Under Texas divorce law, there’s a monthly cap on the resources that are included for purposes of calculating child support payments. Pursuant to Texas Family Code § 154.125(a-1), that cap is adjusted every six years or as needed, and effective September 1, 2025, Texas increased that cap from $9,200 to $11,700. Accordingly, child support orders based on the old $9,200 cap may no longer match current guidelines, and parents earning above that threshold could now owe—or receive—more under the new $11,700 limit.
At Bailey & Galyen, the official law firm sponsor of the 2023 World Series champion Texas Rangers, we bring more than four decades of experience to individuals in the DFW Metroplex and across the state of Texas, including those involved in family law disputes. We can help you address a wide range of family law issues, including the determination of child support payments.
To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us online or call our offices at 844-402-2992. You can reach us by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We will meet with you evenings or weekends, if necessary. Hablamos español en nuestra oficina.
What Has Changed About the 2025 Texas Child Support Guidelines?
Under Texas guidelines, a non-custodial parent’s child support payment is calculated as a percentage of the parent’s net resources. The term net resources includes the total income of the obligor (paying parent) minus any authorized deductions (federal income tax, Social Security/Medicare taxes, child’s health/dental insurance premiums, etc.). Effective September 1, 2025, the monthly cap on net resources used to calculate child support payments increased from $9,200 to $11,700.
In simple terms, for non-custodial parents whose net resources exceed the old limit, more of their income will now be included in the guideline calculation, and the amount of their child support payments will increase.
How the Higher Cap Affects Child Support Calculations
The guideline percentages stay the same: the maximum payment remains at 20% for one child, 25% for two children, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five or more. With the higher 2025 cap, parents whose income exceeds the old limit may see larger guideline amounts, and custodial parents may now qualify for an upward modification.
Example Calculations Using the 2025 Cap
Number of children | Percentage of net resources | At old cap ($9,200) | At new cap ($11,700) |
1 child | 20% | $1,840/month | $2,340/month |
2 children | 25% | $2,300/month | $2,925/month |
3 children | 30% | $2,760/month | $3,510/month |
4 children | 35% | $3,220/month | $4,095/month |
5+ children | 40% | $3,680/month | $4,680/month |
Who Will Be Most Affected by the 2025 Changes?
- Obligors whose income exceeds the old $9,200 cap will see the biggest impact.
- Custodial parents receiving payments capped under the prior limit may now qualify to receive increased payments.
- The new $11,700 cap applies to cases filed or pending on or after September 1, 2025; existing orders stay the same unless modified by the court.
Because of the changes, it is imperative that high-income DFW families review their existing support orders.
What DFW Parents Should Do Next
- Paying parents: Review your income and existing order. If your net resources are above the old cap, speak with a child support lawyer in Texas about whether the new $11,700 limit may increase your obligation.
- Receiving parents: If support was calculated at the $9,200 cap and the paying parent earns more, you may qualify for a modification under the new guidelines.
- Gather financial documents: You should include pay stubs, tax returns, bonus income, self-employment records, and insurance deductions.
- Know local practice: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton courts apply the updated charts. Work with counsel familiar with these counties.
- Act promptly: Pending cases should use the new cap, and finalized orders can be reviewed for modification — but nothing changes automatically.
Read Also: What Are My Rights When I Am Paying Child Support in Texas
How Bailey & Galyen Can Help
At the Law Offices of Bailey & Galyen, we regularly review existing child support orders in light of the 2025 cap increase. We evaluate whether your net resources exceed the old cap and whether modification is warranted. We represent clients throughout the DFW area in filing for modifications, recalculations, and negotiations.
Is your child support order affected by the 2025 cap increase? Call 844-402-2992 or contact us online for a free evaluation — we’ll determine if you qualify for modification and guide you through the process. Hablamos español en nuestra oficina.
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