Texas Child Support Cap 2026 – $11,700 Net Monthly Explained

Texas child support cap 2026 remains $11,700 net monthly per Texas Family Code Section 154.125. This texas child support cap 2026 limits the income used for percentage calculation. Therefore, even if noncustodial parent nets $20,000 monthly, court uses $11,700 for guideline calculation.

How Texas Percentage Works With Cap

Texas uses percentage model under Family Code 154.125. For 1 child 20%, 2 children 25%, 3 children 30%, 4 children 35%, 5 children 40%, 6+ not less than 40% per statute. These percentages applied to net monthly income after allowable deductions per 154.062, but capped at texas child support cap 2026 of $11,700.

Example: Noncustodial net $8,000 monthly, 2 children 25% = $2,000. If net $15,000, capped at $11,700, 2 children 25% = $2,925 guideline before add-ons. Therefore, texas child support cap 2026 creates maximum guideline amount.

What Is Included in Texas Net Income?

Net income per 154.062 includes wages, salary, commissions, overtime, tips, bonuses, self-employment income after ordinary necessary expenses, severance, retirement, pensions, trust income, annuities, capital gains, Social Security, unemployment, interest, dividends, rental income. Subtract: Social Security taxes, federal income tax based on single rate, state income tax, union dues, non-disability child health insurance cost. Court may deem income if voluntarily unemployed.

Above Texas Child Support Cap 2026 – Additional Support

If obligor net exceeds $11,700, court may order additional support based on child needs and proven needs per 154.126. Court considers reasonable needs, educational, health care, extracurricular, standard of living. Additional support must be justified by evidence, not automatic. Therefore, texas child support cap 2026 is presumptive maximum but not absolute ceiling if proven needs.

Example Calculation With Cap

Parent nets $14,000 monthly, 1 child. Net for guideline $11,700 cap. 20% x $11,700 = $2,340 monthly guideline support before health insurance and dental add-ons per 154.182 and 154.1815. If parent nets $6,000, 1 child 20% x $6,000 = $1,200. As a result, texas child support cap 2026 affects high earners only.

Official Resources

Verify at Texas Office of Attorney General Child Support at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support and Texas Family Code 154.125 at https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.154.htm#154.125

Texas child support cap 2026 applies statewide, all courts use same $11,700 net monthly cap per 154.125(a) as amended. Support generally until 18 and graduated high school per 154.001.

FAQ:

Q: What is Texas child support cap 2026?
A: $11,700 net monthly per Family Code 154.125, percentages applied to capped income.

Q: Can court order more than cap in Texas?
A: Yes, additional support based on proven needs per 154.126 if net exceeds cap and needs justify.

TEXAS CHILD SUPPORT CAP 2026