Friday at 6 p.m., you’re halfway through pizza night when your banking app pings—again—and you realize the difference between a calm weekend and a bounced payment might be having a Texas Child Support Enforcement Attorney in your corner.

At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we connect the dots between reliable child support and everyday stability: the roof that stays paid for, the fridge that stays full, the co-pays that don’t snowball, and the tension that finally steps out of your living room. In plain language, this article explains how Texas child support enforcement actually works—from income withholding to liens and license suspensions—why clear orders reduce conflict, and how a focused legal strategy brings predictability back to your life.

Here’s the short answer up front: when orders are well-drafted and enforced quickly, money shows up where it’s supposed to, on time. Texas law gives you real tools to make that happen, and used correctly, they turn endless back-and-forth into automatic, trackable payments with far fewer surprises.

Keep reading for practical tips you can use today, legal insights most parents don’t know, and real case examples from our Houston team that show how we move fast and keep things calm. You’ll get step-by-step guidance from trusted Texas attorneys who believe in educating families and protecting futures—so you can spend less time chasing payments and more time living your life.

Key Takeaways

• Both parents in Texas are legally required to provide financial support for their children post-divorce, emphasizing the need for enforceable child support orders.
• Legal tools for enforcing child support in Texas include wage garnishment, property liens, and license suspensions, ensuring custodial parents receive necessary financial support.
• Hiring an experienced child support attorney can streamline the legal process, enhance compliance with child support agreements, and help navigate potential modifications or legal disputes.

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.

Get started

Understanding Texas Child Support Enforcement

Texas law requires both parents to support their children, during and after divorce, and courts treat that duty as more than paperwork—it’s the backbone of day-to-day stability. Under the current Texas Family Code, Chapter 154 governs the substance of child, medical, and dental support and instructs judges to include health coverage or cash medical support in every qualifying case so payments are clear, trackable, and tied to real needs.

When payments fall behind or orders aren’t followed, Chapter 157 provides the enforcement roadmap. Courts can confirm arrears as a cumulative money judgment with interest, hold willful nonpayment in contempt, and use lien remedies under Subchapter G (e.g., §§157.311–.331) to secure past-due support against non-exempt property until paid. Those tools work together so families aren’t left chasing informal promises.

Reliability comes from automation and accountability. Chapter 158 requires income withholding in most cases so support flows straight from wages, Chapter 232 authorizes suspension of driver’s and professional licenses when delinquency persists after a repayment opportunity, and Chapter 234 centralizes payments through the State Disbursement Unit and case registry to create an auditable record—crucial proof if questions arise later.

If you’re confronting missed payments, unclear reimbursements, or a genuine change in finances, a Texas Child Support Enforcement Attorney at our Houston firm can organize records, file a compliant Motion for Enforcement, and pair the right remedy with the right problem—automatic withholding for missed payments, targeted lien practice for arrears, license remedies for chronic noncompliance, or a prompt modification under Chapter 156 when circumstances have truly shifted. For fundamentals and next steps, see our plain-English guide: Texas Child Support.

For cases that require securing arrears against property or accounts, we offer a practitioner-ready, statute-aligned resource: Notice of Lien form, designed to reflect the current requirements for content, filing, perfection, and priority under Chapter 157’s lien subchapter. If you’re ready to convert rights on paper into steady, predictable support, connect with the team at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC—where educating families and protecting futures guides every step we take.

Legal Tools for Enforcing Child Support Orders

Enforcing child support orders is vital to ensure that custodial parents receive the financial support necessary for their children’s well-being. In Texas, there are several legal methods available to enforce child support orders. These methods include wage garnishment, property liens, and the suspension of licenses. These tools are designed to compel non-custodial parents to fulfill their child support obligations and protect the child’s welfare.

Each of these enforcement methods has its own legal process and implications, making it essential for parents to understand how they work. Wage garnishment allows for direct deductions from the non-custodial parent’s income, ensuring consistent child support payments.

Property liens can be placed on assets to secure overdue payments, and license suspensions can restrict a parent’s ability to work legally until they comply with their support obligations. These legal tools empower custodial parents and supports their efforts to enforce child support orders effectively, securing their children’s financial stability.

