Texas Child Support Guideline Increase Effective September 1, 2025
Beginning September 1, 2025, a significant change to Texas child support law will take effect, raising the maximum income cap used to calculate guideline child support for the first time in six years. This update means higher guideline support amounts for many families, impacting both new cases and modifications finalized on or after the effective date.
At the Barrows Firm, we guide parents through the complex realities of child support, custody, and modifications. With this increase, now is the time to understand how the law applies to your family.
What Changed in the 2025 Legislative Session
The Texas Legislature approved a cap increase as part of its regular review cycle. Under House Bill C.S.H.B. 2643, the cap on monthly net resources rose from $9,200 to $11,700, the largest increase ever. This change reflects inflation and the rising costs of raising children.
The Attorney General’s Office reviews child support guidelines every six years, and this increase is part of that process. The new cap applies to all orders finalized on or after September 1, 2025, whether in new cases or modification proceedings.
New Guideline Support Amounts
Texas applies percentage-based guidelines to a parent’s net monthly income, up to the cap amount. With the higher $11,700 limit, payments will now be calculated as follows:
- One child (20%): $2,340/month (previously $1,840/month)
- Two children (25%): $2,925/month (previously $2,300/month)
- Three children (30%): $3,510/month (previously $2,760/month)
For families with higher income levels, this adjustment means more financial support is available for children under the guideline framework.
Who Is Affected by the Change?
Any child support orders finalized on or after September 1, 2025, will reflect the higher cap. Parents entering into new support orders after that date should expect the updated guidelines to apply.
Cases that are pending or modified after September 1, 2025, will also be calculated under the new cap. Parents with ongoing modifications should be prepared for updated amounts once the court finalizes the order.
Orders finalized before September 1, 2025, remain based on the old $9,200 cap unless they are successfully modified. This distinction makes it important for parents to review their existing orders and determine whether a modification request is appropriate.
Should You Seek a Modification of Support?
This change raises an important question for parents with existing child support orders: Should you request a modification? For custodial parents whose support was calculated under the old $9,200 cap, the increase to $11,700 could mean significantly more support if the other parent’s net income exceeds the former limit. Filing a modification may therefore be worthwhile in certain cases.
For paying parents who earn more than $9,200 in net monthly income, the new cap may increase your obligation if the other parent seeks a modification. In these situations, it is often strategic to evaluate your financial picture and consider whether negotiating a new arrangement might be in your best interest.
Courts will continue to evaluate modifications through the lens of the child’s best interests. While the statutory increase can serve as a basis for requesting review, modifications are not automatic. Generally, a material and substantial change must still be demonstrated, which makes careful legal advice essential before proceeding.
Every family’s situation is unique, and the decision to pursue a modification should be carefully weighed with the guidance of an experienced family law attorney.
Why This Matters for Families
This cap increase ensures that guideline child support amounts better reflect today’s costs of living. For many families, the difference could mean more stability and resources for children. For others, it raises new questions about affordability and planning.
The Barrows Firm understands how legislative changes impact families at every stage of a case, from initial filings to modifications years later. With decades of combined experience in high-stakes family law, we provide the insight and advocacy parents need to make informed decisions.
Need Assistance?
If you are in the process of obtaining child support, the updated guidelines directly affect your case. If you already have an order in place, this may be the right time to consider a modification.
Contact Attorney Leslie Barrows at the Barrows Firm in Southlake to schedule a consultation and learn how these changes may impact you and your children. We are here to protect your family’s best interests and guide you through every step of the process.
