You can ask a Texas court to order an amount different from the standard guideline, but you have to show the guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate for your situation. Courts weigh factors like the child’s age and needs, either parent’s work-related child care costs, and anything else consistent with the child’s best interest.
Parents can also agree in writing to a different amount, though if the other parent receives public benefits, the attorney handling that case will need to sign off too — which can be hard to get. If the court approves an agreement, it becomes an enforceable order, as long as the court finds it serves the child’s best interest.
Support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever comes later.