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This calculator uses the Texas guideline formula from Family Code §154. It works from the paying parent's monthly net resources — income after Social Security and income taxes, union dues, and the cost of the child's health and dental coverage — applies the guideline percentage for the number of children before the court, and caps the calculation at the first $11,700 of net resources. You can enter your net resources directly, or let the tool estimate them from your gross pay and filing status.
The guideline percentages are 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five, with a reduction when the paying parent also supports children in more than one household. Medical and dental support are added as separate obligations. The tool shows each step — including the $11,700 cap — and builds a worksheet you can bring to your attorney.
Net resources are the paying parent's income from most sources minus Social Security and income taxes, union dues, and the cost of the child's health and dental insurance. Texas support is a percentage of net resources, not gross pay.
Texas applies the guideline percentage only to the first $11,700 of monthly net resources. Above the cap, a court can order more based on the child's proven needs, but it isn't automatic. Our calculator applies the cap and flags when your income exceeds it.
The guideline is 25% of the first $11,700 of monthly net resources for two children before the court, plus medical and dental support. The percentage drops if the paying parent also supports children in another household.
Either. Enter your monthly net resources directly, or choose 'build from gross' and the tool estimates payroll and federal income taxes from your pay frequency and filing status to reach net resources.
No — it's the guideline benchmark, which courts presume is in the child's best interest but can vary under the §154.123 factors. Use it to prepare, then confirm specifics with a Texas attorney.
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