Texas child support amounts are set by state law, not by a fixed dollar figure

Texas does not have a set amount you pay for two children. Instead, the state uses a percentage of your gross monthly income to calculate what you owe. The percentage depends on how many children need support and whether you are already paying support for other children outside the current case.

For two children, the standard percentage is 20% of your gross monthly income. This applies if the children are your only support obligation. If you are already paying court-ordered support for other children, the percentage may be lower — the law allows judges to reduce it based on what you already pay.

Gross income includes wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, overtime, self-employment income, rental income, and some benefits. It does not include means-tested benefits like SNAP or TANF.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas uses 20% of your gross monthly income as the standard child support amount for two children.
  • The actual order amount depends on your documented gross income at the time the order is set or modified.
  • A judge can order more than 20% if the standard amount would not meet the children's needs, or less if you have other support obligations or financial hardship.
  • Child support orders are reviewed and can be modified if your income changes by 10% or more, or every three years if either parent requests it.

How a judge calculates the exact dollar amount

The judge starts with your gross monthly income and applies the 20% figure. If you earn $3,000 gross per month, the calculation is straightforward: $3,000 × 0.20 = $600 per month for two children.

The judge then looks at whether the standard amount is appropriate for your situation. Texas law allows judges to order more than 20% if the standard amount would not meet the children's actual needs — for example, if a child has medical expenses, special education costs, or the custodial parent's income is very low. Judges can also order less than 20% if you have other children you are already supporting by court order, or if you can show financial hardship that makes the standard amount unjust.

The order also typically includes who pays for health insurance, dental, and vision coverage for the children. That cost is separate from the child support amount itself.

What counts as gross income in Texas

Texas family courts use a broad definition of gross income. It includes:

  • Wages, salary, and hourly pay (before taxes)
  • Overtime and bonuses
  • Commissions and tips
  • Self-employment income (net profit after business expenses)
  • Rental income
  • Interest and dividend income
  • Retirement and pension payments
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Disability payments (Social Security Disability Insurance)
  • Workers' compensation benefits
  • Annuity payments

Income that does not count includes SNAP, TANF, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and child support you receive from another case. If you are self-employed, the court uses your net income after you subtract legitimate business expenses — not your gross revenue.

When the court can order more or less than 20%

A judge has the power to deviate from the 20% standard if the circumstances warrant it. The law calls this an above-guideline or below-guideline order.

Reasons a judge might order more than 20% include: the children have significant medical or educational needs; the custodial parent's income is very low or zero; the non-custodial parent has a very high income; or the children's standard of living before the separation was much higher than what 20% would provide.

Reasons a judge might order less than 20% include: you are already paying court-ordered support for other children; you have a very low income and cannot meet basic living expenses; you have custody of the children part of the time (though this is handled differently under the child support guidelines); or other children live in your home and depend on your income.

The judge must state in writing why they are deviating from 20% and what factors led to that decision. This written explanation matters if either parent later asks the court to modify the order.

How income changes affect your child support amount

Child support orders do not automatically adjust when your income changes. However, either parent can ask the court to modify the order if circumstances have changed significantly.

Texas law allows modification if your income has changed by 10% or more since the order was set. For example, if the order was based on $3,000 monthly income and you now earn $3,300 or more (or $2,700 or less), you can request a modification. You do not have to wait for a specific date — you can file at any time if the 10% threshold is met.

Additionally, either parent can request a review and possible modification every three years, even if income has not changed by 10%. This is called a periodic modification, and it allows the court to look at whether the order still fits the current situation.

If you lose your job or your income drops, you should file for modification as soon as possible. The court will not automatically reduce your obligation, and if you fall behind on payments, you can be held in contempt. The modification takes effect on the date you file, not retroactively to when your income actually dropped.

How custody arrangements affect the calculation

The 20% figure assumes the non-custodial parent has standard visitation — roughly 40% of overnight time with the children or less. If you have the children more than that, the calculation changes.

Texas uses a formula that accounts for possession and access — the percentage of time each parent has the children. If you have the children 50% of the time or close to it, the child support amount is reduced or may be split between both parents. If you have them less than standard visitation, the 20% applies as written.

The exact adjustment depends on the specific overnight percentages and both parents' incomes. This is one reason why custody arrangements and child support are often negotiated together — they directly affect the dollar amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Texas have a maximum child support amount?

Yes. Texas caps child support at 20% of income for two children, unless the judge orders above-guideline support. The cap applies to the guideline percentage itself — judges can exceed it only by finding specific reasons in writing. The cap is based on the first $10,150 of monthly gross income (as of 2024; this figure adjusts annually).

What if the other parent does not report their real income?

You can request that the court order the other parent to provide recent tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, and bank statements. If you believe they are hiding income, you can ask the judge to impute income — meaning the judge assigns an income figure based on their work history, education, or earning capacity. This requires evidence, not just suspicion.

Can child support be ordered if the parent does not have a job?

Yes. If a parent is unemployed or underemployed, the court can impute income based on their age, education, work history, and local job market. The court will not automatically assume zero income. If a parent is intentionally not working to avoid child support, the judge can order support based on what they could earn.

Does child support end at age 18?

In Texas, child support typically ends when the child turns 18, graduates high school, or marries — whichever comes first. If a child is still in high school after turning 18, support continues until graduation or age 19, whichever is earlier. Support does not continue for college expenses unless both parents agree in writing.

How do I get a child support order changed if my situation has changed?

You file a motion to modify with the family court that issued the original order. You will need to show a material and substantial change in circumstances — usually a 10% income change, a job loss, a new child support obligation, or a significant change in custody. The court will review your current income and circumstances and may issue a new order.