Child support in Texas covers basic living expenses, not every cost a child incurs

Texas family courts order child support to pay for food, shelter, clothing, and medical care — the essentials a child needs to live. The law does not require one parent to pay for private school tuition, summer camps, sports equipment, music lessons, or college. Those are considered extras. The parent receiving support can spend it however they choose, but the parent paying it is only legally required to fund the basics.

The amount is calculated using the Texas child support guidelines, which take the paying parent's net monthly income and apply a percentage: 20 percent for one child, 25 percent for two, 30 percent for three, and so on, up to a maximum of 50 percent for five or more children. This percentage applies only to income up to $9,200 per month (as of 2024; this amount adjusts yearly). Income above that threshold is discretionary — a judge can order additional support but is not required to.

Key Takeaways

  • Child support covers food, housing, utilities, clothing, and routine medical care — the costs of day-to-day living.
  • Extracurricular activities, private school, and college are not automatically included in the base child support amount.
  • The paying parent's obligation is calculated as a percentage of their net income, capped at $9,200 monthly unless the court orders otherwise.
  • A court order can require one or both parents to pay for health insurance, daycare, and medical expenses beyond routine care.
  • Either parent can ask the court to modify the order if circumstances change significantly — job loss, remarriage, or a child's special needs.

What the base child support amount covers

The base amount — calculated using the percentage guidelines — is meant to cover the child's ordinary living costs. This includes rent or mortgage (the child's share of the household), utilities, groceries, clothing, and basic hygiene. It also covers routine medical and dental visits, school supplies, and transportation to school.

The receiving parent has discretion over how to spend the money. If the order is $1,200 per month, that parent can allocate it to rent, food, or any other household expense. The paying parent cannot dictate how it is spent or demand receipts. The only exception is if the receiving parent is not using the money for the child's benefit — a rare situation that requires a court hearing to address.

What is not included in base child support

Private school tuition, tutoring, sports leagues, music lessons, summer camps, and travel are considered optional expenses. If both parents agree in writing that one parent will pay for these, the court will enforce that agreement. If they do not agree, the paying parent has no legal obligation to fund them unless the court specifically orders it.

College expenses — tuition, room and board, books — are also not automatic. Texas law allows a court to order a parent to contribute to college costs, but only if the parent has the financial ability and the child meets certain conditions (such as maintaining a minimum GPA or attending an in-state public university). This is a separate decision from the base child support order and requires a specific court ruling.

Health insurance and medical expenses beyond routine care

The court order almost always requires one or both parents to maintain health insurance on the child. This is separate from the base support amount. If the paying parent's employer offers coverage, the order typically requires them to enroll the child. If not, the receiving parent usually carries the insurance and the paying parent reimburses a portion of the premium.

Uninsured medical expenses — copays, deductibles, prescriptions, orthodontia, therapy, or surgery — are usually split between the parents, often 50-50 or in proportion to their incomes. The order specifies how these costs are divided. Routine dental and vision care may be covered by the base support amount or split separately, depending on what the order says.

Daycare and work-related childcare costs

If the receiving parent works or attends school and needs childcare, the court can order the paying parent to pay part or all of the daycare cost. This is in addition to base child support. The amount depends on the paying parent's income and the actual cost of care in your area. Some orders split daycare 50-50; others require the paying parent to pay a percentage based on their income relative to the other parent's.

Daycare reimbursement is common when the receiving parent is working toward self-sufficiency or when both parents work. The paying parent is not required to pay for childcare if the receiving parent is not working and has no plans to work, unless the court finds it is in the child's best interest.

How to request additional support for special expenses

If a child has special needs — a disability, chronic illness, or learning disorder — the paying parent may be ordered to contribute to therapy, medication, specialized equipment, or private tutoring. The receiving parent must show that the expense is necessary and that the paying parent has the financial ability to help pay for it.

To request this, the receiving parent files a motion to modify the child support order and presents evidence of the expense and the child's need. The court will hold a hearing and decide whether to add the cost to the order. This is not automatic; the judge must find it is reasonable and that the paying parent can afford it.

How child support changes if circumstances change

If the paying parent loses a job, gets a significant raise, or the custody arrangement changes, either parent can ask the court to modify the support amount. The court will recalculate based on current income and circumstances. A modification requires filing a motion and attending a hearing; it does not happen automatically.

If the receiving parent remarries or moves in with a partner, that does not automatically reduce child support — the paying parent's obligation is to their own child, not to support a new household. However, if the receiving parent's income increases significantly, the paying parent can request a reduction. Similarly, if the paying parent's income drops, they can request a reduction, but they must prove the change is real and not voluntary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does child support cover my child's sports and activities?

No, not automatically. Base child support covers essentials only. If both parents agree in writing to split the cost of sports or activities, the court will enforce that agreement. Otherwise, the paying parent has no legal obligation unless the court specifically orders it, which is rare.

Can I ask the court to order my ex to pay for college?

Yes, but it is not automatic. Texas allows courts to order a parent to contribute to college costs if the parent has the financial ability and the child meets conditions like maintaining a minimum GPA. You must file a motion and prove both the need and the parent's ability to pay. The court decides whether to order it.

What if my child needs braces or therapy?

Orthodontia and therapy are usually split between parents or paid by the parent who carries health insurance, depending on what the order says. If the order does not address it, either parent can ask the court to modify the order and add these costs. Bring documentation of the expense and the child's need.

Does my ex have to pay for childcare while I work?

The court can order the paying parent to pay part or all of daycare costs if you work or attend school. This is separate from base child support. The amount depends on the actual cost of care and the paying parent's income. If you are not working, the court is unlikely to order daycare payment unless it finds it is in the child's best interest.

What happens if my ex's income goes up significantly?

You can file a motion to modify the child support order. The court will recalculate based on the new income. A modification does not happen automatically — you must file the motion, and the court must hold a hearing. If the increase is substantial, the new support amount could be significantly higher.