Major Changes to Texas Child Support Laws Take Effect September 1, 2025

As we approach September 1, 2025, Texas families should be aware of significant changes to child support laws. These updates represent the most substantial modifications to child support guidelines in years, affecting thousands of families across the state. Whether you’re currently paying or receiving child support, or anticipating future proceedings, understanding these changes is important for protecting your family’s financial interests.

Higher Income Cap Means Higher Support Payments

The most impactful change involves a dramatic increase in the child support income cap. Previously, Texas courts could only consider up to $9,200 in monthly net income when calculating support obligations. Starting September 1, 2025, this cap rises to $11,700 per month, which is a substantial $2,500 increase.

For families with higher-earning parents, this change translates to significantly higher support payments. For example, a parent with one child will see their guideline support obligation increase from $1,840 per month to $2,340 per month, or a $500 monthly increase. This means that a higher proportion of a high-earning parent’s actual income will be factored into support calculations, resulting in payments that better reflect their true ability to contribute to their children’s needs.

The percentages will follow the same guidelines: 20 percent for one child, 25 percent for two children, and so on. However, those earning up to $11,700 in net income monthly will see more of their income subject to guideline calculations. Modernized Guidelines Reflect Today’s Costs

Beyond the income cap increase, the updated law revises formulas better to reflect current costs of living and child-rearing expenses. These modernized guidelines acknowledge inflation and evolving expenses associated with raising children in today’s economy, moving away from rigid percentages that may not accurately represent actual costs.

Broader Family Law Reforms

These child support changes are part of a comprehensive overhaul of Texas family law. Two additional pieces of legislation take effect simultaneously:

• SB 1398 introduces new procedures for Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) conservatorship cases, emphasizing reunification efforts and community-based placements when possible.
• SB 1936 expands visitation schedules for noncustodial parents, potentially granting additional time on weekends, weekdays, and holidays when circumstances permit.

Critical Timing Considerations

The September 1, 2025, effective date is important for timing purposes. Any new cases filed on or after this date, as well as modification requests that span this date, will be subject to the updated guidelines. This timing could significantly impact support obligations, making it essential to understand how these changes might affect your specific situation.

How Modern Family Law Can Help

These sweeping changes to Texas family law only emphasize the critical importance of working with an attorney who stays current with evolving legislation. Child support calculations may seem straightforward, but the interplay between income caps, guideline percentages, and individual circumstances creates complex scenarios that require experienced legal analysis.

The financial implications of these changes can be substantial, potentially affecting thousands of dollars annually in support obligations. Whether you’re seeking to establish support, modify existing orders, or ensure compliance with new requirements, having knowledgeable legal counsel from Modern Family Law can make the difference between a favorable outcome and costly mistakes.