Texas is raising the maximum income cap used to calculate standard child support guidelines. This is the most significant increase in years—and it matters for many families.
What’s Changing?
Starting September 1, 2025, the maximum monthly net income considered for calculating child support jumps from $9,200 to $11,700.
Why it matters:
1 child: support increases from $1,840 to $2,340 (20%)
2 children: from $2,300 to $2,925 (25%)
3 children: from $2,760 to $3,510 (30%)
Higher incomes now result in higher baseline support under Texas guidelines.
Who Will Be Affected?
High-income parents earning more than $9,200/month will now have increased potential support obligations under the updated cap.
Any case finalized (new or modification) on or after September 1, 2025, will use the new cap—even if the case was filed earlier.
Existing orders remain governed by the old cap unless successfully modified under proper legal grounds.
Why Did Texas Raise the Cap?
This adjustment reflects long-term economic trends and cost increases associated with raising children in Texas. The Office of the Attorney General updates these caps approximately every few years, aligning obligations more closely with real-world realities.
What Should Parents Do Now?
Custodial parents with orders based on the previous cap may consider filing for a modification to reflect the now higher guideline amount—if justified by the supporting parent’s income and the child's needs.
Paying parents, especially those earning near or above the new threshold, should evaluate whether continued payment terms remain equitable and consider legal guidance if financial circumstances have changed.
Remember: modifications aren’t automatic—state law requires a material and substantial change in circumstances to justify altering support orders.
Summary at a Glance
Under the old Texas child support guidelines, the maximum monthly net income used to calculate support was capped at $9,200. Starting September 1, 2025, that cap increases to $11,700.
For parents of one child, this means the maximum support obligation will rise from $1,840 per month under the old cap to $2,340 per month under the new cap.
It’s important to note that this change only applies to cases finalized after September 1, 2025—existing orders will not automatically update.
Need Help Navigating These Updates?
Whether you're facing a new child support case or considering modifying an existing order, the updated cap could significantly impact your outcome. At Haugen Law Firm, P.C., we’re dedicated to helping Denton, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, and Tarrant County families understand and act on these changes.