Skip to content 
Ever had one of those moments when your morning coffee goes cold because you’re too busy wondering if your ex will actually send that child support payment this month? You’re not alone. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we hear stories like that every day—parents juggling bills, soccer practices, and bedtime routines, all while trying to make sure the other parent holds up their end of the deal. That’s where Texas Child Support Enforcement Services step in—because when promises on paper don’t turn into payments in real life, it’s time for the law to lend a hand.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how Texas enforces child support, from wage garnishment to license suspension, and how these measures protect your family’s stability and peace of mind. You’ll also learn practical tips you can use today, insights most parents don’t know about the legal process, and real stories of how enforcement can turn financial stress into financial security.
Whether you’re just starting to wonder how to get help or knee-deep in frustration, you’ll find guidance here—delivered with empathy, clarity, and the experience of Texas family law attorneys who’ve helped thousands of parents take back control and protect their children’s futures.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas Attorney General’s Office is the primary agency responsible for enforcing child support orders and assisting parents in understanding their rights and obligations.
- Key enforcement tools in Texas include wage garnishment, license suspension, and property liens, which help ensure noncustodial parents meet their child support obligations.
- Parents seeking child support enforcement can compile relevant documentation and contact the Texas Attorney General’s Office to initiate the legal process, potentially using a Motion for Enforcement under Chapter 157.
Your Family’s Future Starts Here
Don’t navigate your legal journey alone. Schedule a consultation now and get the clarity and support you deserve.
Understanding Texas Child Support Enforcement
In Texas, Texas Child Support Enforcement Services are primarily managed by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), which serves as the state’s official child support enforcement agency under Texas Family Code Chapters 154 and 157. These laws authorize enforcement tools such as wage garnishment (§158.001), license suspension (Chapter 232), and property liens, ensuring parents meet their financial obligations and children receive consistent support. Parents who are struggling—whether to collect overdue payments or to stay current—can contact the OAG’s Child Support Division for guidance and enforcement assistance.
For families who need faster or more personalized action, the experienced attorneys at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC provide dedicated representation in child support enforcement and modification cases. Their legal team helps parents navigate complex court procedures, file motions for enforcement, and secure compliance orders designed to protect children’s financial stability. As a leading Texas family law firm, they blend legal precision with compassion, empowering families to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Recent updates to Texas Family Code §154.125(a-1), effective September 1, 2025, raise the child support guideline cap from $9,200 to $11,700 in monthly net resources—ensuring greater fairness in calculating obligations for higher-income parents. This shift reflects Texas’s ongoing commitment to family stability and economic equity, complementing broader efforts like The Texas Minimum Wage Increase Movement Advocating for Working Parents. For additional insight into your rights and options, explore the firm’s Texas Child Support Resource for expert legal guidance tailored to your family’s needs.
Legal Framework for Child Support Enforcement
The legal foundation for Texas Child Support Enforcement Services is firmly established in the Texas Family Code, particularly Chapters 154, 157, and 158. These sections define how child support is calculated, enforced, and maintained to ensure children receive consistent financial care. Chapter 154 sets percentage-based guidelines that consider both parents’ financial abilities, while Chapter 158 mandates income withholding—one of the most reliable enforcement methods in Texas. Under Chapter 157, courts are empowered to enforce and collect unpaid child support, and because there is no statute of limitations on arrears, enforcement can continue indefinitely until the full amount owed is satisfied.
As of September 1, 2025, updates to Texas Family Code §154.125(a-1) raise the cap on net monthly resources used to determine guideline support from $9,200 to $11,700. This adjustment reflects Texas’s evolving economic realities and ensures that higher-income parents contribute proportionally to their child’s needs. These legislative changes align with broader economic discussions like The Effects of a Higher Minimum Wage on Texas Businesses, which highlights how shifts in wages and living costs impact family finances statewide.
At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, our attorneys guide parents through every stage of child support enforcement and modification. Whether you’re seeking to collect overdue payments or ensure compliance with a court order, our team applies deep knowledge of the Texas Family Code to protect your rights and your child’s future. For more detailed guidance on child support and related enforcement options, explore our Texas Child Support Resource.