Wage Garnishment

Wage garnishment is a powerful method used to enforce child support obligations in Texas. Governed by Chapter 158 of the Texas Family Code, wage garnishment allows for direct deductions from a non-custodial parent’s income to fulfill their child support payments. This process ensures that a specific monthly amount is withheld from the parent’s paycheck and directed towards child support, minimizing the risk of missed payments and providing consistent financial support for the child.

Employers play a crucial role in this process. When a court issues an Income Withholding for Support Order, the employer is required to deduct the specified child support payment from the non-custodial parent’s paycheck and send it to the appropriate agency. This streamlined method of collecting child support payments ensures compliance and significantly reduces the administrative burden on the custodial parent, which is essential in determining child support obligations.

Property Liens

Property liens are another effective tool for enforcing child support obligations. In Texas, child support liens can be placed on various types of property, including real estate and financial accounts, to secure overdue payments. These liens attach to all non-exempt property of the obligor, including proceeds from insurance claims, ensuring that the custodial parent can collect the overdue amounts.

A child support lien remains effective until all owed child support, including interest and fees, is paid in full. This means that the lien can stay in place for an extended period, providing a long-term solution for securing unpaid child support.

Property liens help custodial parents meet their children’s financial needs, even if the non-custodial parent fails to make regular payments.

License Suspension

License suspension is a stringent enforcement measure used to compel non-compliant parents to fulfill their child support obligations. In Texas, a parent’s driver’s or professional license can be suspended if they fail to pay child support. The Texas Attorney General can request the suspension of licenses for parents who are over three months overdue on child support payments.

Both driver’s licenses and professional licenses may be subject to suspension due to child support non-payment. Additionally, enforcement measures can include denying motor vehicle registration renewals to non-compliant parents.

These actions not only serve as a strong deterrent against non-payment but also emphasize the seriousness of fulfilling child support obligations. In extreme cases, when a noncustodial parent fails to comply, non-compliant parents may even face jail time for continued failure to meet their support obligations.

The Role of the Texas Attorney General’s Office

The Texas Child Support Division within the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is Texas’s Title IV-D agency and a vital partner in making support orders real. Under the Texas Family Code—particularly Chapters 231 (Title IV-D services) and 234 (State Disbursement Unit)—the OAG helps establish, monitor, and route payments so there’s a clear record of what was paid and when. When questions or disputes arise, having a Texas Child Support Enforcement Attorney coordinate with the OAG and the court of continuing jurisdiction keeps your case moving and your child’s needs front and center.

Texas couples meaningful court remedies with administrative tools to drive compliance. Chapter 158 authorizes income withholding so support comes straight from wages, while Chapter 232 permits suspension of driver’s and professional licenses when an obligor is at least three months delinquent and fails to follow a repayment plan. These statutes—applied as currently codified—work alongside court enforcement under Chapter 157, where judges can confirm arrears as a money judgment with interest, award attorney’s fees, and, in willful cases, impose contempt remedies.

Liens are often the fastest way to secure past-due support against non-exempt property, and Texas details that process in Chapter 157, Subchapter G (e.g., §§157.311–157.331). Just as important, once arrears are satisfied, the lien should be released promptly so credit and title issues do not linger. For families and payors who need a clean, statute-aligned path to closure, our Houston team provides a practitioner-ready resource: Release of Child Support Lien form.

If you’re unsure which lever to pull—income withholding, license remedies, liens, or a modification when finances have truly changed—start with plain-English guidance and examples in our Texas Child Support Resource. Then let our attorneys translate the most recent Family Code requirements into an action plan tailored to your facts.

Whether you’re the recipient trying to stabilize payments or the payor seeking to resolve arrears and clear a lien, our lawyers at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC are here to educate, guide, and protect your family’s future—using the right statute, at the right time, for the right result.

Hiring an Experienced Child Support Lawyer

When the stakes are your child’s stability and your family’s finances, working with a Texas Child Support Enforcement Attorney isn’t just helpful—it’s how you turn legal rights into reliable results. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, our Houston-based team guides parents through the full child-support lifecycle with clear explanations, realistic timelines, and solutions that fit real life.

