Texas Child Support Enforcement
Child support enforcement is a vital process in Texas, ensuring that children receive the financial support they need from both parents, regardless of their marital status. The Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) plays a significant role in enforcing child support orders, offering various services and tools to help parents meet their legal obligations.
How Does Child Support Work in Texas?
Child support in Texas is typically calculated based on the noncustodial parent’s income and the number of children requiring support. The courts consider factors such as health insurance, medical expenses, and other needs when determining the payment amount.
Once an order is established, parents are legally bound to follow it. Failure to pay child support can lead to enforcement actions by the OAG.
Enforcement Mechanisms
Texas employs several methods to ensure compliance with child support orders, including:
- Income Withholding Orders
Employers are required to deduct child support payments directly from the noncustodial parent’s paycheck. This ensures consistent payments. - License Suspension
The state can suspend various licenses, including driver’s, professional, hunting, and fishing licenses, if payments are not made on time. - Passport Denial
Noncustodial parents who owe significant amounts in child support may be denied a U.S. passport. - Bank Account Seizures
The OAG can freeze and seize funds from bank accounts to cover unpaid child support. - Tax Refund Interception
Federal and state tax refunds can be intercepted and applied to past-due child support. - Credit Reporting
Nonpayment of child support can be reported to credit bureaus, impacting the individual’s credit score. - Legal Actions
Persistent failure to pay can lead to legal consequences, including contempt of court, which may result in fines or even jail time.
How the Texas Child Support Division Helps
The OAG’s Child Support Division provides services to custodial and noncustodial parents, including:
- Establishing Paternity: Ensuring the legal father is identified.
- Locating Parents: Using state and federal resources to locate noncustodial parents.
- Modifying Orders: Helping parents request modifications to support orders due to changes in circumstances.
- Collecting and Distributing Payments: Managing payments to ensure they reach the custodial parent.
Steps to Enforce Child Support
If you are a custodial parent struggling to receive child support, follow these steps:
- Contact the OAG: File a complaint or request enforcement assistance.
- Provide Documentation: Gather evidence of missed payments, such as bank statements or payment records.
- Follow Up: Stay in touch with the OAG for updates on your case.
Avoiding Noncompliance
Noncustodial parents can avoid enforcement actions by:
- Making timely payments through the official payment system.
- Communicating with the OAG if they face financial difficulties.
- Requesting a modification if their financial circumstances change.
Texas takes child support enforcement seriously, ensuring children receive the support they need for their well-being. Both custodial and noncustodial parents should understand their rights and responsibilities to avoid legal complications. If you need assistance with child support enforcement or have questions about the process, contact the Texas OAG’s Child Support Division for guidance.