Introduction: How much is child support for one child in Texas?
In Texas, the guideline answer most people hear is “20% of the paying parent’s net resources for one child.” That’s a helpful starting point, but it’s not the whole story, because Texas law defines “net resources,” sets special rules for lower incomes, and adds medical and dental support on top of the base amount.
“Net resources” generally means income after specific statutory deductions. It isn’t just wages; it can include bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and more. Subtract certain taxes and allowable items, and the remainder becomes the figure the percentage applies to.
There’s also a practical ceiling to the guideline calculation: a cap on monthly net resources to which the percentages apply. For high earners, the court usually multiplies the guideline percentage by the capped net amount, not limitless income. In recent practice, that cap has been $9,200 in monthly net resources, and many Texas practitioners still use that figure in 2025 unless a court orders otherwise.
At the other end of the spectrum, Texas has a low-income schedule. If the obligor’s monthly net resources are below $1,000, the guideline percentage for one child drops to 15% instead of 20%. Judges can also deviate from guidelines when applying them would be unjust or inappropriate based on the child’s needs and the family’s circumstances.
Finally, remember that medical and dental support are part of the total package. One parent is typically ordered to provide insurance (or cash medical support if insurance isn’t available at reasonable cost), and uninsured expenses are apportioned—costs that sit alongside the guideline percentage.
1) Texas child support percentage for one child
For one child, the Texas guideline amount is 20% of the obligor’s monthly net resources, assuming no other children the obligor is supporting. That percentage comes straight from the statute and is the starting point courts use.
If the obligor earns below $1,000 in monthly net resources, Texas applies a low-income schedule: 15% for one child. That lower tier exists to avoid unrealistic orders that can’t be paid and to keep support tethered to actual, sustainable income.
A quick example helps. If monthly net resources are $6,000, the guideline for one child is $1,200 per month (20% × $6,000). If net resources were $900, the low-income guideline would be $135 (15% × $900). The court can still adjust this number up or down if evidence shows the guideline would be unfair in the specific case.
2) How are net resources calculated in Texas child support?
Texas law provides a formula for “net resources.” It starts with gross income from all sources—wages, salary, tips, overtime, bonuses, commissions, self-employment profits, certain benefits—and then subtracts specified items to arrive at monthly net.
The statute lists what counts and what doesn’t, plus what must be deducted (for example, federal income tax based on a single person with one personal exemption and the standard deduction, and Social Security/Medicare). The Attorney General also publishes annual tax charts to help convert gross to net for child-support purposes.
Once monthly net resources are determined, the guideline percentage applies. Keep in mind that “net resources” is a legal term of art; it doesn’t always match take-home pay on a paystub. That’s why courts and practitioners rely on the statute and the tax charts rather than a casual estimate.
3) Texas child support cap for high earners in 2025
Texas applies guideline percentages only up to a maximum monthly “net resources” cap. Courts then multiply the cap by the appropriate percentage. For one child, that’s typically 20% of the capped amount.
Practically, many lawyers and judges in 2025 still use a $9,200 monthly net-resources cap that took effect several years ago. That means the guideline maximum for one child often pencils out to $1,840 per month (20% × $9,200), before medical/dental support and any deviations. Always confirm the current cap used in your court or by agreement.
Above-cap cases can still result in more support if a child’s proven needs justify an upward deviation, but “needs” must be supported by evidence rather than a bare appeal to parental income. Guideline amounts are presumed correct unless rebutted.
4) Does Texas child support include health and dental insurance?
Yes. Texas treats medical and dental support as part of child support. A court will order a parent to provide health and dental coverage if available at a reasonable cost, or order cash medical support if insurance isn’t reasonably available. The obligation is enforceable like base child support.
The order also assigns responsibility for uninsured or out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses, often split between the parents in a specified percentage. When the noncustodial parent provides insurance, their premium share attributable to the child is considered in the overall support picture.
This structure ensures the child’s healthcare costs don’t fall through the cracks. It’s separate from the base percentage—you’ll see a guideline amount plus medical/dental provisions in the same order.
