Child Support

Understanding Child Support in Texas (Detailed Guide)

At Hernandez Law Firm in The Woodlands, Texas, we understand that child support matters can be overwhelming—especially when you’re balancing financial realities with your child’s needs. Whether you are establishing support for the first time, enforcing payments, or seeking a modification, it’s important to understand how Texas law governs child support and what that means for your family.

This page explains in detail:

• How child support works under the Texas Family Code

• How support is calculated

• What obligations parents have

• When support ends

• How enforcement and modifications work

All statutory information below is cited directly from the Texas Family Code (Chapter 154) and related authoritative sources. Texas Statutes+1

What Is Child Support Under Texas Law?

Under the Texas Family Code, child support is a legal obligation imposed on parents to financially support their children. The court may order one or both parents to pay support to help cover living expenses for the child, such as food, clothing, shelter, education, and healthcare. Texas Statutes

Duration of Child Support

Texas law generally allows a court to order child support until the child:

• Turns 18 years old, or

• Graduates from high school (whichever is later). Texas Statutes

In some cases, support may continue indefinitely if the child has a qualifying disability that prevents self-support under Texas Family Code §154.302. Texas.Public.Law

Support can also continue past age 18 for children still enrolled full-time in secondary education, as specified by related Family Code provisions. Texas.Public.Law

How Child Support Orders Are Set

Court-Ordered Support

When a support order is entered, the court can require support in a number of ways:

• Periodic payments (most common)

• Lump-sum payments

• Annuity purchases

• Setting aside property to benefit the child

• Mix of methods Texas.Public.Law

Texas law places no discrimination on:

• Marital status of the parents

• Whether or not the child lives with the obligor parent

• The amount of time the noncustodial parent spends with the child Texas.Public.Law

This means support is a separate obligation from custody or visitation rights. Even if a parent has limited visitation, they still may be responsible for child support. Texas.Public.Law

How Child Support Is Calculated in Texas

Texas uses a guideline-based approach under Texas Family Code §154.121 that creates a rebuttable presumption of what amount is in the best interest of the child. Texas.Public.Law

Step 1: Determine Net Resources

Child support starts with calculating the obligor parent’s net monthly resources, which is income after allowable deductions such as:

• Federal income tax

• Social Security tax

• State income tax (if any)

• Union dues

• Health insurance premiums for the child(ren) Family Law TX

Net resources can include wages, self-employment income, business profits, estate income, unemployment or disability benefits, and other income sources. Family Law TX

Step 2: Apply Guideline Percentages

Once net resources are calculated, Texas applies percentages based on the number of children supported. Typical guidelines include: Family Law TX

For example, if a parent has net monthly resources of $4,000 with two children, the guideline amount would be approximately $1,000 per month (25% of $4,000). Family Law TX

Note: The guidelines apply up to a statutory cap on net resources (which may be updated periodically by law or administrative guidelines). Family Law TX

Factors That Can Adjust the Guideline Amount

Although the guidelines create a presumption of the correct support amount, the court may adjust support based on the child’s actual needs and the families’ financial circumstances. This can include: LegalClarity

• Special medical needs of the child

• Exceptional educational expenses

• Travel costs related to visitation

• The financial resources of each parent

• Time spent with the child (for offset considerations)

These adjustments must be justified by evidence; otherwise, the court will generally apply the standard guideline percentages. LegalClarity

Medical and Dental Support

In addition to basic support, Texas child support orders can also require: Texas.Public.Law

• Medical support (health insurance for the child)

• Dental support (reasonable dental care coverage)

These are separate obligations that often accompany child support orders and can be enforced separately if necessary.

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

If a parent fails to pay as ordered, Texas has multiple enforcement tools, including: Texas Law Help

• Wage withholding (automatic garnishment)

• Liens on property

• Interception of tax refunds

• Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses (in some cases)

• Reporting to credit agencies

Importantly, child support payments must be made through the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit (SDU) to ensure payments are properly recorded; direct payments outside the SDU may not be credited. Texas Law Help

Modifying Child Support

Child support orders can be modified when there is a material and substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons for modification include: LegalClarity

• Significant change in income (higher or lower)

• Changes in custody or parenting time

• Increase in child’s needs

• Change in health insurance costs

Modification is not automatic; a parent must file a motion with the court and demonstrate that circumstances have changed sufficiently to justify a new order. LegalClarity

When Child Support Ends

Child support generally ends when the child:

• Turns 18, and

• Is no longer enrolled in high school (if still pursuing a diploma) Texas Statutes

However, support can continue if:

• The child has a qualifying disability

• The court orders continued support for another statutory reason Texas.Public.Law

How Child Support Affects Hispanic Families in The Woodlands

Hispanic families are a vital and growing part of The Woodlands community, and child support issues can intersect with common family law concerns such as guardianship, custody, language barriers, and cultural expectations.

At Hernandez Law Firm, we provide:

• Bilingual support (English and Spanish)

• Clear explanations of child support rights and obligations under Texas law

• Respect for cultural values and family dynamics

• Guidance through every step of filing, enforcement, modification, and compliance

Why You Need an Experienced Texas Child Support Attorney

Child support cases are more than just numbers on paper—they impact your child’s quality of life and your financial future. Our team at Hernandez Law Firm will help you:

• Understand how the Texas Family Code applies to your situation

• Prepare accurate income disclosures and support calculations

• Advocate for fair support that reflects your family’s needs

• Enforce or modify support when appropriate

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can child support be ordered even if parents were never married?
Yes. The court can order child support in paternity cases once parentage is established. Texas.Public.Law

Q: Are child support payments taxable?
No. Child support is not considered taxable income for the receiving parent, nor deductible for the paying parent. Texas Law Help

Q: Can a parent skip payments if they lose their job?
No. You must seek a modification through the court; unpaid support can accrue arrears and penalties. LegalClarity

Talk With a Child Support Attorney in The Woodlands

If you’re facing child support issues in The Woodlands, Texas, the Hernandez Law Firm is here to help you protect your child’s financial well-being and navigate the Texas Family Code with confidence.

Contact us today for a consultation about your child support matter.