Enforcing Court-Ordered Child Support in Texas – AG Child Support Program
The Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division (AG) is the state’s official child support enforcement agency. It provides services for parents who wish to obtain or provide support for their child(ren) by assisting them in obtaining the financial support necessary for to meet their child(ren)’s needs.
Parents cannot select what enforcement actions are taken by the AG in their case. They depend on the State AG to act on a case-by-case basis. The AG takes appropriate child support enforcement action including:
1. Locating the absent parent,
2. Establishing and enforcing child support orders,
3. Establishing paternity
4. Reviewing and adjusting child support payments, or
5. Collecting and distributing child support payments.
Parental Responsibilities
Parents are responsible for and expected to: complete all documents related to a child support matter, appear in court when scheduled, provide support for their child (ren), and notify the Attorney General of any address and/or phone changes.
Attorney General Responsibilities
The AG is responsible for enforcing child support orders. The agency represents the state but it cannot and does not represent individuals involved in child support claims. Child support attorneys at the Burleson, Texas law firm of Lovelace Law are ready to assist and represent you in pursuing your child support claim.
Child Support Enforcement Measures
If a non-custodial parent does not pay child support, he or she is subject to enforcement measures under Texas child support law to collect regular and past-due payments. There are various enforcement tools available under Texas law, including:
1. Filing a lawsuit against the non-custodial parent asking the court to enforce its order,
2. The court may require employers to deduct child support from the paying parent’s paycheck through wage withholding, and may even sentence a nonpaying parent to jail and enter a judgment for past due child support,
3. Liens may be filed against the payer’s property or other assets, or
4. Various licenses may be suspended, including: driver’s license, professional licenses, and hunting or fishing licenses.
Collecting Back Child Support on Texas Court Orders
If the AG doesn’t deliver the results you want or you don’t feel they can give you the personal attention you deserve, a lawyer can provide you with the individualized personal attention that you want and need for your child support case.
Interest charged for missing support payments
Texas allows for interest to be charged on missed support payments. Payments are considered delinquent if they are not received before the 31st day after payment due date. Interest on delinquent child support accrues at the rate of 6% simple interest per year from the date support is delinquent. Texas also allows interest to be charged on retroactive support. Interest accrues from the date the court order is rendered at the rate of 6% simple interest per year.
Texas Statute of Limitations on Back Child Support Payments (Arrears)
Under Texas child support law, if any back support payments (arrears) are owed, the court retains jurisdiction to take enforcement action until the arrears are paid in full.
If you have any questions or seek legal representation, the experienced Burleson child support attorneys at Lovelace Law and available and prepared to assist you.
If you have any additional questions regarding child support or child custody, call our office at 817-953-9656 to make an appointment with Cade Lovelace or Jennifer Lovelace for a free consultation.