How Child Support is Calculated in Texas (and When It Can Change)
Child support is a critical component of ensuring your child’s needs are met after a divorce or separation. Understanding how child support is calculated in Texas and the circumstances under which it can change is essential for parents seeking fairness and stability for their family.
How Texas Determines Child Support
In Texas, child support is determined primarily by the noncustodial parent’s net income and the number of children covered under the order. The court follows state guidelines outlined in the Texas Family Code to ensure that the child’s financial needs are met appropriately.
Guideline amounts are generally calculated as a percentage of the noncustodial parent’s monthly net resources:
- 1 child: 20% of net income
- 2 children: 25% of net income
- 3 children: 30% of net income
- 4 children: 35% of net income
- 5 children: 40% of net income
- 6 or more children: at least 40%, with adjustments possible
Net income includes all sources of income such as salary, bonuses, commissions, rental income, and certain benefits, minus required deductions like taxes and Social Security.
Additional Factors Considered by the Court
While the guideline percentages provide a baseline, the court may consider other factors, including:
- The child’s specific needs (medical expenses, education, special needs)
- Health insurance coverage
- Shared custody arrangements
- The paying parent’s other financial obligations, such as support for other children
- Any extraordinary expenses that might impact the parent’s ability to pay
Because these factors can affect the final support amount, working with an experienced child support lawyer in Texas helps ensure the calculation is accurate and fair for both parents.
When Child Support Can Change
Child support orders are not set in stone. Texas law allows modifications when there is a material and substantial change in circumstances. Common situations that may warrant a modification include:
- Significant changes in either parent’s income
- Changes in custody or visitation that affect the child’s time with each parent
- New medical or educational needs for the child
- Job loss, disability, or retirement of the paying parent
- Three or more years have passed and the amount deviates by 20% or $100 from guidelines
If you believe a modification is necessary, attorney Matthew Gilbert can guide you through filing a petition with the court and help present the financial evidence needed to support your case.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
Sometimes a parent fails to meet their support obligations. Texas courts have mechanisms to enforce child support, including:
- Income withholding orders
- Contempt proceedings
- Liens on property or tax refunds
- Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses
Having an experienced attorney ensures that enforcement actions are handled efficiently while protecting your rights and the child’s well-being.
Local Guidance for Families in San Antonio and Boerne
Child support laws apply throughout Texas, but local experience matters when navigating court procedures. Gilbert Law Office represents families in Bexar County and Kendall County, with offices conveniently located on Bandera Road in San Antonio and near the Dominion off I-10 in Boerne. Attorney Matthew Gilbert helps parents calculate, modify, and enforce child support while minimizing conflict and protecting children’s best interests.
Work With a Child Support Lawyer Who Understands Texas Law
Calculating or modifying child support can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Attorney Matthew Gilbert provides expert guidance for parents seeking fair and accurate child support orders in San Antonio and Boerne. With experience in both negotiation and litigation, Gilbert Law Office ensures your family’s financial needs are met while complying with Texas law.
Contact Gilbert Law Office today to speak with a child support lawyer in Texas and take the first step toward securing your child’s financial stability.