Accurate amounts start with the statute. Under the current Texas Family Code, Chapter 154 governs child support, including guideline calculations (§154.125), consideration of resources and deviations (§154.123), and required medical and dental support (§§154.181–154.187). We analyze income from wages, bonuses, self-employment, and variable pay, then document insurance and uncovered medical expenses so the order you obtain—or modify—matches the facts and is enforceable in practice, not just on paper.

When payments lag or disputes surface, we deploy the enforcement framework in Chapter 157 to confirm arrears, obtain cumulative money judgments with interest, seek attorney’s fees where appropriate, and, in willful cases, pursue contempt remedies with due-process protections. To make support predictable going forward, Chapter 158’s income withholding requirements turn orders into automatic deposits, reducing conflict and cutting down on missed or partial payments.

Your first consultation is designed to lower the temperature and raise your confidence. We review your existing orders, payment history, and communications, outline next steps, and determine whether enforcement, a repayment plan, or a true change in circumstances calls for a Chapter 156 modification. Expect practical guidance you can use immediately, from organizing records to coordinating with the OAG when that route makes sense.

For a deeper plain-English overview of how Texas calculates, enforces, and adjusts support, start with our Texas Child Support Resource and then connect with our attorneys for a tailored plan. Our mission is to educate families and protect futures—and that means turning today’s uncertainty into a clear, compliant order that actually works for your family.

Modifying Child Support Orders

Life changes fast, and support orders should keep pace without putting your family through unnecessary stress. Under the current Texas Family Code, a court may modify child support when the guideline amount would differ by at least 20% or $100 after three years, or when there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances (Tex. Fam. Code §156.401). Whether your income has shifted, health insurance costs changed, or a child’s needs evolved, working with a Texas Child Support Enforcement Attorney helps you turn those facts into a clear, compliant order that actually fits real life.

The path is straightforward when you have a plan. We gather pay records, insurance documentation, and proof of changed circumstances, then file a petition to modify in the court of continuing jurisdiction. Many matters resolve by agreement; others go to a short hearing where the judge updates the amount and confirms medical and dental support consistent with Chapter 154. When the new order is signed, income withholding under Chapter 158 is adjusted so payments run automatically and predictably.

It’s equally important to know what a modification cannot do. Texas law does not erase past-due support; arrears remain collectible with interest, and enforcement tools still apply (see Tex. Fam. Code §157.263). Practically, that means you can modify going forward while also setting a structured plan to resolve any arrears, keeping you out of crisis and in compliance.

If you’re looking for a clear walkthrough before you file, start with our step-by-step guide—Effortless Texas Child Support Modification Process: A Comprehensive Guide—and pair it with our plain-English overview: Texas Child Support Resource. Together, these resources explain the numbers, the paperwork, and the timelines in a way that’s easy to act on.

When you’re ready, our team at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC will translate the most recent Family Code requirements into an action plan tailored to your family. From drafting accurate calculations to securing updated withholding and coordinating with the OAG when needed, we’re here to educate families and protect futures—so your order works on paper and in everyday life.

Legal Consequences for Non-Payment

Not meeting child support obligations can have significant legal repercussions. It is important to fulfill these responsibilities to avoid such consequences. The Texas Child Support Division may initiate enforcement actions against non-paying parents, requiring them to appear in court and potentially face additional stress and costs. Accumulating unpaid child support can escalate to a felony charge if the amount owed reaches or exceeds a year’s worth of payments.

Non-payment of child support in Texas can result in severe penalties, including arrest warrants and a state jail sentence of up to six months for continued non-compliance. These legal consequences underscore the importance of fulfilling child support obligations and highlight the state’s commitment to ensuring that children receive the financial support they deserve.

Preparing for Your Consultation

Preparing for your consultation with a child support lawyer is a crucial step towards resolving your case effectively. To make the most of your initial consultation, consider the following:

• Confirm with the attorney’s office about specific documents to bring, as requirements vary based on individual cases.
• Compile a list of questions regarding the attorney’s experience.
• Prepare questions about the attorney’s communication style.
• Ask about the attorney’s fee structure.

