In Texas, child support is not just a suggestion, it is a high-stakes legal obligation. On September 1, 2025, the state implemented the largest increase to the child support income cap in Texas history. If you are operating under an old order or estimating a new one, using outdated numbers can cost you thousands.
Our 2026 Texas Child Support Calculator uses the 2026 net resource cap of $11,700 and guideline percentages outlined in Texas Family Code §154.125 and §154.129
Texas Child Support Calculator
Updated for the 2025/2026 Net Resources Cap of $11,700.
Estimated Monthly Support
This calculator uses an estimated tax rate for demonstration purposes. Actual net resources may vary based on tax filing status and allowable deductions under Texas law.
How Child Support is Calculated in Texas (2026)
Texas follows a “Percentage of Net Resources” model. Unlike states that look at both parents, Texas primarily focuses on the Obligor (the parent paying support).
Step 1: Calculate Gross Monthly Income
We include all revenue streams: salary, overtime, bonuses, rental income, and even worker’s compensation.
Step 2: Determine “Net Resources”
The court subtracts specific items from your gross income to reach the “Net Resource” figure:
- Federal income taxes (calculated for a single person)
- Social Security and Medicare (FICA)
- Union Dues
- The actual cost of the child’s health and dental insurance premiums
Step 3: Apply the Guideline Percentage
For net resources up to $11,700 per month, the court applies these standard percentages:
| Number of Children | % of Net Resources | Max Monthly Support (at Cap) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Child | 20% | $2,340 |
| 2 Children | 25% | $2,925 |
| 3 Children | 30% | $3,510 |
| 4 Children | 35% | $4,095 |
| 5+ Children | 40% | $4,680 |
The 2025/2026 Cap Increase: Why Your Old Order is Obsolete
Until recently, the Texas income cap was frozen at $9,200. The jump to $11,700 means that high-earning parents are now responsible for significantly higher monthly payments.
Are you eligible for a modification?
Under Texas law, you can typically request a modification if:
- It has been three years since the last order; AND
- The new monthly amount would differ by 20% or $100 from the current order.
The new $11,700 cap often triggers this 20% threshold automatically for high-income earners. If you are receiving support from a high-earner, you are likely entitled to an increase.
When the Calculator Isn’t Enough
Texas guidelines are the “presumed” correct amount, but they are not absolute. As a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist, Scott M. Brown knows how to argue for deviations based on:
- Special Needs: Costs for therapy, specialized schooling, or medical equipment.
- Intentional Unemployment: If a parent is “hiding” income or taking a lower-paying job to avoid support, we can ask the court to impute income based on what they should be earning.
- Multiple Households: If you support children from different marriages, the math changes. For example, support for one child drops to 17.5% if you have another child to support elsewhere.
Protect Your Rights with a Board-Certified Expert
Child support is a formula, but the numbers you plug into that formula are often up for debate. Don’t let an inaccurate “Net Resource” calculation dictate your financial future.
Scott M. Brown & Associates provides aggressive, results-driven representation for:
- High-Net-Worth Support Disputes
- Child Support Modifications
- Enforcement of Unpaid Support (OAG Cases)
Take the Next Step
Contact our offices in Angleton, Pearland, League City, or Sugar Land today to speak with a legal team that understands the 2026 changes inside and out. We proudly serve clients throughout Brazoria, Galveston, and Fort Bend Counties and are intimately familiar with the courthouses in each jurisdiction, including the Brazoria County Courthouse in Angleton, the Galveston County Courthouse, and the Fort Bend County Courthouse in Richmond. Our local expertise means we know the judges, the procedures, and the nuances that matter in your case.
Texas Child Support: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the maximum amount of child support in Texas for 2026?
As of September 1, 2025, and continuing through 2026, the maximum amount of monthly “net resources” used to calculate guideline child support is $11,700.
- For one child, the maximum guideline payment is $2,340 (20%).
- For two children, the maximum is $2,925 (25%). If you earn more than $11,700 per month, the court generally caps your support at these amounts unless the child has “proven needs” that justify more.
2. How is “Net Monthly Income” different from my take-home pay?
In Texas, “Net Monthly Income” for child support purposes is a specific legal calculation. It starts with your total gross income (wages, bonuses, commissions) and subtracts only four things:
- Federal income taxes (at the single-person rate).
- Social Security and Medicare (FICA).
- Union dues.
- The actual cost of health and dental insurance for the children. Note: Voluntary 401(k) contributions or car payments are NOT deducted from your income for child support calculations.
3. Does the Texas child support calculator change if I have other children?
Yes. Texas uses an “Alternative Guideline” when a parent is legally responsible for children in more than one household. For example, if you are calculating support for one child in this case, but you already support another child from a previous marriage, the percentage drops from 20% to 17.5%. Our calculator automatically factors in these “Multiple Household” adjustments.
4. Can I modify my child support if my income has changed?
You can typically request a modification if:
- It has been at least three years since your last order was signed.
- The monthly amount would change by at least 20% or $100.
- There has been a “material and substantial change” in circumstances (such as a job loss, a significant raise, or the child moving homes).
5. Who pays for health and dental insurance in Texas?
In addition to the monthly cash support, one parent (usually the one paying support) is required to provide health and dental insurance. If the other parent provides the insurance, the payer is usually ordered to reimburse them for the actual cost of the premium.
6. What if we have a 50/50 custody split?
Contrary to popular belief, a 50/50 “equal possession” schedule does not mean $0 in child support in Texas. Judges often still order the higher-earning parent to pay a reduced amount of support to the lower-earning parent to ensure the child enjoys a similar standard of living in both homes.
