Verification in progress. Statute references on this page are being confirmed against current law by a licensed attorney. Use the official sources listed below for the authoritative text.
Key takeaways
- Guideline percentages: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, 40% for five or more (reduced when the obligor supports children in other households).
- Percentages apply only to net resources up to a statutory cap adjusted every six years by the Attorney General.
- Courts may deviate from guidelines—including for equal possession—if they make findings.
- Modification requires a material change or a three-year review showing a 20% or $100 difference.
Legal / educational information
Calculating
Chapter 154 defines net resources (wages, self-employment, overtime, and more, minus federal taxes, Social Security, union dues, and the child's health-insurance premium). The Attorney General publishes a monthly child-support calculator. Confirm the current net-resources cap before running numbers. VERIFY: confirm the current Texas Family Code text and section numbers with a licensed Texas attorney before relying on this—the Legislature amends Title 5 in most sessions.
Legal / educational information
Medical and dental support
Texas orders medical and dental support in addition to guideline support, typically by ordering one parent to carry insurance and allocating premiums and uninsured costs.
Legal / educational information
If you lose your job
File to modify immediately—arrears cannot be reduced for periods before you file. Notify the Attorney General's office if it enforces your order.
Frequently asked questions
Guidelines do not automatically adjust for possession time, but courts can deviate for equal possession with findings. Many Texas equal-time orders use an offset or reduced amount; verify with counsel.
Sources
A Father's Fight provides general educational information and personal experiences. It is not a law firm and this page is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney in your state. See our disclaimer and editorial policy.