Thorough information during the consultation aids the attorney in crafting an effective legal strategy tailored to your situation. This article explains that being well-prepared for your first meeting can significantly ease anxiety and increase the productivity of the free consultation, setting a strong foundation for a successful legal guidance partnership.

How Long Does Child Support Last in Texas?

Texas law is clear about how long support lasts and when it can extend. Under the current Texas Family Code, courts generally order child support until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school—whichever occurs later (Tex. Fam. Code §154.001). When a child has a disability that requires substantial care and personal supervision and precludes self-support, the court may order support beyond age 18, including into adulthood, after considering the statutory factors (Tex. Fam. Code §§154.302–154.306).

If you’re unsure which timeline applies to your family, a Texas Child Support Enforcement Attorney can review your existing order, medical documentation, and school status to confirm the correct end date and whether an extension is appropriate. Our team also helps parents avoid common pitfalls—like assuming a support duty ends on a birthday when graduation is still pending, or overlooking the separate rules that allow ongoing support for an adult child with a disability.

Enforcement tools remain available throughout the life of an order and for any arrears that accrue, even after the standard end date. When payments fall behind, Texas provides multiple remedies—income withholding, judgments for arrears with interest, and liens against non-exempt property under Chapter 157—to secure what’s owed and restore predictability. For a practical walkthrough of one of the most effective remedies, see our Filing a Lien Against Your Ex-Spouse to Enforce Child Support.

If your circumstances have changed in a way that affects the amount due going forward, you may also need to revisit the order through a modification rather than relying on informal agreements. Our plain-English overview explains calculations, medical/dental support, and next steps you can take right now: Texas Child Support Resource.

At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we pair compassionate guidance with precise statutory knowledge so your order reflects real life and remains enforceable. Whether you’re seeking an extension for a child with special needs or addressing arrears as the original end date approaches, we’ll apply the latest Family Code requirements to protect your family’s stability and future.

DIY Child Support Enforcement vs. Legal Representation

Handling enforcement alone can feel efficient—right up until a missed pleading detail or service mistake derails your case. Working with a Texas Child Support Enforcement Attorney at our firm turns rights on paper into results you can count on, without unnecessary risk. Under the Texas Family Code’s current framework, Chapter 157 empowers courts to confirm arrears as a cumulative money judgment with interest, award attorney’s fees when appropriate, and, in willful cases, impose contempt remedies with due-process safeguards. Those court tools pair with income withholding under Chapter 158—so payments move automatically from wages—and license consequences under Chapter 232 when delinquency persists after a repayment opportunity.

Experienced counsel also helps you choose the right lever at the right time. If the problem is inconsistent payment, we prioritize prompt withholding and a clear arrears schedule. If the issue is assets, Chapter 157’s lien provisions (Subchapter G, e.g., §§157.311–157.331) allow you to secure non-exempt property and financial accounts, often creating immediate negotiating power. And when finances have truly changed, we pivot to modification under Chapter 156 so your order fits real life instead of letting interest build.

Self-representation can unintentionally invite avoidable setbacks—like unclear evidence on arrears, improper notice that jeopardizes a hearing, or informal “side agreements” the court can’t enforce. Our attorneys structure your exhibits using State Disbursement Unit records, trace payments, and present medical and dental support reimbursements required by Chapter 154 in a way judges can quickly adopt. That preparation shortens timelines, reduces conflict, and increases the odds that your next order is both accurate and enforceable.

Because enforcement can intersect with property and creditor-style remedies, our cross-practice insight can help you think strategically about liens, claims, and priority. For a helpful primer on how creditor processes work in Texas and why precision matters, see How to Deal with Creditors During Texas Probate. While probate and family law are distinct, the same attention to notice, documentation, and statutory timelines often makes the difference between delay and resolution.

If you’re ready to move from uncertainty to a plan, start with our plain-English overview: Texas Child Support Resource. Then let a Texas Child Support Enforcement Attorney from The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC apply the latest Family Code requirements to your facts—aligning the right statute, the right remedy, and the right timeline to protect your family’s future.

