In 2025, Texas implemented one of the most significant updates to its child support guidelines in decades—raising the cap on net monthly resources used to calculate guideline child support from $9,200 to $11,700. This change, effective September 1, 2025, reflects economic realities and the increasing costs associated with raising children in Texas.
Under the Texas Family Code, child support is calculated as a percentage of the obligor’s “net resources.” Net resources generally include income after specific statutory deductions, such as federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, union dues, and the cost of health insurance premiums for the child. The Code also establishes a ceiling—or “cap”—on the amount of monthly net resources to which the guideline percentages are automatically applied.
Prior to September 1, 2025, that cap was $9,200 per month. Even if a parent earned more than that amount, the guideline percentage was applied only to $9,200. With the statutory amendment, the new cap increases to $11,700 per month. The guideline percentages under the Texas Family Code remain as follows:
- 20% of net resources for one child
- 25% for two children
- 30% for three children
- 35% for four children
- 40% for five or more children
Because the percentages remain the same, the primary effect of the amendment is to increase the maximum guideline child support amount in cases where the obligor’s net monthly income exceeds the former cap. For example, under the previous law, the maximum guideline support for one child was $1,840 per month (20% of $9,200). Under the new cap, that maximum increases to $2,340 per month (20% of $11,700). For two children, the maximum guideline amount increases from $2,300 to $2,925 per month.
This change will primarily affect higher-income obligors and the families who receive support from them. Parents whose income exceeds the prior $9,200 threshold may now face higher support obligations in new cases. Likewise, custodial parents receiving support based on the old cap may have grounds to pursue a modification if statutory requirements are met.
Importantly, this legislative change does not automatically modify existing child support orders. Current orders remain in effect unless and until a party files a petition to modify and the court grants relief. Under Texas law, a child support order may be modified if (1) the circumstances of a child or a person affected by the order have materially and substantially changed since the earlier order was rendered, or (2) it has been three years since the order was rendered or last modified and the monthly amount under the existing order differs by either 20% or $100 from the amount that would be awarded under current guidelines.
As with all child support matters, outcomes depend on accurate income calculations and the specific facts of each case. Parents should carefully review their circumstances to determine how this legislative change may affect their rights and obligations. The 2025 increase in the child support cap represents a meaningful shift in Texas family law and underscores the importance of reviewing existing orders to ensure they comply with current law and appropriately reflect the needs of the child.
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