Reviewed August 2026
Child Support in Texas
Texas calculates child support as a percentage of the paying parent's net monthly resources. It does not combine both parents' incomes. Texas Family Code chapter 154 sets the guideline percentage by the number of children in the order. It is 20 percent for one child, 25 percent for two, 30 percent for three, 35 percent for four, and 40 percent for five or more. That percentage applies up to a statutory cap on net resources, which the state adjusts periodically. Resources above that cap are not automatically included, unless a party shows the child's proven needs exceed the guideline amount. Texas is unique among states. Its IV-D child support agency is the Office of the Attorney General's Child Support Division, not a health or human services department. A parent can apply through the Attorney General's child support program, or have support decided directly in a district court family law case. Texas district courts hear child support matters as part of divorce, custody, and paternity cases. Several larger counties operate courts that specialize in Title IV-D cases.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how child support works under Texas law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Texas paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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The Texas percentage of net resources formula
Texas Family Code section 154.125 sets the guideline percentages, applied to the paying parent's net monthly resources. They are 20 percent for one child, 25 percent for two, 30 percent for three, 35 percent for four, and 40 percent for five or more. Net resources are calculated after specific deductions the statute lists, including federal income tax, Social Security taxes, and union dues.
Section 154.126 covers net resources above the statutory cap. A court can order additional support there only if a party shows the child's proven needs exceed what the guideline percentage produces up to the cap.
Applying through the Office of the Attorney General
The Texas Office of the Attorney General's Child Support Division is the state's IV-D agency. This differs from most states, where a health or human services agency runs the program. A parent can apply through the Attorney General's child support website for paternity establishment, a support order, or enforcement.
A parent already involved in a district court case for divorce or custody can also have support decided directly in that case.
Which court hears the case
Texas district courts hear child support matters connected to divorce, custody, and paternity cases. Several larger counties operate specialized Title IV-D courts to handle the volume of Attorney General cases.
A parent can find the right court through the county district clerk, or through the Attorney General's office if the case started as an IV-D application.
Modifying a Texas order
Under Texas Family Code section 156.401, a support order can be modified two ways. One is showing a material and substantial change in circumstances. The other applies once three years have passed since the order was rendered or last modified. If a new guideline calculation would differ from the current order by 20 percent or $100, that alone supports modification.
A parent seeking modification files a petition in the court with continuing jurisdiction, or requests a review through the Attorney General's office for agency-managed cases.
Enforcement
The Attorney General's Child Support Division enforces Texas orders using standard IV-D tools. These include income withholding, intercepting state and federal tax refunds, credit bureau reporting, and license suspension for significant arrears. Texas courts can also hold a parent in contempt for willful nonpayment.
A parent owed support who needs enforcement help can open a case with the Attorney General's office. This works even when the original order came from a private district court filing.
Sources: Texas Family Code Chapter 154, child support guidelines, Texas Attorney General, Child Support Division, Texas Child Support (txchildsupport.com), apply for services
Not independently confirmed
- The exact current dollar amount of the net resources cap under section 154.125 changes periodically and should be confirmed against the current statute text at filing time.
- A direct working link to Family Code section 156.401 was not separately verified; confirm on statutes.capitol.texas.gov before publishing.
Child Support in Texas: frequently asked questions
What model does Texas use for child support?+
Texas uses a percentage of net resources model, not income shares. Under Texas Family Code section 154.125, the guideline applies a set percentage to the paying parent's net monthly resources. That ranges from 20 percent for one child up to 40 percent for five or more children, up to a statutory cap on net resources.
How do I apply for child support services in Texas?+
Through the Texas Office of the Attorney General's Child Support Division, the state's IV-D agency. Texas is unusual in that the Attorney General, rather than a health or human services department, runs the state child support program. A parent can apply through the office's website.
Which court hears child support cases in Texas?+
Texas district courts hear child support matters connected to divorce, custody, and paternity cases. Several larger counties also operate specialized Title IV-D courts for Attorney General cases. The county district clerk or the Attorney General's office can direct a parent to the right court.
How do I modify a Texas child support order?+
Under Family Code section 156.401, there are two ways. One is to show a material and substantial change in circumstances. The other applies once three years have passed since the order was set or last modified. If a new guideline calculation would differ from the current amount by 20 percent or $100, that supports modification. A parent files a petition in the court with continuing jurisdiction.
What happens to income above Texas's net resources cap?+
Net resources above the statutory cap are not automatically included in the guideline calculation. A court can order additional support above the capped guideline amount. That requires a party to show the child's proven needs exceed what the guideline percentage produces up to the cap.
What enforcement tools does Texas use for unpaid child support?+
The Attorney General's Child Support Division can withhold income and intercept state and federal tax refunds. It can also report arrears to credit bureaus and pursue license suspension once a parent falls significantly behind. Texas courts can hold a parent in contempt for willfully failing to pay.
This page is general information about child support in Texas, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Texas's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Texas. Virdix does not prepare or file Texas divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Texas.
More Texas divorce guides
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