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What Parents Need to Know About Child Support Payments
If you’re a parent dealing with child support in Texas, 2025 brings a few key updates that are worth your attention—especially if you’re trying to figure out what the maximum amount might be. Whether you’re paying or receiving support, staying in the loop can save you time, stress, and potentially a court visit.
Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to follow and helpful for your next steps.
How Texas Calculates Child Support in 2025
Texas uses a pretty straightforward formula for calculating child support: a percentage of the paying parent’s net monthly income, up to a certain limit. This isn’t gross income—it’s what’s left after things like taxes, Social Security, and health insurance premiums are deducted.
For 2025, that income cap sits at $9,200 per month. That’s the max amount the court will use to calculate child support under standard guidelines, no matter how much a parent earns above that.
Here’s What You Might Pay (or Receive) Based on That Cap
Below are the max monthly support amounts if the paying parent hits that $9,200 income cap:
| Number of Children | Maximum Monthly Support (2025) |
|---|---|
| 1 child | $1,840 |
| 2 children | $2,300 |
| 3 children | $2,760 |
| 4 children | $3,220 |
| 5 or more children | $3,680 |
These numbers come from Texas’ fixed percentage guidelines: 20% for one child, 25% for two, and so on. If a parent earns less than $9,200/month in net income, the support amount will be lower.
When the Court Might Go Above the Cap
Texas courts have the option to order more than the maximum if there’s a strong reason. Some examples:
- The child has medical or educational needs that require more funding.
- The parent earns significantly more than $9,200/month, and the child is used to a higher standard of living.
If this sounds like your situation, it’s worth speaking to a family law attorney to see if asking for more support (or defending against it) makes sense.
Need to Adjust a Support Order? Here’s What It Takes
Life changes. Income changes. And sometimes, child support needs to change too.
In Texas, you can request a change (called a “modification”) if:
- There’s been a big change in your situation—like losing a job, getting a big raise, or your child’s needs shifting.
- It’s been 3 years since the last order, and the difference between what you pay now and what you’d pay under current guidelines is at least $100/month or 20%.
You can file this request through the Office of the Attorney General or go straight to court.
Falling Behind on Payments? It Can Get Messy
If child support isn’t paid on time, the state can step in—hard. Some of the tools they use:
- Wage garnishment: Money comes straight out of your paycheck.
- License suspensions: That includes driver’s licenses, professional licenses, even hunting and fishing licenses.
- Contempt of court: If the problem drags out, a judge could fine or jail the non-paying parent.
If you’re struggling, the best move is to act fast. Don’t ignore it. Reach out to a lawyer or file to modify your payments before things spiral.
Quick Tips for Parents
- Document everything: Keep track of income changes, expenses, and communication with the other parent.
- Use the state’s calculator: The Texas Attorney General’s website has a helpful online calculator. Plug in your numbers and get an estimate.
- Communicate clearly: Whether you’re paying or receiving, respectful communication can go a long way in avoiding disputes.
- Don’t wait to file: If you know a change is coming—like a job shift—get ahead of it. Courts rarely make changes retroactively.
🔗 Helpful Resources and Tools
To make your next steps easier, here are a few official tools and guides worth checking out:
- Texas Child Support Calculator – Estimate your monthly payment based on income and number of children.
- Texas Attorney General – Child Support Division – Forms, payment info, and child support case tools.
More detailed reads from our blog:
✅ Free Download: Child Support Prep Checklist
Want to stay organized before filing or modifying child support?
Here’s a quick checklist you can download or print:
What to Gather:
- Last 3 pay stubs or profit/loss statement
- Most recent tax return
- Health insurance documentation
- Proof of daycare or medical expenses
- Any prior court orders
- A parenting time calendar
👉 Download the printable checklist here
🧮 Real-Life Scenarios: How It Plays Out
Example 1:
Carlos earns $7,500/month in net income and has two kids. With the standard 25%, his monthly support would be $1,875. That’s under the cap, so the guideline applies.
Example 2:
Tasha earns $12,000/month and has one child with special medical needs. Although the cap is $1,840 for one child, the court may approve more based on documented expenses.
👨👩👧 How Parenting Time Affects Support in Texas
Many people assume 50/50 custody means no child support is owed. That’s not always true in Texas. Courts look at income more than parenting time. If one parent earns significantly more, support may still be ordered, even with equal time.
Want to learn more?
👉 How Does Child Support Work If My Ex Is Unemployed?
⚠️ Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Not reporting income changes: This can cause legal issues and overpayment or underpayment claims.
- Verbal agreements: These don’t override court orders. Always make updates official.
- Missing hearings: Can result in default judgments against you.
- Ignoring payments: Even if the order feels unfair, non-payment can lead to enforcement actions or jail time.
Need help with enforcement? Read about what happens if support isn’t paid.
FAQs on Texas Child Support in 2025
Does the $9,200 cap include bonuses, commissions, or side income?
Yes, it can. The court looks at net monthly resources, not just your base salary. This includes commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, and even severance pay. If it’s money coming in on a consistent basis, it probably counts—unless it’s from government assistance or certain benefits like disability or SSI.
What if the parent paying support is unemployed?
The court won’t just let support drop to zero. Judges can assign imputed income, which means they estimate what the parent could earn based on work history, education, and job availability. So even without a job, child support might still be ordered.
Does joint custody affect how child support is calculated?
It can, but not always. Texas usually assigns one parent to pay support even in joint custody cases. That’s because child support is tied to income—not just how much time you spend with your child. If parenting time is split close to 50/50 and incomes are similar, the court might adjust the payment or eliminate it. But it’s case-by-case.
What happens if the paying parent lives in another state?
Texas child support orders still apply, and other states will enforce them. That’s thanks to a law called the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). If the order was issued in Texas, it’s enforceable across state lines.
Can parents agree to a different amount than the guideline?
Yes, parents can agree on a different amount—but the court has to approve it. The judge will check if the agreed amount is in the best interest of the child. If it’s too low or way outside the standard range, the court may reject it.
Is there a minimum amount of child support in Texas?
There’s no official “minimum,” but if the paying parent has very little income, the amount could be as low as $100–$200 a month for one child. That said, if a parent is intentionally underemployed, the court might order more.
Can child support be waived altogether?
Not usually. Even if both parents agree to waive it, the court has the final say. If the judge believes support is necessary to meet the child’s needs, the waiver likely won’t be approved.
How long does child support last in Texas?
Child support usually ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. If the child has a disability that requires ongoing care, support may continue indefinitely.
Q: How do I check how much I owe or have paid?
You can log in to the Texas Attorney General’s child support portal. It shows payment history, balances, and any enforcement actions. It’s a good idea to check it regularly to make sure everything is accurate.
Wrapping It Up
The 2025 max child support numbers in Texas give parents a reliable guideline, but they’re not set in stone for every situation. If your circumstances are different, or if things have changed since your last order, it might be time to review your case.
Got questions? Want to run a calculation? Or maybe you’re unsure whether it’s worth going back to court? Drop a comment below or reach out to a family lawyer near you. Getting clarity now can save you a headache later.
Attorney Daryl Longworth is a family law attorney licensed by the State Bar of Texas. He is the senior attorney at The Longworth Law Firm in Houston, Texas. Mr. Longworth is a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center. Prior to becoming a licensed attorney focusing on divorce law and family law in Texas, Mr. Longworth was a police officer for the Houston Police Department.