Confused About Texas Child Support? We Can Help.
Last updated on July 2, 2026
Child support is meant to ensure a child’s financial needs are met by both parents, even after separation or divorce. However, navigating child support agreements and enforcement can be confusing. That’s where our experienced child support attorneys at Kell and Quilty, PLLC, come in.
For over 35 years, we’ve been helping families in San Antonio and Bexar County with all aspects of child support, from establishing fair agreements to enforcing existing orders. We understand the complexities of child support laws and are dedicated to protecting your child’s best interests.
Understanding Texas Child Support Guidelines
Texas has established guidelines for calculating child support based on a parent’s net monthly income and the number of children involved. We’ll explain these guidelines clearly and work with you to determine the appropriate amount of support.
In general, Texas child support laws use a percentage of the paying parent’s net monthly income to calculate child support:
- One child: 20% of net monthly income
- Two children: 25% of net monthly income
- Three children: 30% of net monthly income
- Four children: 35% of net monthly income
- Five children: 40% of net monthly income
- Six or more children: Not less than 40% of net monthly income
“Net income” means gross income minus certain allowable deductions, such as federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, union dues and health insurance premiums for the child.
Both parents have rights and responsibilities when it comes to child support. The paying parent is legally required to make timely payments according to the court’s order, while the receiving parent is expected to use those funds to meet the child’s needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, education and health care.
Both parents also have the right to request a child support modification if there has been a significant change in circumstances, like job loss or a substantial increase in income.
Our team of attorneys can help you:
- Negotiate child support agreements: We’ll advocate for a fair and balanced child support agreement that reflects your child’s needs and your financial situation.
- Enforce existing orders: If the other parent isn’t fulfilling their child support obligations, we’ll take legal action to ensure your child receives the support they deserve.
- Modify child support orders: Child support agreements may need to be adjusted as circumstances change. We’ll guide you through the modification process.
Moving forward with these can be challenging. We are here to give you the support you need with these and other family law challenges.
Addressing Common Misconceptions About Child Support
Child support is an area of family law that many people find confusing, and unfortunately, several common myths can make the process even more stressful.
Some of the most common misconceptions include:
- Child support ends automatically at 18: In Texas, child support does not always stop right at age 18. Typically, payments continue until a child’s 18th birthday or until they graduate from high school, whichever comes later. If the child has a disability or special needs, support may extend beyond that timeframe to ensure ongoing care.
- Parents can agree to waive child support: Even if both parents want to “opt out,” child support is a legal obligation set by the court to protect the child’s best interests.
- The receiving parent must show receipts for every purchase: While child support should go toward a child’s needs like food, housing, clothing and education, the parent does not have to provide a line-by-line account of how it is spent.
- Support stops if the paying parent loses their job: Payments do not pause automatically. The parent must request a modification through the court to adjust the order.
Understanding the truth behind these issues can prevent legal trouble and ensure the focus stays on the child’s well-being. If you have other uncertainties about child support, don’t hesitate to reach out to our San Antonio child support attorney.
Modifying And Enforcing Child Support Orders
Child support orders are not always permanent. As life changes, a parent may need to ask the court to adjust the amount of support. This could happen if someone loses a job, gets a raise, faces medical bills or if a child’s needs increase. Our attorneys can guide you through the process of requesting a modification so that the order matches your current situation.
When a parent does not pay child support as ordered, enforcement becomes necessary. Texas courts have several tools to make sure payments are made, including:
- Wage garnishment, where money is taken directly from the paycheck
- Liens placed on property or assets
- Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses
- Contempt of court, which may include fines or jail time
Having a lawyer on your side is very important during these times. Child support disputes can be stressful and confusing, and mistakes can make the process longer or harder. With legal representation, you have someone to protect your rights, explain your options and focus on making sure your child’s needs are met.
Common Questions About Child Support In Texas
We receive a lot of questions about Texas child support and what the process is like. Here are answers to some of the questions we receive most often:
How is child support calculated?
The number of children you have with the other parent is also a factor in the calculation. This means that the more children you have, the higher the percentage of your net monthly income that will be allocated for child support.
What if my child's other parent refuses to pay?
The judge may then order wage garnishment, place a lien on assets or even suspend the other parent’s driver’s license until they become current on their child support payments.
Can child support be modified?
For example, if you experience a job loss or illness that significantly reduces your income, you may be able to request a decrease in your child support obligation. Conversely, if the other parent receives a substantial raise or promotion, you may be able to increase child support to ensure your child’s needs are met.
Can child support be ordered if paternity hasn’t been legally established?
No. In Texas, the court cannot order child support until paternity has been legally established. The court must first confirm who the child’s legal father is before requiring that parent to pay support.
Paternity can be established in two main ways:
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Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP): Both parents sign a legal document, usually at the hospital or later through the vital statistics office, confirming the man is the child’s father.
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Court-ordered paternity testing: If there is a dispute, the court can order genetic testing to determine biological paternity.
Once you confirm paternity, the court can move forward with a child support order to make sure the child’s financial needs are met.
What happens if the paying parent moves out of state?
This is a common concern for many custodial parents. Thankfully, Texas child support orders remain valid even if the paying parent relocates to another state. Under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), all states are required to enforce child support orders issued in other states. That means Texas can request help from the state where the parent now lives to collect payments.
In practical terms, wage garnishments, license suspensions and other enforcement tools still apply across state lines. You do not lose your right to support simply because the other parent has moved.
Can child support cover more than basic living expenses?
Yes. While child support is often thought of as covering essentials like food, clothing and shelter, Texas courts may order additional expenses to ensure the child’s well-being. This can include health insurance premiums, educational costs and extracurricular activities.
The court looks at the child’s best interests and the parents’ financial situations when deciding what should be included. When you work with Kell and Quilty, PLLC, our attorneys can help you understand what may apply in your case and advocate for an order that fully meets your child’s needs.
How Kell and Quilty, PLLC’s Client-Centered Approach Supports Families
At Kell and Quilty, PLLC, we handle every case with a focus on the people at the heart of it: our clients and their families.
We know that family law matters like divorce, custody arrangements and child support are deeply personal and often overwhelming. That’s why we take a collaborative approach, listening closely to your concerns, explaining your options in clear terms and tailoring our strategies to fit your family’s unique needs.
With more than 35 years of combined experience, our team brings not only legal skill but also compassion and understanding. We keep communication open, encourage feedback and prepare thoroughly for every step of the process. We aim to ease the stress of legal challenges and help families move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Get The Support You Deserve
If you have questions about child support in San Antonio or Bexar County, contact our lawyers at Kell and Quilty, PLLC, today. Schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you obtain or enforce a fair child support agreement.
Complete our online form or call us at 210-904-0282 to make an appointment with an experienced San Antonio child support attorney.