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.
How do I provide my input for the next review?
Click here to take the survey. Public input for this next review may be submitted by August 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
What information will be considered in the next review?
The next report will include the following:
- Consideration of economic data on 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.
- Analysis of case data on the application of and deviations from the child support guidelines, as well as the rates of default and imputed child support orders and orders determined using the low-income adjustment.
The Child Support Division will conduct the next review from September 2021 through August 2025. We will provide an opportunity for public input, including input from low-income custodial and noncustodial parents and their representatives.
When was the last review conducted?
The most recent review was conducted for the period between September 2017 and August 2021. 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.
Texas Child Support Guidelines Review Report 2021
Relevant Legal Citations:
- 42 U.S.C. § 667(a)
- 45 C.F.R. § 302.56
- Texas Family Code § 111.001(b)