How Much Child Support Will I Pay or Receive?

Let’s cut to the chase. You need to know the numbers.

If you’re the parent who pays child support in Texas, here’s what you’ll typically pay based on your monthly net income:

• 1 child: 20% of net income
• 2 children: 25% of net income
• 3 children: 30% of net income
• 4 children: 35% of net income
• 5+ children: 40% of net income

Example: If your net monthly income is $5,000 and you have two children, you’ll pay $1,250 per month ($5,000 × 25% = $1,250).

These percentages apply to the first $9,200 of monthly net income. Above that amount, child support calculations become more complex and require case-by-case analysis.

Real Texas Child Support Examples

Scenario 1: Austin Software Developer

• Net monthly income: $7,000
• Two children
• Child support: $1,750/month ($7,000 × 25%)
• Plus 100% of children’s health insurance premiums

Scenario 2: Travis County Teacher

• Net monthly income: $3,500
• One child
• Child support: $700/month ($3,500 × 20%)
• Plus 100% of child’s health insurance premiums

Scenario 3: Round Rock Business Owner

• Net monthly income: $12,000 (above $9,200 cap)
• Three children
• Base support: $2,760/month ($9,200 × 30%)
• Additional support on remaining $2,800 determined case-by-case

Need help calculating your specific situation? Contact our Austin office today for a consultation about your child support obligations.

What Counts as “Net Income” in Texas?

Texas calculates child support based on your net monthly resources, which includes:

Income Sources:

• Salary and wages
• Overtime and bonuses
• Commission payments
• Self-employment income
• Rental property income
• Investment income
• Unemployment benefits
• Social Security benefits
• Retirement/pension income

Deductions Allowed:

• Federal income taxes
• State income taxes (if applicable)
• Social Security taxes
• Union dues
• Health insurance premiums for your children

Not Deducted:

• Voluntary retirement contributions
• Life insurance premiums
• Other voluntary deductions

Travis County Child Support Procedures

In Austin and Travis County, child support orders typically follow this timeline:

1. Petition Filed: Either parent can request child support
2. Temporary Orders: Court may order temporary support while case is pending (usually within 2-4 weeks)
3. Discovery: Both parents exchange financial information
4. Final Orders: Court enters permanent child support order

Travis County Family Courts Location:
1700 E 1st Street, Austin, TX 78702

Williamson County Courts (Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown): 405 MLK Jr. Street, Georgetown, TX 78626

Hays County Courts (Kyle, Buda, San Marcos): 712 S Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, TX 78666

50/50 Custody Doesn’t Mean No Child Support

This is the biggest misunderstanding I see. Even with equal parenting time, the parent who earns more typically pays support to the parent who earns less.

Example: 50/50 Custody with Income Difference

• Parent A income: $8,000/month
• Parent B income: $3,000/month
• Two children
• Result: Parent A likely pays support based on the income difference, often calculated using an “offset” method

The exact amount depends on many factors including actual overnight stays, who pays for health insurance, and who covers major expenses like daycare or private school.

When Child Support Ends in Texas

Child support continues until your child:

• Turns 18 AND graduates high school, OR
• Turns 19 (whichever comes first)

Important: If your 18-year-old is still in high school, you keep paying until graduation or age 19.

Special circumstances where support may continue:

• Child has a disability requiring ongoing support
• Court specifically orders extended support
• Parents agree to extended support (like for college)

Modifying Child Support in Texas

You can request a child support modification if:

• It’s been at least 3 years since the last order, OR
• Either parent’s monthly net income changed by 20% or $100 (whichever is greater)

Common reasons for modification:

• Job loss or significant income reduction
• Substantial raise or promotion
• Changes in custody arrangements
• Child’s needs change (special medical needs, etc.)
• Changes in health insurance costs

Ready to request a modification? Schedule a consultation with our Austin child support team.

Child Support Enforcement in Austin

Texas takes child support seriously. If payments are behind, enforcement options include:

Immediate Actions:

• Wage garnishment
• Bank account seizure
• Tax refund interception
• Suspension of driver’s license
• Suspension of professional licenses
• Contempt of court (possible jail time)

How to Avoid Enforcement Actions:

1. Pay through the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit (never pay directly to the other parent)
2. Keep detailed payment records
3. Immediately file for modification if your income drops
4. Communicate with the Attorney General’s office if you’re having problems

Austin Area Child Support Resources

Texas Attorney General Child Support Division:

• Phone: 1-800-252-8014
• Website: texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support
• Austin Office: 8100 Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78754

Texas Child Support Interactive (online account): Access payment history, case information, and make payments online

Need legal help with child support enforcement or modification? Our Austin family law team handles both enforcement and defense cases.

Above-Guideline Child Support

Sometimes child support goes beyond the basic percentages. Courts may order additional support for:

Educational Expenses:

• Private school tuition
• College expenses
• Tutoring or special educational needs
• Extracurricular activities

Medical Expenses:

• Uninsured medical costs
• Therapy or counseling
• Special medical equipment
• Dental and orthodontic work

Other Expenses:

• Childcare costs
• Transportation for visitation
• Life insurance to secure support payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Does child support change if the custodial parent remarries?

No, remarriage alone doesn’t change child support. The new spouse’s income typically isn’t considered. However, if the remarriage significantly changes expenses (like housing costs), it might be a factor in modification requests.

Can I pay child support directly to my ex?

Never pay directly to the other parent. All payments must go through the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit. Direct payments don’t count as official payments, even if you have receipts.

Correct payment address: Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit
P.O. Box 659791
San Antonio, TX 78265-9791

What if I lose my job?

File for a modification immediately. Child support doesn’t automatically stop when you lose income. Continue making payments if possible, even reduced amounts, and document your job search efforts.

Can child support cover college expenses?

Basic child support ends when your child turns 18/graduates high school. However, parents can agree to college support, or courts may order it in specific circumstances. College support is separate from regular child support.

What if my ex won’t let me see my children?

Child support and visitation are separate issues. You must continue paying child support even if visitation is denied. File separate motions for visitation enforcement - don’t stop support payments.

How quickly can I get a child support order?

In Travis County, temporary child support orders often happen within 2-4 weeks of filing. Final orders depend on case complexity but typically take 3-6 months if uncontested.

Why You Need an Austin Child Support Attorney

Child support affects your financial future for years. Whether you’re seeking support, defending against excessive claims, or need modifications, having experienced legal counsel protects your interests.

I help Austin parents with:

• Calculating appropriate support amounts
• Requesting modifications when circumstances change
• Defending against enforcement actions
• Establishing paternity for support purposes
• Negotiating above-guideline support agreements
• Ensuring compliance with Texas child support laws

As a board-certified family law specialist, I understand how Austin and Travis County courts handle child support cases. I’ll work to ensure any support order is fair and follows Texas guidelines.

Ready to discuss your child support situation? Contact my Austin office at (512) 655-7297 for a consultation. I’ll review your case and explain your options clearly.

Don’t let child support questions keep you up at night. Get the guidance you need to move forward confidently.