Child support is one of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of family law in Austin. While Texas law provides clear guidelines, the way those rules are applied in Travis County courts can feel very different depending on your case.
To help parents better understand what to expect, Chelsi Moore, Associate Attorney at Modern Family Law in Austin, shares her insight on how child support works, when courts deviate, and what recent changes mean for families.
Texas determines child support based on a percentage of the paying parent’s net monthly income, using a standard formula that applies statewide. While the exact rate depends on the number of children, most parents can expect support to fall within a predictable range, and the court will only calculate income up to a certain cap. As of September 1, 2023, the cap increased from roughly $1,800 to $2,300, meaning higher-income parents may now be ordered to pay more than before.
2023 Update: The cap increased from ~$1,800 to ~$2,300, meaning higher-income parents may now owe more in monthly support.
Chelsi has handled cases in Travis, Hays, and Williamson counties, and she notes that Travis County tends to take a consistent approach.
“Judges in Austin almost always order income withholding unless there’s a very good reason not to, such as self-employment or cash income,” she explains.
That means for most parents, child support is deducted directly from their paycheck, providing structure and reliability.
While Texas law allows deviations, Travis County judges are selective.
According to Chelsi: “In Austin, a 50/50 possession schedule rarely changes child support. What I’ve actually seen matter are things like long-distance travel costs, airfare for visits, or if the paying parent is covering childcare expenses for the other parent.”
Travis County judges rarely reduce child support just because parents share equal time. Instead, they are more likely to deviate when:
Possession schedules alone rarely influence support orders in Austin.
Parents are often surprised by how involved, or uninvolved, the OAG is in Austin cases.
“The OAG usually takes a minimal role unless the case was filed in the 4D court,” Chelsi says. “In those cases, you often don’t speak to the Assistant Attorney General until the actual hearing date, when negotiations happen right before court.”
One recurring issue Chelsi sees involves the new cap rules: “Many parents believe that if they filed before September 1st, the cap increase doesn’t apply to them. That’s not true. If the order is signed after September 1st, the new cap applies unless the case was already finalized through mediation or another agreement.”
Child support cases in Austin are shaped not only by state law but also by the practical tendencies of Travis County judges. Understanding those local nuances can prevent surprises and help parents focus on what matters most: stability for their children.
If you’re navigating child support in Austin, Modern Family Law’s team is here to provide clear guidance rooted in experience.
Chelsi Moore is an Associate Attorney at Modern Family Law in Austin, Texas. Known for her direct and practical advice, Chelsi helps parents understand not just what the law says — but how judges in Travis County actually apply it. She focuses her practice on child support, custody, and divorce, guiding families with realistic expectations and strong advocacy.
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