The recent increase in the cap for child support in Texas—from $9,200 to $11,700—takes effect September 1, 2025. Learn how this update affects payments, who qualifies, and how to request a modification.
Understanding the Texas Child Support Cap
In Texas, the amount a parent pays for child support is guided by percentages set in state law. However, those percentages only apply to a capped portion of a parent’s income—known as the “net resources cap.”
This cap prevents the child support calculation from ballooning endlessly for high-income parents. Courts use it as a ceiling to determine how much of a parent’s income should be subject to guideline percentages.
Definition of “Net Resources” in Texas Law
“Net resources” are what’s left of a parent’s income after subtracting mandatory deductions such as federal income tax, Social Security, union dues, and health insurance premiums for the child. It includes wages, self-employment income, commissions, bonuses, and even rental income. The allowable deduction for federal income tax and FICA are established by the Attorney General of Texas each year. https://csapps.oag.texas.gov/system/files/2025-01/2025_Tax_Charts.pdf
The Texas Family Code (§154.062) defines these categories carefully, ensuring that all regular sources of income are considered when calculating child support.
How the Cap Affects Child Support Calculations
Once net resources are determined, the court applies percentages to that capped amount:
- 20% for one child
- 25% for two children
- 30% for three children
- 35% for four
- 40% for five or more
Until recently, those percentages were applied only up to $9,200 per month in net income. Anything above that was generally excluded unless special circumstances justified higher support.
The 2025 Legislative Update: Key Facts
House Bill C.S.H.B. 2643 Overview
In 2025, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill C.S.H.B. 2643 to adjust the child support cap. The bill recognizes inflation and the rising cost of raising children since the last adjustment in 2019.
Effective Date and Applicability
The new law takes effect September 1, 2025, and will apply to:
- All new child support orders issued after that date
- All modifications finalized after that date
Existing orders remain under the old cap until formally modified.
Comparison with the 2019 Cap Increase
In 2019, the cap increased from $8,550 to $9,200. The 2025 jump to $11,700 marks a significant 27% increase—one of the largest adjustments in decades.
New Texas Child Support Cap Amounts Explained
From $9,200 to $11,700: What That Means in Real Dollars
The guideline percentages now apply to $11,700 in monthly net income. Here’s how payments change:
| Number of Children | Old Cap ($9,200) | New Cap ($11,700) |
| 1 child | $1,840 | $2,340 |
| 2 children | $2,300 | $2,925 |
| 3 children | $2,760 | $3,510 |
| 4 children | $3,220 | $4,095 |
| 5+ children | $3,680 | $4,680 |
That’s an increase of roughly 27% across the board for high-income parents whose income exceeds the new threshold.
Sample Payment Scenarios Under the New Cap
A parent earning $15,000 net monthly would still be capped at $11,700 for guideline calculations. The remaining $3,300 isn’t automatically included, though courts can order more support if justified by the child’s needs.
Who Is Affected by the Change
Impact on High-Income Parents
Parents earning above $9,200 net monthly will see the biggest change. Their support obligations could rise by several hundred dollars monthly.
Impact on Existing Child Support Orders
If your order was issued before September 1, 2025, it won’t automatically change. You’ll need to request a modification and show either:
- A “material and substantial change” in circumstances, or
- That three years have passed since the last order and the new calculation differs by at least 20% or $100.
How to Request a Child Support Modification in Texas
Qualifying for a Modification
You can request a modification if your or the other parent’s income has changed, or if the new law creates a large enough difference in the calculated amount.
Hiring a Qualified Child Support Attorney
If you are a high-income parent or receive child support from a high-income earner, you should contact a qualified child support attorney to assist you with a child support modification. A private attorney will handle this matter quickly and strategically.
Legal Considerations and Exceptions
When Courts Deviate from Guidelines
Courts can deviate from the guideline cap if a child has extraordinary expenses, such as private school tuition or medical needs. Similarly, a court can go below the guideline cap if special circumstances exist. Examples include the ability of both parents to contribute to the support of the child, and the cost of travel in order to exercise possession of the child. Tex. Fam. Code § 154.123(b)(2) and (14).
Financial and Family Implications
How Custodial Parents Benefit
For custodial parents, the new cap can mean more financial stability – especially in households where expenses have outpaced inflation.
What Paying Parents Should Prepare For
Noncustodial parents should review their budgets, as payments could increase significantly once their order is updated under the new cap.
Tips Before Filing for Modification
- Review your most recent child support order.
2. Collect pay stubs, tax returns, and health insurance proof.
3. Use the Texas Child Support Calculator at https://csapps.oag.texas.gov/monthly-child-support-calculator.
4. Consult a board certified family law attorney to understand your best options.
FAQs on the 2025 Texas Child Support Cap Increase
1. When does the new cap take effect?
September 1, 2025.
2. Does the new cap apply automatically?
No. You must file for modification to benefit or adjust your payments.
3. How often does Texas adjust the cap?
Roughly every six years, based on inflation and economic data.
4. Can courts order payments above the cap?
Yes, but only when justified by special needs or circumstances.
5. What if my income is below the old cap?
Then your payment likely won’t change.
6. Where can I learn more?
Contact a board certified family law attorney to help you understand how to navigate the new cap.
Conclusion: What This Means for Texas Families in 2025
The recent increase in the child support cap reflects Texas’ acknowledgment of higher living costs and the financial realities of parenting. While it primarily affects higher-income households, the change underscores the state’s goal of ensuring children receive fair and consistent support.
Families should review their orders, understand how the new cap may apply, and take proactive steps – either to request an update or prepare for future adjustments.
