Texas is strict with child support enforcement. Parents must financially support their children until they turn 18 or finish high school. If the child has a disability, this obligation continues into adulthood.
Houston Child Support Enforcement Attorneys
If you have questions regarding the enforcement of your child support agreement in Houston or the surrounding areas of Harris, Montgomery, Waller, Fort Bend, Grimes, and Washington Counties, call one of our family law attorneys in Houston to schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your case. Our attorneys are always happy to answer your questions, and consultation costs nothing.
Your Options Regarding Child Support Enforcement
Texas law provides a variety of solutions for when a parent refuses to comply with the court’s child support order. These options include:
- Withholding of Earnings: The court may order that up to 50% of the parent’s take-home pay be withheld
- Contempt: If found to be in contempt, the noncompliant parent could face a $500 fine, up to 6 months in prison, or both. This option is usually not available in your support order from a state other than Texas.
- Suspension of State Licenses: The court could order that the parent’s driver, professional, and hunting and fishing licenses be suspended
- Withholding State Contracts, Grants, and Loans
- Monetary Damages
- Liens on Property
It is important to note that child support is completely separate from visitation rights. You cannot refuse to comply with a visitation schedule simply because your ex-spouse is late on their child support payments, and your ex-spouse may not refuse to pay child support simply because you have not complied with the visitation schedule.
Taking matters into your hands can only complicate matters and make things more difficult, so always consult with an attorney before you take action regarding your divorce agreements.
Modifying a Child Support Order
Sometimes a parent finds that he or she can no longer feasibly comply with the court’s child support order. This is usually because their circumstances have changed dramatically. Texas law provides a way to have the support order modified legally. Simply withholding child support is never an effective or legal option.
If you feel you can no longer afford your child support payments, or your payments are unreasonable, you should talk to our attorneys about filing a Motion to Modify with the court.
Non-Compliance and an Out of State Ex
If the other parent is no longer living in Texas and is delinquent on their child support payments, you have options. You may be able to have their out-of-state employer withhold income for you, or you may be able to file your Texas Child Support Order with the other state. Filing your Order with the other state will help you get all of the remedies available to you in Texas.
You should discuss the specifics of your situation with your attorney, including whether the other parent is living out of state.
Child Support Ebook
If you want to know more about what you can do, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book: “Child Support E-Book”
Other Articles you may be interested in:
- What do I do if I have overpaid child support in Texas?
- Child Custody Basics in Texas
- Child Support and College Tuition in Texas
- Texas Child Support Appeals
- In Texas are Child Support and Visitation Connected?
- Why Ignoring Child Support Obligations is a Bad Idea in Texas
- Texas Child Support – Trust and Annuities
- Special Needs Children in Texas Child Support Cases
- How to get above guideline child support.
- The benefits of hiring an attorney to represent you in a child support case
- Child Support Payments in Texas: How to Make them and Why
Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.
