Texas Child Support Cap Increased September 1, 2025
Short version: The monthly net resources cap used to calculate guideline child support in Texas rises from $9,200 to $11,700 for orders set on or after September 1, 2025. That higher ceiling can increase guideline support in higher-income cases.
What changed (and why)
Texas updates the “cap” every six years to account for inflation. The Attorney General published the new amount in the Texas Register: beginning September 1, 2025, the guidelines apply to cases where the obligor’s monthly net resources are not greater than $11,700 (up from $9,200).
This schedule and process come from Texas Family Code §154.125, which ties guideline percentages to the obligor’s net resources and directs the state to publish the adjusted cap.
How guideline math works at the new cap
Under §154.125, courts apply a percentage to the obligor’s net resources (not gross) up to the cap: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five or more.
Here’s the maximum guideline amount at the old and new caps:
- 1 child: $1,840 → $2,340 (▲ $500)
- 2 children: $2,300 → $2,925 (▲ $625)
- 3 children: $2,760 → $3,510 (▲ $750)
- 4 children: $3,220 → $4,095 (▲ $875)
- 5+ children: $3,680 → $4,680 (▲ $1,000)
(Amounts reflect applying the guideline percentage to $9,200 vs. $11,700 in monthly net resources.)
Note: “Net resources” are defined in §154.062 and generally mean income after certain statutory deductions; the Attorney General’s annual Tax Charts help convert gross to net for guideline cases.
Who is affected (and when)
- New orders entered on or after Sept 1, 2025 use the new $11,700 cap.
- Pending cases finalized on/after that date should be calculated with the new cap.
- Existing orders don’t auto-update—you’ll need a modification for changes to take effect.
Can courts order more than the cap?
Sometimes. If a child has proven needs that exceed the guideline amount, courts can go above-cap (or otherwise deviate), but they cannot require more than the greater of the guideline amount or 100% of the child’s proven needs.
Can (and should) you modify an existing order?
Maybe. Texas allows modification if (a) there’s a material and substantial change in circumstances, or (b) three years have passed and the guideline amount would differ by ≥20% or ≥$100 per month. If your order was calculated at the old $9,200 cap and your income is at/near the new cap, you may meet the threshold—especially with one or more kids.
Smart next steps
Run the numbers. Estimate your net monthly income and compare guideline amounts at the new cap. If medical/dental support or parenting-time adjustments matter in your case, factor those in, too.
Decide your path: negotiate, mediate, or litigate only if needed. Parents can agree to a support figure that fits the child’s needs and your budgets; courts usually approve child-focused, reasonable agreements.
If a change makes sense, file for modification. You can request a review through the Attorney General or file in court; gather pay stubs, tax returns, childcare/healthcare costs, and any evidence of the child’s needs.
FAQs
Does the new cap change low-income cases?
Guideline percentages for low-income obligors (net resources under $1,000); the cap increase mainly affects higher-income cases.
What if we already have an agreed order?
You can always mutually adjust support and submit a modified agreed order; the judge must still find it’s in the child’s best interest.
Is this only a Texas thing?
Yes – this 2025 cap change is specific to Texas child support guidelines.
Does Hello Divorce's software reflect the new rules?
Yes.
