Child support in Texas: protecting your child’s financial future.
Child support plays a critical role in ensuring that children receive the financial support they need to thrive. Whether you are establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support, the outcome can have a lasting impact on your child’s well-being and your financial stability.
Our firm represents clients across Frisco, Collin County, Denton County, and North Texas in child support matters, providing strategic guidance and strong advocacy at every stage.
How child support is calculated in Texas.
Texas follows statutory guidelines to determine child support, primarily based on the paying parent’s income and the number of children involved. Courts may also consider factors such as healthcare costs, childcare expenses, and the specific needs of the child.
While guidelines provide a framework, deviations may be appropriate in certain cases. We help clients understand how support is calculated and advocate for fair, accurate outcomes.
Establishing child support orders.
Child support is typically established during divorce or custody proceedings. A clear, enforceable order is essential to avoid disputes and ensure consistency.
We work with clients to establish child support agreements that reflect their financial circumstances and meet the needs of the child, whether through negotiation or litigation.
Modifying child support obligations.
Changes in income, employment, or a child’s needs may warrant a modification of an existing child support order. Texas law allows for adjustments when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances or when certain guideline thresholds are met.
Our firm assists clients in pursuing or defending child support modifications, ensuring that any changes are fair and aligned with current conditions.
Enforcing child support orders.
When a parent fails to meet their child support obligations, legal action may be necessary. Texas courts have strong enforcement tools, including wage garnishment, liens, license suspension, and contempt proceedings.
We represent clients seeking to recover unpaid support as well as those facing enforcement actions, providing strategic representation to protect their rights and financial interests.
Strategic, results-driven child support representation.
Child support cases often involve detailed financial analysis and long-term considerations. Having experienced legal counsel can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Our firm provides clear guidance, responsive communication, and tailored legal strategies designed to protect your child’s best interests while securing fair and sustainable financial arrangements.
Child support cases may also involve establishing paternity before support obligations can be finalized.
Quick Answers
Common questions, answered
How is child support calculated in Texas?
Texas guidelines apply a percentage to the paying parent's monthly net resources: 20 percent for one child, 25 percent for two, 30 percent for three, 35 percent for four and 40 percent for five or more. The percentages are lower when the parent also supports children in another household. The guideline amount is presumed to be in the child's best interest, but a court can order a different amount when the evidence shows the guidelines would not be.
Is there a cap on child support in Texas?
The guideline percentages apply to the first $11,700 of the paying parent's monthly net resources, a cap that took effect September 1, 2025. Above that, a court can order more based on the child's proven needs.
How long does child support last in Texas?
Support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later, if the child stays enrolled and meets attendance rules. It can continue indefinitely for a child who needs substantial care because of a disability that existed before age 18.
