How to Calculate Child Support in Texas (2025)
Updated for the 2025 guidelines. This guide explains, in plain language, how Texas courts calculate child support and how you can estimate your own payment.
Overview
Texas calculates child support as a percentage of the paying parent’s net monthly income. The percentage depends on how many children are covered by the order. Judges can increase or decrease the amount in unusual cases, but most routine orders use the guideline math below.
Step 1: Determine Net Monthly Income
Start with all gross income — wages, overtime, commissions, bonuses, rental income, business income, etc. Subtract allowable deductions to arrive at net monthly income. Typical deductions include federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, union dues, and the children’s health insurance premiums. If you’re self-employed, subtract reasonable business expenses to calculate your net resources.
Step 2: Apply the Percentage
Apply the guideline percentage to your net monthly income. If you support other children from other relationships, the court reduces the percentage to reflect that obligation.
Quick Percentage Table
| Number of Children | Guideline Percentage |
|---|---|
| 1 | 20% |
| 2 | 25% |
| 3 | 30% |
| 4 | 35% |
| 5 or more | 40% |
Step 3: Income Cap
Texas applies these percentages up to a statutory cap on net monthly income. If you earn above the cap, the guideline percentage applies only to the capped amount. Courts may order additional support for extraordinary needs. Check the Attorney General’s website for the current cap.
Step 4: Health Insurance & Child Care
Health insurance premiums for the children and work-related child care costs are usually added to the base obligation or handled separately in the order.
Example Calculation
Net monthly income: $5,000. Two children: 25%. $5,000 × 0.25 = $1,250 per month. If you also pay $150/month for the children’s health insurance, the order might say $1,250 plus $150 for insurance.
Common Variations
50/50 custody: Courts may reduce the guideline amount or calculate a net transfer based on income differences and expenses.
Self-employed payers: Net resources are based on business income minus documented expenses. Keep detailed records.
Practical Tips
- Use our Texas Child Support Calculator to avoid math errors.
- Keep pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of expenses. Courts rely on documentation.
- If your income varies, average it over a representative period.
- For high-income cases, consult a family law attorney. Courts can deviate from guidelines.