The Texas child support guidelines set a standard percentage of the paying parent’s net monthly income, based on how many children are covered:
- 20% for one child
- 25% for two children
- 30% for three children
- 35% for four children
- 40% for five children
- Not less than 40% for six or more children
These percentages apply up to an income cap set in the Family Code, which is adjusted periodically — check with the Attorney General’s office or your attorney for the current figure. Courts can deviate from the guideline for reasons including the child’s needs, either parent’s financial circumstances, or the actual time each parent spends with the child, though in practice deviations are granted less often than advocates would like.