Use this free calculator to estimate guideline child support under Texas law. Enter the obligor’s monthly gross income, number of children, and other factors to see an approximate support amount based on the statutory formula in Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 154.
This calculator applies the Texas guideline percentages and accounts for multiple-household adjustments. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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Obligor’s total monthly income before deductions
Children obligor supports from other relationships
Quick Estimate Mode: Uses ~25% deduction for taxes and FICA. Select “Enter Actual Deductions” for more accuracy.
What This Calculator Includes
This calculator estimates basic child support under the Texas Family Code guidelines. It applies:
- Guideline percentages from Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125 (20% for one child, 25% for two, etc.)
- Multiple-family adjustments from Tex. Fam. Code § 154.129 when the obligor supports children from other relationships
- Statutory net resources cap of $11,700/month (effective September 1, 2025)
What This Calculator Does NOT Include
Texas child support orders typically include additional obligations beyond the basic guideline amount. This calculator does not account for:
Medical and Dental Support (Ordered Separately)
Under Tex. Fam. Code §§ 154.181–154.187, courts must order medical and dental support in addition to basic child support. This typically includes:
- Health insurance — One parent must provide coverage for the child if available at reasonable cost
- Cash medical support — If neither parent has access to reasonable insurance
- Uninsured medical expenses — Courts typically split unreimbursed expenses (often 50/50)
These amounts are not reflected in the calculator estimate.
Other Factors That May Affect Your Order
- Possession and access schedule — Texas guidelines don’t automatically prorate support based on parenting time, but courts may consider this as a deviation factor under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.123
- Travel expenses for visitation — May be allocated between parents or used as basis for deviation
- Special needs of the child — Educational, medical, or therapeutic expenses may justify above-guideline support
- High-income situations — For income above the cap, courts may order additional support based on proven needs
- Intentional unemployment — Courts may impute income if a parent is voluntarily underemployed
About Net Resources
Texas child support is calculated on net resources, not gross income. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.062, net resources are calculated by subtracting from gross income:
- Federal income tax (calculated using single filing status and standard deduction)
- Social Security taxes (FICA)
- Medicare taxes
- Union dues (if mandatory)
- Cost of health insurance for the child
The Quick Estimate mode uses approximately 25% for these deductions, which is typical for many wage earners. For more accuracy, select Enter Actual Deductions and input your specific amounts from a recent pay stub.
Statutory Cap on Net Resources
The Texas Office of the Attorney General adjusts the net resources cap every six years to account for inflation. Effective September 1, 2025, the cap increased from $9,200 to $11,700 per month.
If the obligor’s net resources exceed this cap, guideline support is calculated on $11,700. However, under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.126, the court may order additional support above the guideline amount if the child’s proven needs justify it.
Why Actual Orders May Differ
The guideline amount is presumptively reasonable under Texas law, meaning courts typically follow it unless there’s good reason to deviate. However, judges have discretion to adjust support based on the factors in Tex. Fam. Code § 154.123, including:
- The child’s age and specific needs
- Each parent’s ability to contribute
- Child care expenses
- Educational expenses
- The amount of time each parent has with the child
- Travel costs for possession exchanges
- Positive or negative cash flow from property
If a court deviates from the guidelines, it must make specific findings explaining why the guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate.
FAQ
Is this calculator the same as the Texas Attorney General’s calculator?
This calculator uses the same statutory formula from Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 154, including the guideline percentages and multiple-family adjustments. Both calculators provide estimates—actual court orders depend on the specific facts of each case.
Why doesn’t the calculator account for both parents’ income?
Texas uses an “income shares” concept only for the obligor. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.069, the court may not add a spouse’s income to the obligor’s net resources. The guideline formula focuses on the obligor’s ability to pay, not a proportional split between parents.
Does 50/50 custody reduce child support in Texas?
Not automatically. The Texas guidelines don’t include a built-in proration for equal parenting time. However, “time of possession and access between parents” is a factor courts may consider when deciding whether to deviate from guidelines under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.123.
What if my income is above the $11,700 cap?
Guideline support is calculated on $11,700 even if your net resources are higher. However, under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.126, the court may order additional support if the child’s proven needs exceed what the guideline provides.
Is health insurance included in this calculation?
If the obligor pays for the child’s health insurance, that cost can be deducted from gross resources (enter this in “custom deductions” mode). Separately, the court will order one parent to provide health insurance as part of the medical support order—that obligation is in addition to basic child support.
When did the net resources cap change to $11,700?
The cap increased from $9,200 to $11,700 effective September 1, 2025. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(a-1), the cap is adjusted every six years for inflation.
Sources
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