Does Texas Cap Child Support?

Following a divorce or separation, the parent without primary physical custody generally has a responsibility to provide financial support for their child(ren). Texas calculates child support based largely on parental income and parenting time. Notably, there is a statutory cap on child support. Below, our Houston child support attorney explains the key things that parents should know about child support caps in Texas.

Know the Law: Child Support Statute in Texas

Texas has child support guidelines to determine how much is owed by the non-custodial parent (Texas Family Code § 154.125). The statute sets presumptive percentages of the obligor’s net resources based on the number of children. Notably, state law limits the income that can be used for guideline calculations. The Office of the Attorney General updates this cap every six years in order to adjust for the rate of inflation. In effect, courts cannot apply guideline percentages to income above the cap unless specific findings justify additional support under Texas law.

Child Support Cap for 2025: As of 2025, the cap in Texas for calculating guideline child support is $11,700 per month in net resources. If a parent’s net resources exceed $11,700, the court uses only the first $11,700 for guideline calculations. For one child, guideline support would be 20 percent of $11,700 ($2,340 per month). 

How Texas Defines Net Resources for Cap Purposes 

The Texas child support cap is based on a person’s “net resources.” That term is broadly defined. It includes wages, salary, commissions, self-employment income, severance, rental income, retirement benefits, and unemployment benefits. However, net resources exclude certain items such as return of principal, federal assistance programs, and foster care payments. Courts may also deduct Social Security taxes, Medicare taxes, union dues, and the obligor’s health insurance payments for the child. Remember, the Texas child support cap applies to net resources, not gross income. That distinction matters. Once the court identifies the correct net number, the guideline percentage applies until the figure reaches the statutory cap. 

Call Our Houston Child Support Lawyer Today

At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., our Houston family law attorney has extensive experience handling child support cases. If you have any specific questions or concerns about the cap on child support, we can help. Please contact us today to set up your fully confidential, no obligation initial appointment. We handle child support cases throughout Southeast Texas.