Tools for Enforcing Child Support Orders
There are several tools available to enforce child support orders in Texas. Understanding these tools is vital for parents pursuing child support enforcement. The Texas Attorney General’s Office utilizes a variety of methods, including wage garnishment, license suspension, and property liens.
These tools ensure that noncustodial parents comply with their child support obligations and provide the necessary financial support, including dental support and medical support, to their children.
Wage Garnishment
Wage garnishment is one of the most commonly used methods for collecting unpaid child support. Under Texas law, wage deductions for child support are made directly from the noncustodial parent’s salary. Employers must receive an ‘Order to Withhold Income for Child Support’ to begin this process, ensuring that child support payments are automatically deducted from the noncustodial parent’s paycheck.
This method is highly effective, accounting for 80% of all child support payments in Texas. Wage garnishment ensures a steady and reliable flow of payments, directly benefiting the children involved. It also alleviates the custodial parent’s burden of chasing down payments, making it a key enforcement tool in the Texas child support system.
License Suspension
Another powerful enforcement tool is the suspension of licenses. In Texas, failure to comply with child support payment obligations can lead to the suspension of driver’s licenses, significantly impacting the noncompliant parent’s ability to drive legally. Additionally, professional licenses may also face suspension for noncompliance, affecting one’s ability to work in certain professions.
This measure serves as a strong incentive for parents to meet their child support obligations.
Property Liens and Asset Seizure
When child support remains unpaid, property liens and asset seizures become viable enforcement options. Liens can be placed on various assets, including bank accounts and retirement plans, to recover unpaid child support.
This method ensures that noncustodial parents who have other parent financial assets are held accountable and that these assets can be used to satisfy their child support obligations.
Role of the Texas Attorney General’s Office
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) plays a central role in administering Texas Child Support Enforcement Services, ensuring that children across the state receive the financial support they are entitled to under the law. Acting under the authority of the Texas Family Code Chapters 154, 157, and 158, the OAG’s Child Support Division assists parents by locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, enforcing existing orders, and processing modifications when necessary. Enforcement measures may include wage garnishment, property liens, and tax refund intercepts—all designed to hold parents accountable while safeguarding children’s well-being.
The OAG also collaborates with more than 60 Texas licensing agencies to suspend driver’s, professional, hunting, and fishing licenses for parents who fail to meet their support obligations under Texas Family Code Chapter 232. One of the most effective enforcement tools, income withholding, is mandated by Texas Family Code §158.001, requiring employers to deduct support payments directly from the paying parent’s wages. To learn more about this process and your legal rights, visit How Does Wage Garnishment Work and What Are Your Rights?. These mechanisms—alongside recent updates to §154.125(a-1) raising the child support guideline cap to $11,700 as of September 1, 2025—reflect Texas’s ongoing commitment to protecting children and promoting financial fairness.
At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, our family law team frequently works alongside the state’s enforcement framework, providing parents with personalized legal representation that goes beyond administrative assistance. Whether you need help enforcing a court order, modifying an existing obligation, or understanding the complexities of wage garnishment, our attorneys are here to help. Visit our Texas Child Support Resource to explore how our firm supports Texas families through education, advocacy, and compassionate legal guidance.
Private Legal Representation for Child Support Enforcement
While Texas Child Support Enforcement Services through the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) provide critical statewide support, there are times when parents need more immediate and customized legal action. Hiring a private attorney—such as those at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC—can make a powerful difference. Our attorneys offer personalized strategies, faster results, and hands-on advocacy designed to secure compliance and protect your child’s financial stability. We understand that every family’s circumstances are unique, which is why our team tailors each enforcement approach to fit the specific needs and urgency of your case.
Under the Texas Family Code Chapters 154, 157, and 158, courts have broad authority to enforce child support through income withholding, contempt proceedings, and even license suspensions. One of the most effective enforcement tools is wage garnishment, outlined in Texas Family Code §158.001, which allows direct withholding from a parent’s earnings. For parents seeking clarity on this process, our resource Understanding Wage Garnishment: A Comprehensive Guide offers an in-depth explanation of how wage garnishment works, what your rights are, and how to navigate enforcement actions effectively.
