Free · Texas · Current law

Texas Child Support Calculator

Based on Texas's official Percentage of Income (Varying) formula. Enter both parents' incomes and get an estimate in under a minute.

This estimate is based on the information you provided and general Texas guidelines. Actual court orders may differ. This is not legal advice.
Your gross monthly income
$/mo

Before taxes — wages, self-employment, bonuses

Other parent's gross monthly income
$/mo

A best estimate is fine for now

Number of children
Who has the children most of the time?
Other parent's overnights per year
nights/yr
By schedule:
By %:
Est. monthly child support
$—/mo

Estimated monthly support

$—/mo

The other parent pays you, the parent with primary timesharing.

Combined net income
Guideline obligation
Childcare + health add-ons
Paying parent's income share
Timesharing credit $0

Estimate only — based on a simplified reading of Texas child support guidelines. Official calculator → A judge can deviate. Not legal advice.

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How Texas child support is calculated

Child support in Texas is calculated as a percentage of the noncustodial parent's monthly net resources. Net resources are determined by taking gross income and deducting federal income tax (for a single person claiming one exemption and standard deductions), Social Security taxes, union dues, and health and dental insurance costs for the children. The resulting net resources are then multiplied by a specific percentage, which varies based on the number of children. The court can deviate from these guidelines if they are deemed unjust or inappropriate for the child or parents.

What can change your child support amount

Income changes

A substantial change in either parent's income — voluntary or involuntary — can trigger a modification.

Childcare & insurance

Changes in childcare costs or the children's health insurance premiums directly adjust the support amount.

Parenting time shifts

If the custody schedule changes significantly, support can be recalculated under Texas guidelines.

Child's special needs

Medical conditions, disabilities, or educational needs can justify a departure from the guideline amount.

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Common questions

What people ask about child support

How long does a divorce take in Texas?

A Texas divorce has a mandatory 60-day waiting period after the initial petition is filed before it can be finalized (Texas Family Code § 6.702). Uncontested divorces can often be completed within 3-4 months, while contested cases can take much longer, from several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of issues like property division and child custody.

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Texas?

While it is legally possible to file for divorce without an attorney in Texas, it is generally not recommended, especially if there are children, significant assets, or disagreements. Texas divorce laws are complex, and an attorney can ensure your rights are protected and that all necessary paperwork is correctly filed.

Is Texas a no-fault divorce state?

Yes, Texas is primarily a no-fault divorce state. The most common ground for divorce is "insupportability," meaning the marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict that destroys the legitimate ends of the marital relationship and prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation (Texas Family Code § 6.001). However, Texas law also allows for fault-based grounds such as cruelty, adultery, and abandonment.

How is property divided in Texas divorce?

Texas is a community property state. In a divorce, the court will order a division of the marital estate in a manner that the court deems "just and right," having due regard for the rights of each party and any children of the marriage (Texas Family Code § 7.001). This does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split, but rather an equitable division based on various factors.

What are the rules for spousal maintenance (alimony) in Texas?

In Texas, spousal maintenance (often referred to as alimony) is not automatically awarded and is generally limited. A court may order maintenance if a spouse lacks sufficient property to provide for their minimum reasonable needs and meets certain criteria, such as being married for at least 10 years and lacking the ability to earn sufficient income, or if there was family violence. The duration and amount of maintenance are subject to statutory limits (Texas Family Code Chapter 8).

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