Conclusion:

You’ve just taken a big step toward turning uncertainty into a plan. The heart of this article is simple: clear orders and smart enforcement create steady, predictable support—and steady, predictable support makes real life calmer. Whether you’re facing missed payments, a changed financial picture, or a co-parent who won’t follow through, you’re not stuck. Texas law gives you tools, and used well, those tools work.

If you’re ready for traction, start small today: pull your payment history, route everything through the Texas State Disbursement Unit, and jot down the specific issues you want fixed—missed reimbursements, old arrears, or a schedule that no longer fits. When you want an experienced guide, an experienced Texas Family Law Attorney can turn that list into action: wage withholding that actually runs, enforceable timelines, and—when needed—modifications that reflect real life now, not last year.

At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, our mission is to educate families and protect futures. That means straight answers, practical options, and a strategy that respects both your time and your budget. If you’d like, reach out for a focused case review, subscribe for more step-by-step guides, or share this post with someone who needs a little momentum. And here’s a gentle call-to-thought for the week: what would your evenings feel like if the money simply arrived on schedule? If your shoulders dropped an inch just imagining it, let’s talk.

Texas Child Support Enforcement – Frequently Asked Questions

Who enforces child support in Texas?

Texas child support is primarily enforced by the Office of the Attorney General (Child Support Division). District and county courts issue, modify, and enforce orders, and a parent can also hire a private attorney to file a Motion for Enforcement. Employers play a role too—they must honor income withholding orders and remit payments through the State Disbursement Unit.

Can you sue child support enforcement?

Suing the Texas Office of the Attorney General for not pursuing your case is generally barred by sovereign immunity. Practical options include filing a formal complaint with the OAG Child Support Division (or Ombudsman), requesting a case review, seeking relief in the court that issued your order, or hiring private counsel to pursue enforcement directly.

What happens at a child support enforcement hearing in Texas?

At the hearing, the judge reviews evidence like payment histories and invoices, hears testimony, calculates arrears, and decides remedies. Outcomes can include a money judgment for past-due support (with interest), income withholding, attorney’s fees, community supervision, and, for willful nonpayment, contempt sanctions that may include jail time and purge conditions to secure compliance.

What is the deadbeat dad law in Texas?

There is no single “deadbeat dad law.” Texas uses several statutes that apply to any nonpaying parent: contempt and liens under the Family Code, license suspension for delinquency, income withholding, and the criminal offense of criminal nonsupport under the Penal Code. Federal law can also deny passports or intercept tax refunds when arrears meet certain thresholds.

How far behind in child support before a warrant is issued in Texas?

There is no fixed dollar or month threshold that automatically triggers a warrant. A judge may issue a capias (warrant) if you fail to appear or are found in contempt after a Motion for Enforcement is filed and properly served. Some administrative actions, like license suspension, often begin at about three months of delinquency, but arrest warrants depend on the court’s contempt process.

How to file a motion to enforce?

Obtain your current order and payment history, then draft a Motion for Enforcement in the court of continuing jurisdiction. Specify the exact provisions violated, dates, and amounts owed; request the remedies you seek; file the motion; obtain a hearing date; and ensure the other parent is properly served. Bring organized exhibits (SDU records, receipts, correspondence). An attorney can streamline this and avoid pleading or service errors.

How much back child support is a felony in Texas?

Under Texas law, criminal nonsupport is a state jail felony based on intentional or knowing failure to support a child, not a specific dollar amount. If the state proves willful nonpayment despite ability, penalties can include 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and fines. Civil enforcement (contempt, judgments, liens) can proceed separately in Family Court.

Can I file a civil suit for child support?

Yes. If no order exists, you file a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) to establish support. If an order exists but isn’t followed, you file a Motion for Enforcement to obtain a cumulative money judgment, income withholding, fees, and—if appropriate—contempt. The OAG can assist, or you may retain a private attorney to move the case more quickly.

How to file a complaint against child support?

For issues with your state child support case, submit a complaint or case review request to the Texas OAG Child Support Division (or Ombudsman) and keep copies of your correspondence. For concerns about a court’s handling of your case, seek relief in the issuing court through proper motions; for attorney conduct, contact the State Bar grievance system. A private attorney can also intervene to advance enforcement while administrative complaints are pending.