The Child Support Division reviews the child support guidelines found in Texas law at least once every four years to ensure that their application results in appropriate child support awards.
Texas law sets general guidelines for calculating child support. Requirements to have child support guidelines are found in federal law and regulations. Requirements to review those guidelines at least once every four years are found in federal law, federal regulations and Texas law.
Who conducts the review?
Starting in 2011, the Texas legislature required the Office of the Attorney General to conduct these child support guidelines reviews.
What information will be considered in the next review?
Guideline review reports include consideration of the cost of raising children, labor market data, the impact of guidelines policies and amounts on low-income custodial and noncustodial parents, as well as factors that influence employment rates among noncustodial parents and compliance with child support orders.
When was the last review conducted?
The most recent review was conducted for the period between September 2021 and August 2025. The report was subsequently submitted to the standing committees of each house of the legislature having jurisdiction over family law issues, as required by Texas law.
When will the next review be conducted?
The current review period is between September 2025 and August 2029. The Child Support Division monitors obligations and payments throughout the review cycle to ensure obligations meet the needs of Texas families and are right-sized for noncustodial parents.
Texas Child Support Guidelines Review Report 2025
Texas Child Support Guidelines Review Report 2021
Relevant Legal Citations:
- 42 U.S.C. § 667(a)
- 45 C.F.R. § 302.56
- Tex. Fam. Code § 111.001(b)