Child Support Guidelines For Denton & North Texas

Texas just raised the child‑support “cap.” Here’s what that means for families (and your monthly payment).

Texas updates its child‑support guidelines periodically to keep pace with inflation. This year’s change is a big one: the presumptive guidelines now apply to the first $11,700 of an obligor’s net resources—up from $9,200. In practical terms, that means guideline child support can be calculated on a larger slice of income, so the maximum guideline amounts will rise for many cases decided on or after the effective date. (Texas Secretary of State)

Below, I’ll walk through what changed, how courts use Texas Family Code § 154.125, and what to expect if you’re seeking a new order or a modification this fall.

What changed—and where it comes from

Texas Family Code § 154.125 is the core guideline section. It sets the familiar percentages applied to an obligor’s monthly net resources: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, 40% for five, and not less than the five‑child amount for six or more. Those percentages haven’t changed. What did change is the maximum amount of net resources to which the percentage guidelines apply (often called the “cap”). The statute ties that ceiling to an amount published by the state’s Title IV‑D agency (the Office of the Attorney General) in the Texas Register and instructs that it be adjusted every six years based on the Consumer Price Index. (Texas Statutes)

On August 15, 2025, the Attorney General announced in the Texas Register that, effective September 1, 2025, the guidelines apply up to $11,700 in monthly net resources. This replaces the prior $9,200 ceiling that was in effect since 2019. (Texas Secretary of State, State Bar of Texas Family Law Section)

The OAG has already updated its public calculator to reflect the $11,700 cap, which is another good confirmation you’re looking at the current numbers. (Child Support Resources)

Quick math: Old cap vs. new cap

Because the percentage schedule is unchanged, the impact is straightforward: the same percentages now apply to a larger base.

These are maximum guideline amounts, assuming the obligor’s net resources meet or exceed the cap. The percentages and the concept of a cap come directly from § 154.125; the $11,700 figure is from the Attorney General’s Texas Register notice. (Texas Statutes, Texas Secretary of State)

A refresher on “net resources”

Texas doesn’t use gross pay for guideline child support. Courts compute “net resources” under Subchapter B of Chapter 154, which includes wages, self‑employment income, interest, certain benefits, and more, minus standardized deductions (like federal income tax and FICA) reflected in the OAG’s annually published Tax Charts. That’s what the percentages apply to—up to the $11,700 ceiling. (benchbook.texaschildrenscommission.gov, Child Support Resources)

What if the obligor earns more than the cap?

When an obligor’s net resources exceed the capped amount, the court presumptively applies the percentage only to the first $11,700. If the obligee seeks more than the guideline amount, § 154.126 provides the roadmap: the court must (1) award the full presumptive amount on the first $11,700, then (2) consider evidence of the child’s proven total needs to decide whether additional support is appropriate, allocating those extra needs between the parties. In other words, above‑cap cases become evidence‑driven, not pure percentages. (Texas Statutes)

Multiple families and low‑income adjustments still apply

Two other features of Chapter 154 continue unchanged:

• Multiple family adjustments. If the obligor supports children in more than one household, the “multiple family” tables in § 154.129 adjust the percentages to spread resources fairly. Those tables apply only up to the cap, just like the basic guidelines. (Texas Statutes)
• Low‑income guidelines. If the obligor’s monthly net resources are below $1,000, the statute applies a reduced percentage schedule (15% for one child, 20% for two, etc.). The new $11,700 ceiling doesn’t affect those low‑income percentages. (Texas Statutes)

When do courts start using the higher cap?

Two provisions answer this:

1. Presumption at the time of hearing. The amount computed under “the child support guidelines in effect in this state at the time of the hearing” is presumed reasonable. That means courts look to the current guidelines on the date your order is set—not the date you filed. With the Register notice effective September 1, 2025, hearings from that date forward should apply the $11,700 cap. (Texas Statutes)
2. Prospective effect of modifications. Even if you qualify to modify, increases or decreases are generally prospective only—running from the earlier of (a) the date the other side is served or (b) their first appearance. Prior months typically aren’t recomputed under the new cap. (Texas Statutes)

Can I modify my existing order just because the cap went up?

Maybe—but not automatically. Texas law provides two common paths to modify child support:

• Material and substantial change in circumstances since your last order (for example, a significant income change or changed needs).
• It has been three years since the last order or modification and the new guideline amount would differ by either 20% or $100 from the current order.

If you meet either standard and modification is in the child’s best interest, the court may adjust your order—applying the guidelines in effect at your hearing (i.e., with the $11,700 cap after Sept. 1, 2025). (Texas Statutes)

Practical takeaways for parents and practitioners

1. Run the numbers now. If the obligor’s net resources have been at or above the old cap, expect a larger guideline figure under the new one. The Attorney General’s Monthly Child Support Calculator is a helpful (though nonbinding) tool and already reflects the $11,700 cap. (Child Support Resources)
2. Above‑cap cases require evidence. For high‑income obligors, guideline support on the first $11,700 is presumptive. Any support above that depends on proof of the child’s total needs—think tuition, therapies, specialized activities, travel expenses between homes, and similar documented costs. Bring receipts and affidavits. (Texas Statutes)
3. Multiple households? Use the statutory tables. If the obligor supports children in other homes, the § 154.129 tables significantly affect the percentage used—don’t overlook them when projecting the order. (Texas Statutes)
4. Mind timing and service. If you’re seeking a modification tied to the cap increase, the new presumptions apply at hearings on or after Sept. 1, 2025, and any change is generally prospective from service or appearance—so filing and serving promptly can matter. (Texas Statutes)
5. Remember what “net resources” includes. W2 wages, self‑employment income, certain benefits, and more—minus standardized deductions reflected in the OAG Tax Charts. The base you calculate here is what’s compared to the $11,700 cap. (benchbook.texaschildrenscommission.gov, Child Support Resources)

Bottom line

Texas did not change the percentages in § 154.125. It expanded the base to which they presumptively apply—from $9,200 to $11,700 in monthly net resources—effective September 1, 2025. For families whose cases are decided after that date, the maximum guideline amount will rise by $500 to $1,000 per month (depending on the number of children) when the obligor’s net resources meet or exceed the new cap. Above‑cap cases remain fact‑intensive under § 154.126, and existing orders aren’t automatically recalculated; you still have to meet a statutory ground to modify. (Texas Secretary of State, Texas Statutes)

This article is for general information only and isn’t legal advice. If you’re considering filing a new case or a modification, talk with a Texas family‑law attorney about your specific facts, evidence of the child’s needs, and the best timing under the updated guidelines.