Do I Have to Pay Child Support in Texas if We Have Joint Custody?

 Posted on August 10, 2026 in Child Custody

Sharing custody does not cancel child support in Texas. Even in cases of nearly equal possession and access (part of what Texas calls custody), parents may still be ordered to pay child support. A Tarrant County, TX child support lawyer can walk you through child support might work in a 2026 custody case.

Who Gets Child Support When Parents Share Custody in Texas?

Understanding the two parts of Texas conservatorship can clarify who is entitled to receive child support in a joint custody case.

Conservatorship

Conservatorship is the decision-making authority of a parent over their child. It often covers significant choices like schooling, non-emergency medical care, and psychiatric treatment. Conservatorship also refers to a parent's court-ordered responsibilities for their child.

Possession and Access

Possession and access refers to the time each parent spends with the child.

"Joint managing conservatorship" is a common arrangement for parents. It means both parents share rights and responsibilities for their child. The court can still divide specific decision-making rights between them.

Joint managing conservatorship does not automatically imply equal possession and access, though. Joint managing conservatorship does not always mean the child spends equal time with each parent. The parent who has the child more often may receive child support.

Having joint managing conservatorship does not prevent a court from ordering child support. Texas Family Code Section 153.138 specifically allows a court to order one joint managing conservator to pay child support to the other.

How Does Texas Calculate Basic Child Support?

Texas uses the paying parent’s monthly "net resources" to calculate child support. This means the court looks at the parent’s income and other sources of money. Then, it subtracts certain allowed deductions, like Social Security and federal income taxes. Texas Family Code Section 154.125 provides guideline percentages based on the number of children. For most parents, the guideline is 20 percent for one child, 25 percent for two, 30 percent for three, 35 percent for four, and 40 percent for five. For six or more children, the amount is at least 40 percent. Lower percentages apply if the paying parent has less than $1,000 in monthly net resources. 

As of 2026, these percentages apply to the first $11,700 in monthly net resources. If a parent has more than that amount, the court may order additional support based on the child’s needs. The Office of the Attorney General periodically updates and publishes these exact amounts in the Texas Register.

Can a Texas Court Order Less Child Support When There Is 50/50 Custody?

Texas courts usually start with the guideline amount of child support. However, that amount is not automatic and can be challenged. A judge can order a different amount if the evidence shows the guideline amount would be unfair or inappropriate in that case.

Texas law outlines factors that can affect a judge's decision to order a different amount. Judges may look at:

• What each parent earns and what resources they have available

• The age and needs of the child

• Which parent pays for health care and other medical expenses

• Travel costs involved in spending time with the child

• Child care expenses tied to either parent's job

• Whether either parent is also supporting other children

• How much time the child spends with each parent

In a 50/50 arrangement, the judge will consider how much time the child spends with each parent. However, having the child half the time does not automatically mean you will pay less child support.

A parent asking for a lower amount must show the court why the guideline amount would not be fair or appropriate in their case. An attorney can help gather and present this evidence.

Call a Dallas, TX Child Support Lawyer Today

Texas child support laws can be hard to understand. If you are unsure how much child support you may pay or receive, an attorney can explain how the law applies to your situation.

Our Tarrant County, TX family law attorney brings more than 25 years of legal experience to these cases. Attorney Michelle Poblenz is a former prosecutor with the Dallas County District Attorney's Office and handles every case personally.

If you have questions about your child support order, call the Law Office of Michelle Poblenz at 469-845-3031 to schedule your initial consultation.