Do Wealthy Parents Pay More Child Support in Texas?

 Posted on May 23, 2025 in Child Support

Parents who have worked hard and fought for their careers often find themselves very frustrated at the idea of paying child support after a divorce. Likewise, parents who hope to receive child support often find themselves equally frustrated when they feel they have to fight for the money their child needs, especially if the paying parent earns a large income.

Income can definitely affect child support payments in Texas, but not always in the way people expect. Texas has a structured formula for calculating child support, but that formula has a cap. Beyond that cap, the court has the discretion to set payments. If you or your co-parent earns a high income, the amount of child support may be higher, but it will depend on more than just your paycheck.

For high-net-worth families in Texas, child support disputes can become complex quickly. The stakes are high, especially when the children are used to a certain standard of living. Getting child support payments right is not about spoiling the children; it is about meeting their needs in a way that reflects the realities of their lives. Whether you anticipate paying or receiving child support, our board-certified Travis County, TX child support lawyers are here to help. 

How Child Support Is Calculated in Texas

Texas uses a percentage-based formula tied to the paying parent’s income to set child support payments. The baseline percentages are:

• 20 percent for one child

• 25 percent for two children

• 30 percent for three children

• And so on

However, this formula only applies to income up to a certain limit, which is currently $9,200 per month. For income that would justify higher payments as a portion of a parent’s salary, the court can order additional support, but only if the child’s proven needs justify it.

This is why wealthy parents often end up in court. The parent seeking more support must show that the child or children have needs exceeding the basic guideline amount, such as private school tuition, therapy, medical care, extracurricular programs, or travel expenses related to custody.

What Texas Courts Consider in High-Income Child Support Cases

When determining whether to go above the standard cap, a judge will look at several factors:

• The income and resources of both parents

• Each child’s standard of living during the marriage

• The cost of private education, health care, or special needs

• The number of children and any other support obligations

• The parenting time arrangement

The goal is not to equalize the parents’ homes or lifestyles but rather to ensure that the child does not experience unnecessary deprivation in one household while living in significant privilege in the other. That balance can be difficult to strike, especially when resentment or mistrust clouds communication between former partners.

High-Income Families Should Use an Experienced Attorney for Child Support Issues

When one or both parents have significant assets, child support issues often intersect with business valuation, investment income, and hidden or deferred compensation. A lawyer with experience handling high-income support cases can help you navigate discovery, secure expert testimony, and clarify your position with the court.

Contact a Travis County, TX Child Support Lawyer Today

If you have questions about how your or your spouse’s income could affect child support in your case, an Austin, TX child support attorney at Powers Kerr & Rashidi, PLLC can help you understand your rights and obligations. Call 512-610-6199 to schedule a confidential consultation with a board-certified family law attorney.