As of September 1, 2025, updates to Texas Family Code §154.125(a-1) have increased the child support guideline cap on net monthly resources from $9,200 to $11,700—ensuring that higher-income parents contribute fairly based on their financial capacity. At the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, we stay ahead of these legislative changes to help clients secure timely, legally sound results. For additional guidance, visit our Texas Child Support Resource to explore how our firm educates families, enforces compliance, and protects futures across Texas.
Contempt of Court for Non-Payment
Contempt of court is one of the most serious consequences available under Texas Child Support Enforcement Services for parents who willfully fail to comply with their court-ordered child support obligations. According to Texas Family Code Chapter 157, a court may find a parent in contempt for nonpayment, which can result in fines, wage garnishment, or even incarceration for up to six months. These measures are designed to uphold the integrity of child support orders and ensure that children receive the financial resources they need and deserve.
To initiate a contempt proceeding, either the custodial parent or the Texas Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division may file a Motion for Enforcement against the non-paying parent. If the court finds that the parent had the ability to pay but chose not to, it can impose penalties such as fines, payment of attorney’s fees and court costs, or confinement. However, courts often prefer rehabilitation over punishment—particularly if the parent demonstrates a genuine willingness to comply. Under Texas Family Code §157.166, judges may consider alternatives such as community service, wage withholding, or structured repayment plans to encourage compliance without unnecessary hardship.
At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, our attorneys help parents navigate the enforcement and contempt process with a focus on both legal precision and compassion. We work to protect children’s financial well-being while helping parents understand their rights and obligations under Texas law. Recent updates to Texas Family Code §154.125(a-1)—effective September 1, 2025—also increase the guideline cap for net monthly resources from $9,200 to $11,700, strengthening the framework for calculating and enforcing fair support amounts. To learn more about enforcement options, consequences, and how our firm can help you avoid or resolve contempt issues, visit our Texas Child Support Resource or explore additional guidance through our Texas Child Support Resource Library.
Additional Enforcement Measures
Beyond the standard enforcement tools, Texas employs additional measures to ensure compliance with child support payments that are enforced. These include intercepting tax refunds and denying passport services to noncustodial parents who owe significant back child support.
These measures provide further incentives for eligible parents to fulfill their support obligations.
Tax Refund Intercept
Tax refund intercept is an effective method for collecting overdue child support. The Texas Attorney General can seize tax refunds to collect unpaid child support, redirecting the funds directly from federal tax refunds to state agencies.
This process ensures that overdue child support payments are recovered efficiently and effectively, benefiting the custodial parent and paying child support the child.
Passport Denial
For noncustodial parents who owe $2,500 or more in back child support, passport denial becomes a significant enforcement measure, with a suit affecting these parents potentially leading to restrictions on obtaining or renewing their U.S. passport, affecting their ability to travel under certain circumstances.
This measure serves as a deterrent, encouraging parents to meet their child support obligations to avoid travel restrictions.
Steps for Parents Seeking Child Support Enforcement
For parents seeking to enforce child support orders, Texas Child Support Enforcement Services provide a structured and legally supported pathway to secure the financial assistance their children deserve. The first step is to gather essential documentation—such as payment histories, financial statements, and correspondence—to support the case. These materials are crucial under Texas Family Code Chapter 157, which governs enforcement procedures and allows a parent to file a Motion for Enforcement when the obligated parent fails to make payments. This motion empowers the court to compel compliance through remedies such as income withholding, license suspension, or even contempt proceedings.
Parents are encouraged to work closely with the Texas Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division to initiate the enforcement process. However, partnering with an experienced private attorney can often yield quicker and more personalized results. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, our attorneys use decades of experience and deep knowledge of the Texas Family Code Chapters 154, 157, and 158 to guide parents through every stage of enforcement. We help clients understand their options, build strong cases, and ensure that legal actions are handled with precision and empathy.
