What Parents Need to Know About the New Texas Child Support Guidelines Effective September 1, 2025

Texas has just rolled out one of the biggest updates to child support in years. If you’re paying or receiving support—or even preparing for court—this is a change you’ll want to understand.

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1. The Income “Cap” Just Got a Major Raise

As of September 1, 2025, the maximum monthly net income courts can use when calculating guideline child support has increased from $9,200 to $11,700. That’s a $2,500 jump.

The guideline percentages themselves haven’t changed:

• 20% for one child

• 25% for two children

• 30% for three children

• 35% for four children

• 40% for five or more children

But since the percentages now apply to a higher income cap, the actual child support numbers will rise. For example:

• For one child, the guideline maximum went from $1,840/month to $2,340/month.

• For two children, the maximum guideline amount is now $2,925/month.

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2. Why This Update Matters

This is the largest cap increase in years. It means guideline child support will more closely reflect the true cost of raising kids and the higher earning ability of some parents.

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3. Who’s Impacted—and How

• New cases filed on or after September 1, 2025 will use the new cap automatically.

• Modification requests filed after this date will also use the higher cap.

• Existing orders won’t change on their own—you have to file a modification if you want the new guidelines applied.

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4. What You Can Do Now

If you are the custodial parent and the other parent earns more than $9,200 a month, this could be a reason to seek a modification.
If you are the paying parent, you may want to review your finances and plan ahead so you’re not caught off guard.

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5. Flexibility Still Exists

Judges still have discretion to go above or below guidelines if special circumstances apply, such as unique medical, educational, or caregiving needs. The new cap just provides a higher baseline for calculations.

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