TEXAS CHILD SUPPORT LAW — AUSTIN PARENTS' RIGHTS
Texas child support is governed by the Texas Family Code Chapter 154. The formula applies a percentage of the obligor parent's net monthly income — after taxes and certain deductions. The guidelines apply up to the first $9,200 of net monthly income; income above this level may result in additional support for the child's proven needs. Healthcare and childcare costs are typically ordered in addition to basic support.
Support orders can always be modified. Texas allows modification of child support when circumstances have materially and substantially changed — a job loss, significant income increase, or change in the child's needs. Our Austin child support attorneys pursue modifications quickly when your situation changes, and enforce orders aggressively when the other parent stops paying.
Texas Child Support — What's Included
Basic supportPercentage of net income: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, 40% for five or more
Health insuranceCourts routinely order the parent with available employer-provided insurance to cover the child
Medical supportCash medical support of $250/month may be ordered when no employer health coverage is available
Childcare costsWork-related childcare costs are often ordered as additional support on top of the base amount
Educational expensesPrivate school tuition, tutoring, and extracurricular activities may be ordered by agreement or court
College supportTexas law allows parties to agree to college support — courts cannot order it absent agreement
Common Child Support Issues in Austin TX
1
Establishing Support
For unmarried parents or parents without an order — filing a SAPCR to establish legal support obligations.
2
Enforcement
When the other parent stops paying — contempt proceedings, license suspension, and wage garnishment in Travis County.
3
Modification
Seeking lower support after a job loss, or higher support after the other parent's income substantially increases.
4
Income Disputes
When the paying parent underreports income, is self-employed, or receives non-traditional compensation — forensic analysis and discovery.
5
Interstate Support
When one parent lives outside Texas — UIFSA (Uniform Interstate Family Support Act) governs jurisdictional issues.
Child Support Enforcement Tools Available in Texas
Contempt of court — up to 6 months jail for each violation of a court-ordered support payment
Wage garnishment — automatic income withholding order sent directly to employer
License suspension — driver's license, professional licenses, hunting and fishing licenses
Passport denial — OAG can notify the federal government to deny or revoke passport
Credit reporting — delinquency reported to credit bureaus
Property liens and bank levies on the obligor's assets
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Texas?▾
Texas uses a percentage of the paying parent's net monthly income: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five or more. Net income is gross income minus taxes and certain deductions.
Can child support be modified in Austin TX?▾
Yes. Either parent can file a modification suit in Travis County Family Court when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances — such as a job change, income change, or change in custody/possession.
What happens if the other parent stops paying child support in Texas?▾
The Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division can enforce orders, as can a private attorney. Remedies include contempt of court, wage garnishment, license suspension, and credit reporting.
Does child support end automatically when a child turns 18 in Texas?▾
No. Support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school — whichever is later. Support may continue indefinitely for disabled children who cannot support themselves.
Can I get back child support (arrears) in Texas?▾
Yes. Past-due support ("arrears") doesn't go away — it accumulates with 6% annual interest. An attorney pursues collection through wage garnishment, liens, and contempt proceedings.
What if the paying parent is self-employed or hides income?▾
An attorney uses discovery, subpoenas, and forensic accounting to uncover true income from tax returns, bank records, business financials, and lifestyle evidence.