How Much Is Child Support in Texas? 2026 Calculation Guide

• Step 1 — Gross income: wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, self-employment, rental income, unemployment, severance — nearly everything counts (§154.062). Oilfield per diems and bonuses are routinely included.
• Step 2 — Net resources: subtract federal income tax (single-person rate), Social Security/Medicare, union dues, and the cost of the child's health and dental insurance.
• Step 3 — Apply the percentage: 1 child 20%, 2 children 25%, 3 = 30%, 4 = 35%, 5+ = 40% of net resources, up to the $9,200/month cap.
• Step 4 — Multi-family adjustment: children you legally support in other households reduce the percentage (e.g., 1 before the court + 1 elsewhere = 17.5%).

Example: $6,000/month net resources, 2 children → $1,500/month, plus medical and dental support. Payments run through the State Disbursement Unit via wage withholding.

Guidelines are presumptive, not absolute (§154.123). Courts deviate for a child's special medical or educational needs, significant travel costs for visitation, and heavy possession time beyond the standard order (50/50 schedules often justify offset support). If a parent is intentionally unemployed or underemployed, the court can impute income based on earning capacity — a big issue in the Permian Basin, where oilfield incomes swing between $120K years and layoffs. Judges typically look at income history, not just the current paycheck.

Above the $9,200 cap, additional support requires proof of the child's actual needs — private school, therapy, activities. And remember: support obligations only change by court order — if your income drops, file a modification immediately, because arrears accrue and never expire. Questions about your number? Consultation: (432) 366-6000.