Child support can have a significant impact on both parents and children after a divorce or custody case. For Texas families in 2026, one of the most important developments involves the amount of a parent's income that can be considered when applying the state's child support guidelines.
Importantly, this change did not begin on January 1, 2026. The new guideline cap took effect on September 1, 2025, and continues to apply in 2026. The Texas Attorney General's current child support calculator now applies the guidelines to monthly net resources of up to $11,700.
Here is what Texas parents should know.
The Child Support Income Cap Increased to $11,700
Texas calculates guideline child support using the paying parent's—or obligor's—monthly net resources.
Effective September 1, 2025, the maximum amount of monthly net resources to which the standard guidelines apply increased to $11,700. Texas law requires this amount to be periodically adjusted for inflation, and the current $11,700 cap remains in effect in 2026.
This change can be especially important in cases involving higher-earning parents because a larger portion of the obligor's income may now be subject to the standard child support percentages.
The Basic Child Support Percentages Remain the Same
While the income cap increased, the basic guideline percentages have not changed.
For an obligor with no other children for whom they have a legal duty to support, Texas guidelines generally provide:
- 1 child: 20% of net resources
- 2 children: 25%
- 3 children: 30%
- 4 children: 35%
- 5 children: 40%
- 6 or more children: at least 40%
Different calculations may apply when the parent has children in more than one household.
Because the percentages can now be applied to net resources of up to $11,700 per month, some higher-income parents may see a larger guideline support amount than would have resulted under the previous cap.
Income Above $11,700 Can Still Matter
The $11,700 figure does not necessarily mean a court must ignore income above that amount.
Texas child support guidelines apply to net resources up to the cap, but a judge may consider additional support when the parent's resources exceed the guideline limit and the child's proven needs justify additional support.
Every case is different. Expenses involving healthcare, education, childcare, and other needs may become important when determining whether guideline support is appropriate or whether the court should order a different amount.
Existing Child Support Orders Do Not Automatically Change
Parents with an existing child support order should not assume their monthly payment automatically increased when the new cap took effect.
A child support order remains in place until it is formally modified. According to the Texas Attorney General, modification may be available when an order has been in place or was last modified more than three years ago and the new guideline amount differs by at least 20% or $100, or when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances.
Changes in income, responsibility for additional children, medical insurance coverage, or where the child lives are among circumstances that may be relevant to a modification request.
Parents should continue following their existing court order unless and until a new order is approved.
What Should Texas Parents Do in 2026?
Whether you pay or receive child support, it may be worth reviewing how the current guidelines affect your situation.
Parents establishing support for the first time should understand how net resources are calculated and how the $11,700 cap may affect the guideline amount. Parents with older orders may also want to determine whether changes in income, the child's needs, or other circumstances could support a modification.
Because child support calculations can become more complicated when parents have multiple children, significant income, self-employment income, medical expenses, or children from other relationships, speaking with an experienced family law attorney can help you understand how the guidelines may apply to your case.
Jamie Jordan Law represents parents and families throughout Fort Bend County and Brazoria County in child support, child custody, divorce, modifications, and other Texas family law matters.
Contact Jamie Jordan Law to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how Texas child support guidelines may affect you and your family in 2026.