What Texas parents need to know about the 2025 child support cap increase
As of September 1, 2025, Texas families must now adjust to new child support calculation rules that could significantly impact both paying and receiving parents. For families in San Antonio and across Bexar County, understanding how these changes work and their potential impact on your case is essential.
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How Does Texas Determine Child Support?
Texas law determines child support using a percentage of the paying parent’s “net resources.” Under Texas Family Code §154.062, net resources include far more than just regular wages.
Sources of income that the court generally counts as a parent’s “net resources” include:
- Wages and salary – regular pay, overtime, commissions, bonuses, and tips
- Self-employment income – net income from owning or running a business, freelance work, or independent contracting
- Interest, dividends, and royalties – money earned from investments or intellectual property
- Rental income – profits from leasing out property, after deducting operating expenses
- Severance pay – compensation received when employment ends
- Retirement income – pensions, 401(k) withdrawals, and IRA distributions (if they represent ongoing income)
- Trust income – payments from a trust fund or estate
- Annuities – regular payments from an annuity policy
- Capital gains – profits from selling assets such as real estate or stock
- Social security benefits (except SSI) — includes disability, retirement, and survivor benefits
- Unemployment benefits – temporary income replacement from job loss
- Workers’ compensation benefits – wage replacement for workplace injury
- Veterans’ benefits – disability or retirement payments from the VA
- Disability insurance payments – long-term or short-term disability income
- Spousal maintenance (alimony) received from another marriage
To determine “net resources,” the following are subtracted from gross income:
- Federal income taxes (based on standard deduction and tax rate)
- Social Security or mandatory retirement contributions
- Union dues
- The child’s health insurance or dental insurance costs (if paid by that parent)
Because Texas uses a formula based on net resources, correctly identifying and documenting all income sources and allowable deductions is essential. Overlooking income sources can lead to inaccurate calculations or later enforcement actions.
What Changed in Texas Child Support Laws?
Under the new law, effective September 1, 2025, the maximum cap on monthly net resources previously used in these calculations has risen from $9,200 to $11,700. This adjustment means that for higher-income parents, a larger portion of income is now subject to guideline percentages.
The standard guideline percentages remain the same:
- 20% for one child
- 25% for two children
- 30% for three children
- 35% for four children
- 40% for five or more children
For many families, this seemingly small numerical change could translate into a significant shift in monthly support payments, particularly for those with income levels exceeding the previous cap.
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What Does This Really Mean for San Antonio Parents?
For families in San Antonio, these changes to the child support law may feel a bit abstract, but their impact is anything but. The new calculation rules can directly impact the amount of support paid or received each month, making it essential for parents to understand the implications of these adjustments for their specific circumstances.
These new rules can result in:
- Higher payments for some paying parents – If your income exceeds the old $9,200 cap, your new support obligation may now reflect a larger share of your earnings.
- Potential increases for receiving parents – Parents receiving child support may be eligible for higher payments if the other parent’s income surpasses the old limit, and a modification is filed.
- No automatic updates to old orders – The law does not automatically adjust older child support orders. To benefit from or comply with the new cap, parents must file a modification request through the courts.
- Applies immediately to new support orders – Any child support order issued or modified on or after September 1, 2025, will automatically use the new monthly income cap of $11,700. This means that newly established orders will reflect the higher calculation threshold without additional action.
Ultimately, these updates aim to keep Texas child support rules in step with today’s economic realities. Whether this change increases your obligation, offers a long-overdue adjustment, or doesn’t modify your terms at all, knowing where you stand helps you plan ahead.
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What Steps Should You Take Now?
The recent changes to the Texas child support law mean that every family, whether under an existing order or preparing for a new one, should take a close look at their financial picture. Proactive planning now can help you avoid surprises later on and ensure your support arrangement accurately reflects your child’s needs and your household’s circumstances.
- Preparing for a new child support order – Parents going through a new child support case will automatically be evaluated under the updated law. This means they should be ready to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, and documentation of bonuses, commissions, and other income, and bring accurate information about the child’s healthcare, childcare, and educational expenses to ensure a fair assessment.
- Reviewing your current child support order – If your order was issued before September 1, 2025, it used the old monthly income cap of $9,200. If your existing order no longer reflects your financial situation, or if applying the new cap would change the monthly amount, you may be eligible to request a modification. Your San Antonio family law attorney can help you determine whether your situation meets Texas’s “material and substantial change” standard.
- Gathering financial documentation – For both new and modification cases, courts rely heavily on proof of income. Collect pay statements, tax filings, and documentation of deductions like health insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and union dues.
- Communicate with your co-parent – When possible, discuss these changes with your co-parent to ensure a smooth transition. Clear communication can sometimes lead to agreement on updated terms, saving both time and stress.
Considering these steps now can ensure your family stays financially stable and balanced. Whether you’re finalizing a new support order or considering modifying your existing one, preparation and skilled legal guidance can help you protect both your rights and your child’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my existing order change automatically?
No. Orders issued before September 1, 2025 remain under the old guidelines unless you file for a modification and the court approves it.
What if I make less than the old cap?
If your net income remains below $9,200 per month, your child support calculation likely won’t change.
Can the court consider income above the $11,700 monthly cap?
Yes, in some cases. Generally, the guideline percentages only apply to income up to the cap. However, the court can consider income above the cap if there’s evidence that the child’s proven needs exceed what the guideline amount would cover. In those cases, the judge may order additional support to ensure the child’s financial needs are fully met.
Preparing for the New Rules
For San Antonio families, this change realigns child support orders with current income realities. This is also a good time to review related issues, such as custody arrangements, healthcare coverage, and educational expenses to ensure they still serve your child’s best interests.
Whether you’re paying or receiving child support in Texas, acting proactively can save time, stress, and unnecessary court appearances. The San Antonio family law attorneys at Melone Hatley, P.C. can help you understand Texas’s new child support guidelines and explain how they may impact your situation. Call us at 210-688-8550 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our Client Services Coordinators.
Schedule a call with one of our client services coordinators today.
