Montana
$183
Income shares · monthly
- Annual
- $2,196
- Dense rank
- #6
Compare different states
2026
2026Montana vs Texas Child Support
Texas estimates $567 more per month than Montana on $5,000 / $3,000 monthly gross · 2 children · Parent A 70% custody · Parent B pays.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Key finding
Texas estimates higher monthly support
$567/mo more (~$6,804/yr).
Side-by-side child support scoreboard
Texas
$750
Percentage of income · monthly
- Annual
- $9,000
- Dense rank
- #1
Key takeaways — Montana vs Texas
- Texas estimates about $567/mo more ($183 vs $750).
- Montana: Income shares. Texas: Percentage of income.
- Dense ranks: Montana #6; Texas #1 (#1 = highest monthly estimate).
- If either side uses income shares, remember this hub’s simplified shared schedule can cause ties that official worksheets would not.
- Personalize at /child-support-calculator.
Rule contrast (2026)
| Topic | Montana | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Guideline model | Income shares | Percentage of income |
| Vignette monthly | $183 | $750 |
| Vignette annual | $2,196 | $9,000 |
| Dense rank | #6 | #1 |
| Guideline citation | Montana Child Support Guidelines (Melson Formula) — Admin. R. Mont. 37.62.101 et seq. | Texas Family Code § 154.125 (varying % of net resources) |
| Official resource | https://dphhs.mt.gov/csed | https://csapps.oag.texas.gov/child-support-calculator |
Paying-parent income ladder
| Parent B gross | MT monthly | TX monthly | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $0 | $500 | $500 |
| $3,000 | $183 | $750 | $567 |
| $5,000 | $536 | $1,250 | $714 |
| $8,000 | $701.54 | $2,000 | $1,298.46 |
How to read Montana vs Texas
Montana vs Texas child support in 2026
This page compares guideline estimates for Montana (MT) and Texas (TX) on $5,000 / $3,000 monthly gross · 2 children · Parent A 70% custody · Parent B pays, calculated from our engine.
Texas is higher by about $567/mo; annual gap about $6,804.
Montana uses an income-shares guideline model (NCSL). This hub’s engine uses a simplified shared income-shares schedule — many income-shares states therefore tie on the locked vignette. Montana uses the Melson Formula — one of only three states (with Delaware and Hawaii). The Melson Formula provides a self-support reserve for each parent and ensures children share in higher parental income. This calculator uses a simplified income shares approximation — actual Montana Melson Formula results may differ. Use Montana DPHHS for precise calculations.
Texas uses a percentage-of-income guideline model (NCSL). Our engine applies state-specific percentage math on this vignette. Texas uses a percentage of monthly NET resources (not gross income): 20/25/30/35/40% for 1-5+ children, capped at $11,700/month net resources (effective Sept 2025). This calculator approximates using gross income — actual amounts will differ. For income under $1,000/month net resources, lower percentages (15/20/25/30/35%) apply. Use the official TX OAG calculator for precise results.
Guideline model contrast
Montana citation: Montana Child Support Guidelines (Melson Formula) — Admin. R. Mont. 37.62.101 et seq.. Texas citation: Texas Family Code § 154.125 (varying % of net resources).
Profiles: /child-support-by-state/montana and /child-support-by-state/texas.
Not legal advice — court worksheets and agency calculators control.
How the gap can change with income
The ladder below recomputes monthly estimates as Parent B’s gross monthly income changes (Parent A income and custody stay at vignette defaults).
Percentage-of-income states often scale more steeply with obligor income than the simplified income-shares schedule.
Limits of this comparison
No invented per-state income-shares table numbers. Melson/hybrid accuracy notes still apply where relevant.
Health insurance, childcare add-ons, and multi-family credits are omitted on the ranking vignette.
Who this comparison helps
Useful if…
- •Parents weighing Montana vs Texas orientation numbers
- •Editors illustrating percentage-of-income vs income-shares gaps
- •Users deciding which state calculator to open next
Use official tools if…
- •Treating a hub tie as identical official guidelines
- •Litigation strategy without counsel
- •Interstate jurisdiction questions beyond this vignette
Comparison checklist
- 1Confirm models: Income shares vs Percentage of income.
- 2Read accuracy notes on both state profiles.
- 3Run custom incomes at /child-support-calculator.
- 4Cross-check each state’s official calculator.
What the monthly gap means
Guideline models and engine paths differ by state. This is an educational estimate, not a court order.
Limits of this comparison
We do not invent per-state income-shares table numbers. Melson/hybrid notes, add-ons, and deviations may change real outcomes. Use each state’s official calculator.
Montana vs Texas child support FAQs
Texas is higher by about $567/mo ($183 vs $750) on $5,000 / $3,000 monthly gross · 2 children · Parent A 70% custody · Parent B pays.
Montana: Income shares (Montana Child Support Guidelines (Melson Formula) — Admin. R. Mont. 37.62.101 et seq.). Texas: Percentage of income (Texas Family Code § 154.125 (varying % of net resources)).
No. This educational engine shares one simplified income-shares schedule across those states. Official tables, worksheets, and deviations differ — confirm with each state’s calculator.
Not necessarily. Recompute with the income ladder on this page or the child support calculator — percentage-of-income and income-shares paths scale differently.
Start with Texas if you care about the higher vignette estimate, then compare Montana and both official calculators.
No. Educational engine output only. Courts apply official guidelines and evidence.
Compare another pair
Compare any two states
Guideline estimates on $5,000 / $3,000 monthly gross · 2 children · Parent A 70% custody · Parent B pays.
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