When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important questions involves child support. Texas uses statewide guidelines to calculate support, but several factors can affect the final amount. Understanding how the process works can help you prepare for what lies ahead and protect your child’s financial well-being.
How do Texas courts calculate child support?
Net resources may include:
- Wages and salary
- Self-employment income
- Commissions and bonuses
- Retirement income
- Certain disability benefits
The court subtracts eligible deductions, such as taxes and health insurance premiums, before applying the guideline percentages.
What are the guideline percentages?
Texas generally applies the following percentages based on the number of children before the court:
- One child: 20%
- Two children: 25%
- Three children: 30%
- Four children: 35%
- Five children: 40%
- Six or more children: At least 40%
These guidelines apply in many cases, although the court may adjust support when appropriate.
Can the court order a different amount?
Yes. Judges may deviate from the standard guidelines if applying them would not serve the child’s best interests.
Factors the court may consider include:
- The child’s medical needs
- Educational expenses
- Special needs
- Parenting time arrangements
- Other children the parent supports
- Significant differences in the parents’ financial circumstances
Every family’s situation is unique, so support orders can vary.
Can child support be modified?
Child support orders are not always permanent. Either parent may request a modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances.
Examples include:
- Job loss
- Significant increase or decrease in income
- Changes in custody
- Increased medical or educational expenses
A court must generally approve any modification before it becomes legally effective.
Why legal guidance matters
Although Texas provides guideline calculations, determining child support is not always straightforward. Income calculations, deviations from the guidelines and modification requests can become complicated.
An experienced Texas family law attorney can explain how the law applies to your circumstances, help ensure financial information is accurately presented and advocate for an outcome that supports your child’s best interests while protecting your legal rights.