It’s important to note that financial challenges—such as those impacted by broader economic trends—can influence both the ability to pay and the urgency of enforcement. The firm explores these dynamics further in The Role of Creditors and Collection Agencies in Child Support Enforcement, offering insight into how creditors, wage garnishment, and asset recovery intersect with support obligations. For additional resources and guidance, visit our Texas Child Support Resource to learn how our firm educates families, enforces compliance, and protects futures throughout Texas.
Resources and Assistance
Parents seeking assistance with child support enforcement can contact the Texas Attorney General’s office through various channels. For general inquiries, the office can be reached at PO Box 12548, Austin, TX 78711-2548. This central contact point ensures that parents can access the support they need.
Additionally, the Texas Attorney General’s office provides dedicated hotlines and assistance programs to help parents assist navigate the child support enforcement process. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, Relay Texas offers assistance through a toll-free number, 7-1-1. These resources are designed to provide comprehensive support to families across Texas.
Conclusion:
Every family’s story is different—but when life starts shifting, having the right support can make all the difference. Whether you’re trying to enforce a child support order, protect your kids’ routines, or simply find your footing after big changes, knowledge is your greatest ally. That’s why The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC is here—to give you clarity, confidence, and a legal path that protects what matters most.
If there’s one takeaway from everything we’ve covered, it’s this: you don’t have to navigate the tough parts of family law alone. Texas law can be complex, but with an experienced family law attorney on your side, every decision becomes easier and every next step clearer. We’ve helped thousands of Texas families find stability through challenging times—and we’re ready to do the same for you.
So, take a deep breath, pour yourself that coffee (the one you didn’t get to finish earlier), and remember—you’ve got this. And when you’re ready, our team at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan is just a call or click away, ready to help you move forward with strength, strategy, and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions – Texas Child Support Enforcement
There isn’t an official “deadbeat dad law” in Texas, but willfully refusing to pay court-ordered child support can lead to serious consequences. Under Texas Penal Code §25.05 (Criminal Nonsupport), it’s a state jail felony to intentionally or knowingly fail to provide child support when you’re able to pay. Civil penalties may include wage garnishment, license suspension, property liens, and even jail time for contempt of court.
The Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) enforces child support through its Child Support Division. They locate parents, establish paternity, collect payments, and take enforcement actions like withholding income, intercepting tax refunds, or suspending licenses. Private family law attorneys can also pursue enforcement in court to get faster, more personalized results.
There’s no fixed amount or timeline that automatically triggers a warrant. Warrants are issued when a court finds someone in contempt for violating a child support order. Before that happens, the OAG typically uses other methods—like income withholding or license suspension—to collect payments.
Texas law doesn’t specify a minimum dollar amount for felony prosecution. Under Texas Penal Code §25.05, failing to pay court-ordered support when financially able is a state jail felony, regardless of the amount owed. Criminal cases are usually reserved for chronic or deliberate nonpayment.
A father doesn’t lose parental rights automatically based on absence alone. The court must find clear and convincing evidence that statutory grounds for termination exist under Texas Family Code §161.001 and that ending parental rights is in the child’s best interest. One example is “constructive abandonment,” where a parent hasn’t supported or contacted a child for at least six months while the child is in state care.
“Deadbeat dad” is a slang term, not a legal category. It usually refers to a parent who deliberately avoids paying child support despite having the means to do so. In Texas, the law focuses on enforcing obligations through income withholding, liens, credit reporting, and, in severe cases, contempt or criminal charges.
As of September 1, 2025, the Texas Family Code §154.125(a-1) raises the child support guideline cap on net monthly resources from $9,200 to $11,700. The percentage guidelines (20% for one child, 25% for two, etc.) remain the same, but now apply to the higher cap, increasing potential payments for higher-income parents.
The “six-month rule” can refer to several family law situations. For jurisdiction, a Texas court generally has authority over a child custody case if the child has lived in Texas for at least six months before filing. In termination cases, it can refer to “constructive abandonment,” which occurs if a child has been in state care for six months and the parent has failed to maintain contact or support.
Failure to pay child support can lead to multiple enforcement actions, including wage garnishment, driver’s license and professional license suspensions, tax refund interceptions, passport denial (if arrears exceed $2,500), property liens, and even jail time for contempt. Both the OAG and private attorneys can take action to recover overdue payments.
