In case you missed it, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) of the State of Texas recently issued guidance that affects how child support payments are calculated by family law courts throughout the state. The new guidelines, which took effect on September 1, 2025, are designed to better reflect the financial realities of today’s families.
Below, we break down the key changes so you can understand what’s new and how it might impact you.
Key Child Support Changes Beginning September 1, 2025
The OAG has made significant updates to how child support is calculated. These changes are part of an effort to ensure that support payments are fair and efficient for all Texans.
Updated Guidelines and Income Caps
This notable change involves the formula used to calculate child support. While the percentage-based system remains—20% of net monthly income for one child, 25% for two, and so on—the state has revised the income cap.
The previous cap on monthly net resources for guideline calculations was $9,200. On September 1, the cap changed to $11,700 to better account for inflation and the rising cost of living. This means that for some high-earning parents, a greater portion of their income may now be considered when determining their support obligation. The goal is to ensure that child support amounts more accurately reflect a child’s needs and standard of living.
This change means the new amounts per child are as follows:
1 child: $2,340/month
2 children: $2,925/month
3 children: $3,510/month
4 children: $4,095/month
5 or more children: $4,680/month
These guidelines went into effect on September 1, 2025.
The New OAG System: ChAMP
In addition to the revised guidelines, the Texas OAG has introduced a new system to manage child support cases. Known as “ChAMP” (Children Are My Priority), this cloud-based platform replaces a legacy system over 30 years old.
The new system is designed to improve efficiency and enhance the customer experience. The new Self-Service Portal is a major component that allows parents to log in 24/7 from a mobile device or computer to view real-time information about their case and payments. For employers, a dedicated portal simplifies new hire reporting and information exchange with the agency.
While the new system is intended to be a long-term improvement, some parents have reported temporary payment delays or issues during the transition period. The OAG encourages anyone experiencing problems to contact them directly for assistance.
What These Changes Mean for You
- For Parents with a New Case: If you file a new child support case after September 1, 2025, your case will be governed by the new income cap.
- For Parents with an Existing Order: If you can demonstrate that a “material and substantial change in circumstances” has occurred, you may be able to justify a request to modify your current order. If your or the other parent’s income has changed, it may be a good time to review your situation.
- For All Parents: Staying informed and using the new ChAMP online portal is the best way to manage your case and ensure a smooth process.
Get Child Support Assistance from MBH Family Law
Whether you are establishing a new order or considering a modification to an existing one, having an experienced legal advocate on your side can make all the difference. With over 100 years of combined experience and four attorneys who are Board Certified® in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, the team at Mims Ballew Hollingsworth is here to help. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss how the new guidelines may impact you and your family.
