When parents separate or divorce, ensuring that children receive the financial support they need is a top priority. In Texas, child support is calculated based on established guidelines that consider both parents' income and the number of children involved.
At Haugen Law Firm, P.C. we help parents throughout Denton County, Collin County, Cooke County, Dallas County, an Tarrant County understand how child support works—and ensure that obligations are fair, accurate, and in the child’s best interest. Here’s what you need to know about Texas child support guidelines.
Who Pays Child Support in Texas?
Typically, the noncustodial parent (the parent who doesn’t have primary custody) is the one who pays child support to the custodial parent (the parent with whom the child primarily lives). However, both parents are expected to contribute to the child’s financial needs—child support ensures an equitable balance.
Even in a 50/50 custody arrangement, child support may still be required—especially if one parent earns significantly more than the other. In these cases, courts may calculate support for both parents and order the higher-earning parent to pay the difference. This helps ensure the child’s needs are met in both homes.
How Is Child Support Calculated?
Texas follows a percentage-based model that uses the paying parent’s net resources to determine support obligations. Net resources include salary, wages, bonuses, commissions, rental income, and more—minus deductions for taxes and Social Security.
Standard Percentages (for net monthly income up to $11,700):
1 child: 20%
2 children: 25%
3 children: 30%
4 children: 35%
5 children: 40%
6+ children: Not less than 40%
Note: These percentages can be adjusted if the parent has children from another relationship they are already supporting.
What Are “Net Resources”?
Net resources are not just take-home pay. The court considers:
- Gross income (salary, commissions, self-employment income)
- Investment income
- Rental income
- Retirement or pension income
Then subtracts:
- Federal income tax
- Social Security/Medicare tax
- Union dues
- Health insurance premiums for the child
Who Pays for Health Insurance?
Texas law requires that one parent—usually the one paying support—also provide medical and dental coverage for the child. If insurance isn’t available through their employer, the court may order either parent to obtain it or reimburse the other parent for premium costs.
When Does Child Support End?
In most cases, child support in Texas ends when the child turns 18 or graduates high school—whichever occurs later.
However, it may extend indefinitely if:
- The child is physically or mentally disabled
- The court has made specific provisions for extended support
Can Child Support Be Modified?
Yes. A child support order can be modified if:
- It has been 3 years since the last order and the support amount would change by $100 or 20%
- There has been a material and substantial change in either parent’s income or the child’s needs
Examples of qualifying changes:
- Job loss or significant raise
- Remarriage and new dependents
- Health issues
- Changes in custody or parenting time
What Happens if a Parent Doesn’t Pay?
Failure to pay court-ordered child support in Texas can result in serious consequences, including:
- Wage garnishment
- Seizure of tax refunds or bank accounts
- Suspension of driver's or professional licenses
- Contempt of court (which may include jail time)
Get Support With Texas Child Support Matters
Whether you're negotiating child support for the first time, seeking a modification, or enforcing an existing order, Haugen Law Firm, P.C. is here to help. We work with parents in Lewisville and throughout Denton County, Collin County, Cooke County, Dallas County, and Tarrant County to ensure child support orders are fair and enforceable. If you have questions about your legal rights or need personalized support, our dedicated team is here to help. Contact us today!