How Child Support Works in Texas | Fort Worth

Child support in Texas is a formula, not a mystery — and in this episode, we walk through exactly how that formula works, piece by piece. It starts with net resources under Texas Family Code §154.062: nearly all income — wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, self-employment, rental income — minus only specific allowed deductions like federal income tax, Social Security, union dues, and the child's health and dental insurance. Net resources are NOT gross pay, and getting that figure right is where most of the battle is won or lost. From there, the guideline math under §154.125 applies a percentage based on the number of children: 20% for one, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five — applied to the first $11,700 of monthly net resources, the new cap that took effect September 1, 2025 (up from $9,200). We explain what the cap actually limits (the resources, not the total — courts can order above-guideline support for a child's proven needs under §154.126), why a Texas order must also include medical and dental support, and the misconception that trips up so many parents: 50/50 custody does NOT automatically eliminate support. We also cover changing orders under §156.401 — the material and substantial change standard, the three-year/20%-or-$100 review trigger, why the 2025 cap increase doesn't update existing orders automatically, and why you file for modification instead of quietly paying less if you lose your job. Finally, we walk through enforcement when payments stop: wage withholding, contempt, license suspension, liens, and arrears that accrue interest and generally can't be discharged in bankruptcy. For parents in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and across Texas, the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC offers free, confidential consultations. Learn more at bryanfagan.com.