How Texas Calculates Child Support
Texas uses the Percentage of Obligor Income model to determine child support obligations. This page explains the guidelines, formula, and key factors.
Model Type
Percentage of Obligor Income (net resources)
Percentage of obligor net resources: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 30% for 3, 35% for 4, 40% for 5+. Net resources = gross income minus taxes, social security, health insurance for child, and union dues. Guidelines cap applies to first $9,200/month net resources (as of 2023).
Income Basis & Definitions
net resources (obligor only)
Determines percentage applied: 20% (1), 25% (2), 30% (3), 35% (4), 40% (5+).
Source: §154.125 guideline percentages by number of childrenObligor monthly net resources after statutory deductions (taxes, FICA, health insurance for child, union dues).
Source: §154.062 net resources computationParenting Time Handling
Possession schedule may support deviation; Texas does not have an automatic parenting-time offset formula.
Source: §154.123 deviation factors including possession and accessDeductions & Adjustments
Existing child support or court-ordered obligations for other children may reduce net resources.
Source: §154.062 deductions from gross incomeIf obligor has children in more than one household, adjusted percentage table under §154.129 applies.
Source: §154.129 multiple-family adjusted guidelines