Starting September 1, 2025, Texas is making a big change to its child support rules. The maximum monthly income courts use to calculate child support (maximum income cap) will go up from $9,200 to $11,700. This is can mean higher payments for some families, especially if the parent paying support earns a higher income.
What Is the Maximum Income Cap?
The maximum income cap is the most monthly income the court will consider when determining the amount of child support a parent should pay. Even if a parent makes more than this cap, the guideline payment is only based on the cap amount. With the new rule, courts will use $11,700 instead of $9,200, which could raise payments for parents with higher incomes.
How Are Child Support Payments Calculated?
Texas uses specific percentage guidelines for child support which are based on the number of children and the net income (up to the maximum income cap) of the parent paying child support:
- 1 child: 20%
- 2 children: 25%
- 3 children: 30%
- 4 children: 35%
- 5 or more: 40%
So, under the new cap, the maximum guideline child support payment would be:
- 1 child: $2,340/month
- 2 children: $2,925/month
- 3 children: $3,510/month
- 4 children: $4,095/month
- 5 children: $4,680/month
Who Will Be Affected?
If a new child support order is decided on or after September 1, 2025, the higher cap will apply. Existing orders will stay the same unless a parent asks the court to change (modify) them. Thus, parents with high incomes will likely see the biggest change. If a parent was already paying based on the old cap and earns more than $9,200 per month, their support payment could increase if a modification is requested.
Why the Cap Is Going Up?
Texas raises the child support cap about every six years, mostly to keep up with inflation and the increasing costs of raising children.
What Should Parents/Guardians Do Now?
- Custodial parent/guardian: If the paying parent earns above $9,200 each month, consider asking for a change in court by seeking a modification to get a higher support payment.
- Paying parents: Be prepared for the possibility of higher payments if the other parent asks for a modification under the new law.
Contact a Family Law Attorney!
It’s smart to talk to a family law attorney if this change might impact your family – especially if your current order is based on the old cap, or a major income change has occurred. This update gives higher-income families a reason to review, and possibly update, their child support orders. The attorneys at Grinke Stewart Family Law are here to help you. Give us a call at 469-598-2001.
