Texas Child Support Guidelines for 2025: What’s New?

One of the most interesting things about child support guidelines is that they are constantly changing in Texas. However, this can also be one of the most frustrating aspects of child support – especially for divorced or separated parents. These guidelines have changed once again in 2025, and it may be worth reviewing these changes if you are currently paying or receiving child support in Texas.

Although online research can provide a basic overview of recent legal changes, you might want to discuss Texas’ new child support guidelines alongside an experienced family law attorney. Garza Law Office, PLLC is an established family law firm in Texas – and it is home to Dora Alicia. After earning her Doctor of Jurisprudence in 2014, Dora Alicia went on to found this law firm – and she soon began helping parents like you. This experienced family lawyer keeps up-to-date on the latest changes to child support guidelines in Texas.

Income Brackets May Be Revised

One of the most notable new changes to child support laws in Texas involves income brackets. The Texas Attorney General’s Office reviews child support guidelines every few years, and the most current review period ends in August 2025. After this date arrives, the Attorney General’s Office may decide to increase these brackets. This would not be a major surprise, as Texas has raised child support obligations for some parents in the past.

That being said, the brackets are probably going to stay the same. This is because the brackets do not represent a specific amount of money but rather percentages. For example, if you have one child, your child support obligations are generally 20% of your monthly income (after taxes and other expenses).

If you have two children, your child support obligations are generally 25% of your monthly income. If you have three children, this number increases to 30%. If you have four children, you pay 35% of your monthly income in child support. Five children lead to a 40% figure.

The Child Support Cap Could Be Raised

Some parents make a considerable amount of money each month. For example, the owner of a successful business might earn $20,000 each month. So does this mean that they will need to pay $5,000 each month in child support for their two children? The answer is no, and this is because of the child support “caps” in Texas. The maximum child support a parent must pay for a single child is currently $1,840. The maximum for two children is $2,300, while the maximum for three children is $2,760. The maximum child support for four children in Texas is $3,220, while five children can trigger a maximum of $3,680 per month.

This cap could be raised in 2025, and many legal observers are predicting this. It is no secret that the United States has experienced considerable inflation since 2019, especially during the pandemic era. In addition, Texas courts now consider healthcare and extracurricular activity costs when calculating child custody. As a result, the Attorney General’s Office may conclude that a much higher child support cap is necessary. This could cause high-earning Texas parents to pay more in child support each month.

Note that even before this potential change, high-earners faced the possibility of higher child support payments. Technically speaking, these are “soft caps” and not “hard caps.” In other words, the family court is free to enforce higher child support payments in families where the payor earns much more than $9,200 per month.

current “cap” on child support calculations is $9,200 per month. In other words, Texas will only consider the first $9,200 of monthly earnings when determining child support. If a parent earns $100,000 per month, however, the family court would likely recognize that this requires a unique approach. Children in these kinds of families usually have access to various luxuries and a much higher standard of living, and unique considerations must be taken into account when determining child support.

Other Recent Changes

Other recent changes include more flexible modifications, allowing parents to change child support based on lost jobs, income changes, or new parenting schedules. In addition, Texas has introduced stricter methods for enforcing child support. Wage garnishment is now more likely, and offenders could lose their professional licenses.

Contact Garza Law Office, PLLC Today

If you would like to gain a more concrete understanding of the recent child support changes in Texas, consider booking a consultation with Garza Law Office, PLLC. Dora Alicia is an experienced family law attorney who stays up-to-date on the latest changes to Texas family law. With her help, you can pursue positive child support outcomes. Contact us today at (956) 329-1304 to continue this conversation.

Dora Alicia Garza

Dora Alicia Garza is a seasoned attorney based in Texas and the Founder of Garza Law Office, PLLC. She has built a respected practice across multiple areas of law, including criminal defense, family law, personal injury, guardianships & wills, estate planning & probate, immigration, debt defense and juvenile law. Learn more here.