Texas Child Support Cap: What Parents Need to Know

Texas child support cap guidelines will increase from $9,200 to $11,700, effective September 1, 2025. Consequently, this is the largest increase in state history and could significantly affect the child support obligations for higher-income parents.

Whether you’re paying or receiving child support, understanding how this change impacts you is critical.

What is the Texas Child Support Cap?

Generally, in Texas, child support is calculated is based on the non-custodial parent’s net monthly income. However, it only applies up to a certain threshold known as the cap on net resources.

• Before Sept. 1, 2025: The cap was $9,200.

• After Sept. 1, 2025: The cap increases to $11,700.

Generally, income above the cap isn’t included in guideline calculations. However, the court may consider it if the child has proven needs that exceed the guideline limit.

Updated Guideline Support Amounts (Effective Sept. 1, 2025)

In summary, here’s how the new Texas child support cap of $11,700 affects guideline support:

• 1 child: 20% → $2,340/month

• 2 children: 25% → $2,925/month

• 3 children: 30% → $3,510/month

• 4 children: 35% → $4,095/month

• 5+children: 40% → $4,680/month

Who Does the 2025 Child Support Increase Affect?

New cases: Filed after Sept. 1, 2025 will use the new $11,700 cap.

Pending cases: If your case is open when the law takes effect, the higher cap will apply.

Existing orders: As a result of the new law, you may qualify for a modification if the difference between your current support and the new guideline is at least 20% or $100/month.

Why Did the Texas Child Support Cap Increase?

Every six years, the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) reviews the child support guidelines. Therefore, the latest review, influenced by inflation and cost-of-living increases, resulted in this significant adjustment to the cap.

Use the official Texas Child Support Calculator to estimate guideline support based on the new cap.

How the New Child Support Cap Impacts Parents

Paying Parents (Obligors): If your net income exceeds $9,200, you could be required to pay more under the new guidelines.

Receiving Parents (Obligees): You may receive higher support payments.

Both Parents: Courts may still deviate from guideline amounts in cases involving:

• Medical or educational needs
• Long-distance visitation costs
• Additional financial support from either parent

Can You Modify Child Support Under the New Law?

Yes — you can request a modification of your child support order if:

There’s been a material and substantial change (e.g., job loss, income change, new expenses), or;

It has been at least 3 years since the last order, and

The new calculation is 20% or $100/month higher or lower.

Related Information

Want to learn more? Visit our pages on:

Our Houston Family Law Services

Child Custody in Texas

Modifying Child Support Orders

Contact a Houston Child Support Attorney

At The Quander Law Firm, we help parents understand, establish, and modify child support orders in Houston and throughout Texas.

If you’re unsure how the Texas child support cap 2025 impacts your situation, we’re here to guide you.

Call us at (832) 930-7139 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation.