a good thing that the parents feel they can cooperate well enough to do this, a private agreement alone is not enough.

Without a court order, there is no legal way to enforce payment if the other parent stops paying or pays less than agreed. Even the most cooperative co-parenting relationships can run into problems over time. What seems like a fair arrangement today may become a bad arrangement when circumstances change. Getting a formal court order in 2026 protects both parents and, most importantly, the child.

Once a court issues a child support order, the terms cannot be changed without going back to court. Orders are also legally enforceable by the court if one parent stops paying.

What If the Paying Parent's Income Changes?

Child support orders are not permanent. If there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, a substantial raise, or a change in the child's needs, either parent can ask the court to review and modify the order. The requesting parent will need to show that the change is substantial and not temporary.

Texas courts can also step in if a parent tries to avoid support by intentionally reducing their income. In those cases, the court may calculate support based on the parent's earning capacity rather than their current earnings.

Call a Collin County Child Support Attorney Today

It’s important to feel like you have a good understanding of why you are either ordered to pay or receive a certain amount of child support. Our Frisco family law lawyer at Moore Family Law, P.C. can help you feel confident about your support orders. Call Moore Family Law, P.C. at 214-764-8033 to schedule your consultation today.