Child Support With 50/50 Custody in Texas
One of the most common questions parents ask is whether child support disappears with an equal, 50/50 possession schedule. Usually it does not.
Texas has no automatic 50/50 offset
Many people assume equal time means no support. The Texas child support guidelines in Family Code Chapter 154 are built around one parent paying a percentage of net resources — there is no built-in formula that cancels support when possession is equal.
So even with a true 50/50 schedule, a court can still order child support, typically from the higher-earning parent, so the child has similar financial support in both homes.
How courts handle it
With equal or near-equal possession, judges use the discretion in Family Code § 154.123 to set a fair amount. A court may:
- Order guideline support from the higher earner;
- Order a reduced amount that reflects the equal time; or
- In some cases, order little or no support if both parents earn similar incomes and share expenses.
The outcome depends heavily on the income gap between the parents and the specific judge.
Why the income gap drives the result
The purpose of child support is consistent support for the child, not to reward time. If one parent earns far more, the court will usually bridge that gap even under a 50/50 schedule. If incomes are close, ordered support is often small or offset.
Frequently asked questions
Can parents agree to waive child support with 50/50 custody? They can propose it, but a judge must still find the arrangement is in the child's best interest before approving it.
Does a 50/50 schedule change who claims the child on taxes? That is decided separately in the order — it is not automatic.
This is general information, not legal advice. Equal-possession child support outcomes vary by income and by court. For advice on your situation, contact Nemec Law Office, serving Tarrant, Dallas, Denton, and Collin counties.
Related: How child support is calculated · Modifying child support · Calculator