A child support calculator for Texas estimates the monthly child support obligation based on guidelines established in the Texas Family Code. Texas uses a percentage-of-income model where the non-custodial parent pays a percentage of their net monthly income based on the number of children. For one child, the guideline is 20 percent of net income; for two children it is 25 percent; three children is 30 percent, and so on up to 40 percent for five or more children. The calculator applies these percentages after deducting allowable expenses from gross income to produce an estimated monthly payment.
Texas child support calculators are available through the Texas Attorney General’s office website and various family law attorney websites. Inputs include gross monthly income, the number of other children the parent supports, health insurance premiums paid for the child, and any existing child support orders for other children. Deductions include federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Courts may deviate from the guideline amount based on special circumstances including extraordinary expenses or the child’s specific needs. Understanding the calculated guideline helps separating parents negotiate agreements more effectively and helps those facing court hearings understand what outcome to expect under Texas child support law.