By a real, caffeine-fueled Texas family law attorney at Heiman Law Firm
If you missed the memo between football games and back-to-school madness, there’s a major shake-up coming for Texas child support payments—one that’s got lawyers, accountants, and a few higher-earning parents reaching for their calculators (and maybe a stiff drink). Yep, the Texas child support cap received its biggest boost ever, and whether you’re paying , or receiving, child support you’ll want to know what it means for your wallet—and your peace of mind.
What Changed? Texas Child Support Cap Takes a Big Leap
Starting September 1, 2025, Texas raised the cap on “net resources” used for guideline child support from $9,200 to $11,700 a month. That’s right: the state just hit CTRL+Plus on the amount of income courts can consider in support calculations. It’s the first hike since 2019, and let’s just say it’s playing catchup with inflation, housing, college tuition, and the price of literally everything at the grocery store.
Guideline Math—Now with Extra Zeroes
So how does this new cap affect actual payments? If you’re a noncustodial parent with one child, the guideline remains 20%—but now it’s 20% of a bigger number. That’s a max $2,340 per month for one child, up from $1,840. For two kids, it’s $2,925, and so on.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Children | Guideline % | Max Monthly Support (New Cap) |
| 1 | 20% | $2,340 |
| 2 | 25% | $2,925 |
| 3 | 30% | $3,510 |
| 4 | 35% | $4,095 |
| 5+ | 40% | $4,680 |
Note: These numbers apply up to the cap. For incomes above $11,700/month, the court only uses guidelines up to the cap, unless a child’s special needs are proven.
Who’s Affected? More Texans Than You’d Think
- Parents paying child support at or above the old cap—expect to see higher payment calculations if your case is updated or modified after September 1, 2025.
- Parents on the receiving end—you may be eligible for a bump, but it’s not automatic. You’ll need to file for a modification to take advantage of the new law.
- Cases pending on September 1, 2025? Congratulations, your case is in the “new cap” club—even if you filed before that date. Only finalized orders issued before September 1 are locked to the old cap.
Can the Court Still Deviate from Guidelines?
Absolutely! If your case is unique—or your child’s needs are “above and beyond”—the court still has discretion to award more (or less) than the guideline. But for most Texas families, the new numbers are the main event.
Bottom Line: Plan Ahead
The child support system is getting a much-needed update, and families—on both sides—should get prepared. Whether this hits as good news, bad news, or just another day in family law, Heiman Law Firm is here to help navigate modifications, expectations, and all the fun that comes with Texas family court.
Got questions? Reach out for a Free Initial Consultation, and let’s make the numbers work for your reality!
This post is for informational fun and should never be taken as legal advice for your unique situation. For personalized answers, get in touch with your friendly, neighborhood Texas Family Lawyer—yes, that’s us!