How to Enforce Child Support Orders in Texas

When a child support order is in place, both parents are expected to follow it. When payments stop or fall behind, it can create immediate financial strain and disrupt a child’s routine.

Texas law provides several tools to enforce child support orders. Understanding how enforcement works can help you take timely action and protect your child’s financial stability.

What Happens When Child Support Isn’t Paid?

Child support becomes past due the moment a payment is missed. Over time, unpaid amounts (arrears) can add up quickly—and they do not go away on their own.

In Texas:

• Past-due child support accrues interest 

• The obligation remains enforceable until paid 

• The court can take action to recover unpaid amounts 

Ignoring missed payments often leads to more serious enforcement measures.

Enforcement Through the Court

One of the most direct ways to enforce a child support order is by filing a motion for enforcement with the court.

If the court finds that a parent failed to comply with the order, it may:

• Order repayment of past-due support 

• Set a payment plan 

• Assess fines 

• Place the parent on community supervision 

• In some cases, impose jail time 

The court focuses on whether the order was violated and what steps are needed to correct it.

Income Withholding

Income withholding is one of the most common enforcement tools in Texas. This allows child support payments to be deducted directly from the paying parent’s wages.

If not already in place, the court can order withholding to ensure more consistent payments moving forward.

License Suspension

Texas law allows suspension of certain licenses when child support is not paid, including:

• Driver’s licenses 

• Professional or occupational licenses 

• Recreational licenses (such as hunting or fishing) 

This enforcement tool is intended to encourage compliance with existing orders.

Liens and Asset Seizure

The state may place liens on property to secure unpaid child support. This can include:

• Bank accounts 

• Vehicles 

• Real estate 

In some cases, funds may be seized to satisfy past-due amounts.

Passport Restrictions

Parents who owe a significant amount of past-due child support may be denied a passport or renewal until the balance is addressed.

Working with the Office of the Attorney General

The Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) provides child support enforcement services, including:

• Locating parents 

• Establishing income withholding 

• Initiating enforcement actions 

Parents may work with the OAG or pursue enforcement through private legal action, depending on their situation.

Taking Action Early Matters

Delays in enforcement can make arrears more difficult to recover. Acting early helps:

• Limit the growth of unpaid support 

• Maintain financial consistency for the child 

• Reduce the need for more aggressive enforcement measures 

Keeping records of missed payments and communication can support your case.

Addressing Ongoing Issues

If nonpayment continues, additional legal steps may be necessary. Each case is different, and enforcement strategies may vary depending on the circumstances.

Understanding your options can help you take the right steps at the right time.

Steadying the Path Forward

If child support isn’t being paid—or payments have become inconsistent—we’ll help you steady the ship. That may mean enforcing what’s already in place or pursuing additional measures to bring the account current and protect your child’s routine.

Sims & Purzer is here to help. Sonja Sims and her team have worked with many families across Texas to enforce support orders and move cases toward compliance.

Reach out to us. Share what’s happening, and we’ll guide you toward next steps that reduce uncertainty, support your child’s financial stability, and move your case forward with confidence. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward enforcing a support order that works.