Child Support Services

In Texas, child support laws are designed to ensure that both parents contribute to the financial needs of their children. The person who pays child support is called the “obligor,” and the person who receives child support is called the “obligee.” Typically, the obligee is the parent with primary possession of the child, meaning the child lives with them most of the time and they incur most of the child’s living expenses.

Child support in Texas generally ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, support may continue indefinitely if the child is physically or mentally disabled and requires ongoing care. Child support may also end if the child becomes emancipated by marriage, the court removes the child’s disabilities, or the child passes away.

Child support in Texas is calculated based on the obligor’s net monthly income and follows state guidelines. The guidelines set a basic minimum amount of support, which is:

• 20% of net monthly income for one child
• 25% for two children
• 30% for three children
• 35% for four children
• 40% for five children
• No less than 40% for six or more children

If the obligor’s net monthly income exceeds $7,500, the same percentages apply to the first $7,500. Any additional support may be ordered based on the child’s proven needs.

For more information please visit the Texas Child Support Calculator.

To calculate net monthly income, the court first determines the obligor’s gross annual income and divides it by 12. Gross income includes wages, salaries, interest, dividends, rental income, self-employment income, and other sources. Deductions are then made for social security taxes, federal income tax, state income tax, union dues, and health insurance for the child.

Yes, the court may deviate from the guidelines if it finds that the standard calculation is unjust or inappropriate. Factors that may justify a deviation include the child’s special needs, the parents’ financial resources, the time each parent spends with the child, and other relevant considerations.

You can apply for child support through the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) online, in person, or by mail. You can also request child support as part of a divorce or custody case filed in court.

Child support orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income, employment status, or the needs of the child. Either parent can request a review and modification through the court or the Texas OAG.

Failure to pay child support can result in enforcement actions, including wage garnishment, seizure of tax refunds, suspension of licenses, and contempt of court charges, which can lead to fines or jail time.

Yes, the court can order retroactive child support for up to four years before the filing of a support petition. The court considers factors such as the obligor’s awareness of their paternity, any previous support provided, and the financial impact on the obligor.

In some cases, the court may order one parent to pay the other parent’s attorney fees, particularly if there is a significant disparity in income or financial resources between the parties.

No, child support payments must be made to the custodial parent or through the state’s child support disbursement unit. Payments made directly to the child do not count towards the child support obligation.

The non-custodial parent is typically required to provide health insurance for the child if available at a reasonable cost. If the non-custodial parent cannot provide insurance, the custodial parent may be required to do so, with costs factored into the support calculation.

If a child requires substantial care due to a mental or physical disability, and the disability was known before the child turned 18, the court may order continued support indefinitely. The parent or guardian of the disabled adult can file for such support.