How Do I Enforce Child Support Orders?
How Do I Enforce Child Support Orders?
When a court orders child support, the obligation is enforceable and must be taken seriously. Unfortunately, not every parent follows through on that responsibility. Missed or inconsistent payments can place serious financial strain on the parent who provides daily care for the child.
If you are struggling to collect court-ordered child support, Texas law gives you several options to enforce payment and protect your child’s well-being.
Understanding Child Support Orders
In Texas, child support orders are legally binding once issued by a court. The paying parent, known as the obligor, must make payments on time and in the correct amount. The receiving parent, or obligee, has the right to seek enforcement if payments stop or fall behind.
Even if the other parent loses their job, moves out of state, or refuses to pay, the order remains valid until it is modified by the court. Verbal agreements to change payment amounts are not legally enforceable.
When You Can Seek Enforcement
You can pursue enforcement if the other parent:
Fails to make full or timely child support payments
Skips multiple payments or has a significant arrearage
Refuses to pay court-ordered medical or educational expenses
Ignores wage withholding or other enforcement mechanisms
Texas courts take nonpayment seriously. A parent who violates a support order can face severe penalties, including fines, wage garnishment, loss of licenses, and even jail time.
How to Enforce a Child Support Order in Texas
1. File a Motion for Enforcement
The first step is filing a motion for enforcement with the court that issued the original order. This legal document outlines how the other parent violated the order and requests specific remedies, such as payment of past-due amounts or additional penalties.
2. Request a Hearing
After filing, the court will schedule a hearing. Both parents must attend. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence such as payment records, correspondence, or wage statements showing nonpayment.
3. Court Remedies
If the court finds that the other parent willfully failed to pay, it can issue several types of relief, including:
Income Withholding
Automatically deducting child support from the parent’s paycheck.
Contempt of Court
Fines or jail time for repeated violations.
Liens on Property
Placing a claim against bank accounts, vehicles, or real estate.
License Suspension
Revoking driver’s, professional, or recreational licenses.
Judgment for Arrears
Requiring payment of all missed support plus interest.
The Role of the Texas Attorney General’s Office
The Child Support Division of the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) also assists with enforcement. The OAG can help locate non-paying parents, establish wage withholding, intercept tax refunds, and report delinquent accounts to credit bureaus.
However, the OAG represents the state’s interest, not yours personally. Their involvement can take time and they may not pursue all available remedies. Working with a private attorney can help you take faster and more targeted action to recover what is owed.
All payments of court ordered child support MUST be made through the Office of the Attorney General of Texas’ Payment Disbursement Center. An obligor is not credited for informal payments not through the Child Support system.
How an Attorney Strengthens Your Case
Child support enforcement involves strict legal procedures, and missing a step can delay or weaken your case. An experienced family law attorney can help you:
File the correct motion and supporting documentation
Present a clear and persuasive case in court
Track and document payments for future enforcement
Seek additional remedies if the parent continues to ignore orders
Legal support not only improves your chances of recovery but also helps you avoid unnecessary stress and procedural mistakes.
Protecting Your Child’s Right to Support
Every child deserves consistent financial support from both parents. If the other parent is failing to meet that responsibility, you have legal options to make sure the court’s order is respected and enforced.
LDG, PLLC helps parents across Texas enforce child support orders, recover unpaid support, and protect their children’s financial stability. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.