Texas raised the child support cap on September 1, 2025, for the first time in six years. The maximum income used to calculate guideline payments increased from $9,200 to $11,700 per month. This means parents earning above the old cap may now be responsible for higher payments, with guideline amounts rising by several hundred dollars each month, depending on the number of children. Cases finalized before September 1 remain under the old cap, while cases decided on or after that date follow the new, higher limit.
Texas Raises the Child Support Cap: Key Updates for Parents
The Texas Attorney General recently announced the first child support cap increase in six years, and it is the largest one yet. As of September 1, 2025, the maximum amount of net income used to calculate guideline support has risen from $9,200 to $11,700 per month.
Child support is closely tied to child custody and support arrangements in Texas. Because the cap sets the upper limit of income courts consider, raising that limit means higher payments for children when a parent earns above the threshold. Parents in the middle of a divorce now need to carefully factor this change into their financial planning, and many families may also need to revisit common custody myths to avoid misunderstandings.
Parents in College Station often rely on a family law attorney to help navigate these types of legal changes. Custody schedules and visitation are tied closely to child support, which is why working with child visitation lawyers can provide valuable guidance. Courts may also weigh how payments are used, since expenses like education and medical care are covered by child support.
What the New Cap Means for Parents
With the new cap now in place, courts are applying the same percentages, 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, to a higher income limit. This shift can result in higher obligations for parents who earn above the old threshold.
Here is how the change looks in practice:
- One child: from $1,840 per month to $2,340 per month
- Two children: from $2,300 per month to $2,925 per month
- Three children: from $2,760 per month to $3,510 per month
The cap is periodically updated to reflect changes in wages and cost of living. For higher-income parents, this adjustment amounts to thousands of dollars more in yearly support. For families receiving payments, it can provide greater stability for housing, education, and healthcare.
Understanding child support in Texas is key to adapting to these changes.
Why Timing Was Important
The child support cap increase went into effect on September 1, 2025. Parents who finalized their cases before that date remain under the old cap, while any cases decided on or after September 1 are subject to the higher limit.
Although new cases or modifications initiated after September 1 are subject to the higher limit, it’s important to note that the cap increase itself isn’t sufficient to initiate a modification. If you have questions about how the cap increase affects your situation, our Texas child support attorneys are here to help.
Impact on Divorce and Custody Agreements
Support is rarely decided in isolation. The increase has already influenced how parents approach divorce and custody planning. Creating a workable custody schedule is central to these discussions, and the higher cap can shift what each parent considers fair.
Parents seeking equal parenting time also need to understand the likelihood of obtaining 50/50 custody, since that arrangement affects both financial obligations and decision-making. Misunderstandings are common, especially when parents confuse legal and physical custody, even though they carry very different responsibilities.
Planning Ahead With the Right Support
Now that the cap increase is in effect, parents who are paying or receiving support must plan around these new figures. Timing, custody arrangements, and long-term financial strategy all play a role in determining how families are affected.
At C.E. Borman & Associates, we help parents in Texas make informed decisions about their family law matters. Every case is unique, and careful preparation ensures children’s needs are met while protecting financial stability.
Take Action Today
The largest child support cap increase in Texas history has already taken effect, and families are feeling the impact. If you are navigating divorce, custody, or modifications, it is important to understand what these changes mean for you.
Contact C.E. Borman & Associates to discuss your options and build a strategy that works for your situation.
FAQs:
- What is the new Texas child support cap?
As of September 1, 2025, the cap on net income used to calculate guideline child support increased from $9,200 to $11,700 per month. - How does the new cap affect child support payments?
The guideline percentages remain the same, but they are now applied to a higher income limit. This results in larger payments for parents who earn above the old cap. - Do the new rules apply to all child support cases?
No. Cases finalized before September 1, 2025, remain under the old cap, while cases decided on or after that date follow the new higher limit. - Why did Texas raise the child support cap?
The cap is periodically reviewed and adjusted to reflect increases in wages and the cost of living, ensuring that support better matches the needs of children. - Can an existing order be modified to reflect the new cap?
Yes. However, the change in the cap alone is not a sufficient basis for initiating a new modification. Parents with existing orders may request a modification if their circumstances meet the legal requirements for a change. - How much more could parents expect to pay under the new cap?
The increase depends on the number of children. For example, support for one child has risen from $1,840 per month to $2,340 per month. While support for three children has increased from $2,760 to $3,510 per month.
