On September 1, 2025, significant changes to Texas child support guidelines took effect, impacting how attorneys calculate support obligations for higher-income parents. Understanding these updates is critical for new cases and modifications finalized on or after that date. This guide breaks down the key changes and their practical implications for Texas family law practice.
Table of Contents
What Changed on September 1, 2025
The most significant change to Texas child support law in 2025 is the increase in the monthly net resources cap used for guideline calculations. This cap jumped from $9,200 to $11,700—a 27% increase that substantially affects support obligations for higher-income parents.
Key Changes Effective September 1, 2025
- • Income cap increased from $9,200 to $11,700 per month
- • Applies to new cases filed on or after September 1, 2025
- • Applies to modifications finalized on or after September 1, 2025
- • Existing orders remain unchanged unless modified
- • Updated tax charts available from Texas OAG
This change means that parents with net monthly income between $9,200 and $11,700 will now have guideline support calculated on their full income, rather than being capped at the old $9,200 threshold. For a parent earning $11,700 per month with one child, this represents an additional $500 per month in guideline support.
The New $11,700 Income Cap
Under Texas Family Code Section 154.125, percentage guidelines now apply to the first $11,700 of monthly net resources. This cap represents the maximum amount of income subject to the standard percentage calculations before courts must consider additional factors for above-guideline support.
Important: Applicability Date
The new $11,700 cap only applies to cases filed or modifications finalized on or after September 1, 2025. Existing orders established before this date remain at the old $9,200 cap unless formally modified.
Comparison: Old vs. New Cap
For a parent earning $11,000 per month with one child:
- Under old guidelines (pre-September 2025): $9,200 × 20% = $1,840/month
- Under new guidelines (post-September 2025): $11,000 × 20% = $2,200/month
- Difference: $360 more per month ($4,320 annually)
Updated Percentage Guidelines
The percentage guidelines themselves remain unchanged—what's different is the income range to which they apply. These percentages now calculate support on net monthly income up to $11,700.
Standard Percentage Guidelines (Unchanged)
- • 1 child: 20% of net resources (up to $11,700 = max $2,340/month)
- • 2 children: 25% of net resources (up to $11,700 = max $2,925/month)
- • 3 children: 30% of net resources (up to $11,700 = max $3,510/month)
- • 4 children: 35% of net resources (up to $11,700 = max $4,095/month)
- • 5+ children: 40% of net resources (up to $11,700 = max $4,680/month)
For obligors with multiple families, the percentages are adjusted according to Section 154.129. Understanding these adjustments remains critical when representing clients with children from multiple relationships.
Calculating Net Resources
Net resources include all wage and salary income, self-employment income, interest and dividends, rental income, retirement and pension payments, and other sources specified in Section 154.062. Common deductions include federal income tax, Social Security taxes, union dues, and health insurance premiums for the child.
Self-Employment Income Challenges
Self-employed obligors present unique calculation challenges. Courts look at gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses, but disputes often arise over what constitutes a legitimate business expense versus personal expenditure.
Pro Tip
Request at least three years of tax returns and profit/loss statements for self-employed parties. This helps establish income patterns and identify attempts to artificially reduce income during litigation.
When Courts Deviate from Guidelines
Texas courts may deviate from guideline percentages when applying them would be unjust or inappropriate under the circumstances. Section 154.123 lists factors courts consider, including the age and needs of the children, the obligor's ability to contribute, childcare expenses, and whether either party has custody of other children.
Important Consideration
When seeking a deviation, provide specific evidence and calculations showing why the guideline amount is inappropriate. General assertions about financial hardship are rarely sufficient.
High-Income Obligors (Above $11,700)
For obligors with net resources exceeding $11,700 per month, courts have discretion to order additional support based on the proven needs of the children. The new higher cap means fewer cases will require above-guideline analysis, but for those that do, detailed evidence of actual expenses for education, extracurricular activities, healthcare, and other child-related costs remains essential.
Pro Tip
The Texas Office of the Attorney General publishes updated tax charts annually. For 2025 calculations, reference the official OAG Tax Charts to ensure accurate net resources calculations.
Practical Impact on Your Cases
The increased cap creates several practical considerations for Texas family law attorneys handling child support matters in late 2025 and beyond.
Cases Filed Before September 1, 2025
If your case was filed before September 1, 2025, but the final order hasn't been signed, you may need to recalculate support using the new guidelines. Courts will apply the law in effect at the time the order is finalized, not when the case was filed.
Pending Modifications
Modification cases pending as of September 1, 2025, should be recalculated using the new $11,700 cap if the modification order will be finalized on or after that date. This may significantly impact settlement negotiations for higher-income obligors.
Modifications Under New Guidelines
The new income cap creates potential modification opportunities for cases established under the old $9,200 cap where the obligor's income falls between $9,200 and $11,700.
Material and Substantial Change
While the change in the statutory cap itself doesn't automatically constitute a material and substantial change in circumstances, it may support a modification when combined with other factors. The traditional requirements under Section 154.123 still apply.
Three-Year Presumption Still Applies
If three years have passed since the order was established or last modified, and the monthly support amount differs by either $100 or 20% from the current guideline amount (calculated using the new $11,700 cap), a material and substantial change is presumed. This provides a straightforward path for modification in appropriate cases.
Modification Checklist for 2025
- • Verify the date the existing order was finalized
- • Calculate current guideline support using $11,700 cap
- • Compare to existing order amount
- • Check if three-year presumption applies
- • Gather updated income documentation
- • Use 2025 OAG tax charts for net resources calculation
Other September 2025 Family Law Changes
While the child support cap increase is the most significant change, September 1, 2025, also brought other updates to Texas family law, including consolidation of protective order procedures and adjustments to how DFPS handles kinship and reunification cases. Staying current on these changes ensures comprehensive representation for your clients.
Moving Forward with Accurate Calculations
The increased income cap represents a significant shift in Texas child support law that will affect thousands of cases. Accurate calculations using the new guidelines require attention to detail, current tax charts, and thorough financial documentation.
If your practice needs support with financial document organization, income calculations, or preparing child support worksheets under the new guidelines, our discovery services can help streamline this process. We also offer research support for complex child support issues involving unique income sources, deviation arguments, or modification strategies under the updated 2025 guidelines.
Please note: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not a substitute for professional legal counsel. For advice on specific legal issues, please consult with a qualified attorney.