5) Do bonuses and overtime count for Texas child support?
Generally, yes. Texas counts all income from personal services, which includes bonuses, commissions, and overtime, when calculating net resources. The idea is to capture the obligor’s true earning picture rather than only base salary.
Courts can smooth irregular income by averaging it over time. For example, a sales commission or annual bonus might be averaged over the prior 12 months (or a longer period) to avoid yo-yo payments. The key is reliable evidence—pay records, W-2s, 1099s, or tax returns—to demonstrate the pattern.
If income is unusually high one year and drops later, modification is possible with a material and substantial change, but the initial order will still reflect the proven historical earnings, including bonuses and overtime where appropriate.
6) Texas child support if you have kids in another household
When an obligor supports children in another household, Texas uses an adjusted schedule so the guideline obligation reflects both sets of responsibilities. The court can apply a statutory “multiple family adjusted guidelines” table to net resources before setting the final amount.
This keeps the order proportional. For instance, if you’re ordered to support one child in Case A and also have one child you support in your home or in Case B, the percentage for Case A may be adjusted downward from the standard 20% to account for the other child. The exact adjustment depends on the number of children in each household.
Even with adjustments, medical/dental support remains in play, and the judge can deviate if the guideline outcome would be unfair in the total family context. Documentation of the other support obligation is essential.
7) Can a judge deviate from Texas child support guidelines?
Yes. The guideline result is presumptively correct, but courts can deviate if applying it would be unjust or inappropriate in the child’s best interest. Texas law lists factors such as the child’s age and needs, extraordinary expenses, and each parent’s financial resources.
Upward deviations often require evidence of “proven needs,” like uninsured therapy, special education, or other extraordinary costs. Downward deviations may be considered if the obligor has exceptional necessary expenses or the guideline would otherwise be inequitable, but deviations are the exception, not the rule.
Because the guideline is presumed reasonable, the party seeking a deviation must present concrete evidence. A bare assertion that “it’s too much” or “too little” will not suffice.
8) How do self-employed parents calculate Texas child support?
Self-employment income is part of net resources, but courts scrutinize it carefully. Net resources generally equal gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses—supported by credible records—before the guideline percentage is applied.
Courts may disregard aggressive “paper” deductions that reduce taxable income but don’t reflect real cash flow (e.g., personal expenses run through the business). Consistency between bank statements, profit-and-loss reports, and tax returns helps establish reliable net resources for the calculation.
If income fluctuates seasonally, judges often average several years to reach a fair monthly figure. Once net resources are set, the same 20% (or low-income or multiple-family adjustments) apply, plus medical/dental support and any justified deviations.
9) When can Texas child support be modified?
A child support order can be modified upon a material and substantial change in circumstances (for example, a significant income change, new healthcare costs, or different possession schedule) or after a statutory time/pass-through threshold. Courts recalculate using current net resources and guidelines.
Evidence wins modifications. Bring updated pay information, tax returns, proof of job loss or promotion, and documentation of new expenses or savings. If the obligor crosses the low-income threshold or climbs above prior levels, the percentage still applies to the new net figure, subject to the cap and any deviations.
Remember, medical and dental support provisions can be modified too, especially if coverage availability or cost changes. Courts will look for proof of reasonableness and the child’s best interest.
10) What happens if you don’t pay child support in Texas?
Texas takes enforcement seriously. Missed payments (arrears) can trigger income withholding, license suspensions, liens, contempt proceedings, and money judgments. Interest may accrue on arrears, and medical/dental support is enforceable just like base child support.
Courts can also order payment plans and other remedies to cure arrears. If you can’t pay the ordered amount, seek a modification—don’t let arrears snowball. Judges expect prompt action and proof of changed circumstances, not silence and missed payments.
For parents receiving support, the Office of the Attorney General offers tools like an online calculator and enforcement pathways. Document missed payments and out-of-pocket healthcare costs to support your enforcement request.