Child Support in Texas: What You Need to Know
Daniel Ogbeide
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Child support is one of the most important issues in family law—and one that raises many questions for parents in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. At Daniel Ogbeide Law, our Texas family-law attorneys help both paying and receiving parents understand how child support is calculated, enforced, and modified.

1. Legal Basis: Texas Family Code Chapter 154

Child support in Texas is governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 154. For example, Section 154.001 states that the court may order either or both parents to support a child until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school (whichever is later) unless an exception applies. Texas Statutes Section 154.121 sets forth the guidelines for support amounts.

2. How Child Support Is Calculated

The starting point is the “net resources” (income) of the parent obligated to pay support. This includes wages, tips, bonuses, self-employment income, certain benefits, etc. Then, guideline percentages apply based on the number of children in the case (for example, historically: 1 child ≈ 20% of net monthly resources; 2 children ≈ 25%; 3 ≈ 30%; 4 ≈ 35%; 5 or more ≈ 40%). Courts may deviate from the guideline formula if certain factors justify it — e.g., special medical needs, extraordinary expenses, extended visitation, or a high-income paying parent.

3. Recent 2025 Changes You Should Know

Effective September 1, 2025, new guidelines in Texas increase the income cap for calculations and adjust certain parameters. For example, the income cap for monthly net resources increased from $9,200 to $11,700 in some reports. If your case is new or you’re seeking modification, these changes may affect the support amount.

4. Duration, Enforcement & Modification

Support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school (whichever happens later) — unless the child is disabled and the court orders continued support. If payments aren’t made, enforcement tools include wage garnishment, liens, tax refund interception, and in extreme cases, contempt of court. Either parent may seek modification if a “material and substantial change in circumstances” has occurred—for example, a job loss, change in income, or change in custody/visitation.

5. Why Working with an Experienced Attorney Matters

  • Ensuring accurate net-resource calculation: Hidden or side income matters.
  • Understanding “multiple-family adjustments” (if the paying parent supports other children in other households).
  • Avoiding illegal deductions or misunderstandings: Understanding what the court considers.
  • Identifying whether deviation is appropriate: Preparing the case for it.
  • Navigating enforcement or modification: When the other side isn’t cooperating.

6. Call to Action

Child support issues are complex and carry long-lasting consequences. Whether you’re a parent paying support or one seeking it, the right legal partner in Texas matters. If you’re in the Houston, Austin, or San Antonio area and need help, reach out to Daniel Ogbeide Law for a consultation. Let us help protect your rights and your child’s future.