How late can you be on child support in Texas?

Asked by: Ricardo Kuhn  |  Last update: December 9, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (75 votes)

Texas law does not have a statute of limitations for collecting unpaid child support. This means that if a parent misses payments, the debt will not disappear over time. The unpaid amount, called “arrears,” will continue to accumulate until it is fully paid, no matter how long it takes.

How many days can child support be late?

Interest rates and penalty calculations vary among states, but in California, if you fall behind on child support payments by more than 30 days, you can incur a penalty of 6 percent of the amount owed for each month it remains unpaid, up to a staggering 72 percent of the total amount due.

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

Typically, a parent must be behind on payments for three to six months before the state considers issuing a warrant for their arrest. When payments are overdue, the Texas Child Support Division can escalate enforcement measures by utilizing wage garnishment, suspending driver's licenses, or seizing tax refunds.

Does Texas child support automatically stop at 18?

In Texas, child support ends when a child turns 18 or graduates high school – whichever comes later.

What is the cut off for child support in Texas?

The child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later; or. The child is emancipated through marriage, or through removal of the disabilities of minority by court order, or by other operation of law; or. The child dies.

When Does Child Support End in Texas? - CountyOffice.org

16 related questions found

How long can you go without paying child support in Texas?

Texas law does not have a statute of limitations for collecting unpaid child support. This means that if a parent misses payments, the debt will not disappear over time. The unpaid amount, called “arrears,” will continue to accumulate until it is fully paid, no matter how long it takes.

What is the new child support law in Texas in 2024?

Changes in the Texas legislative updates 2024 mean that child support laws now take into consideration parents' incomes, the needs of the child, and the amount of time spent with each parent when calculating monthly payments.

What is the deadbeat dad law in Texas?

Laws dealing with child support in Texas state that deadbeat dads who owe more than three months of past-due child support, and who do not have a voluntary repayment schedule, face mandatory license suspension.

Can child support continue after 18 if child is in college in Texas?

From a legal perspective in Texas, your obligation expires when your child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old. For many parents, this legal situation raises the question, “Does child support continue through college in Texas?” The short answer is, “Probably not.”

Who gets back child support after the child is 18 in Texas?

only NEW and FUTURE child support stops at 18 (in most cases). any child support in 'arrears' is STILL OWED and continues to collect interest, until it is paid in full to the person who was supposed to get it (the custodial parent. this back support will NOT go to the child directly just because they are 18 now).

Will Texas put you in jail for child support?

Texas law does not take failure to pay child support lightly. Going to jail is a real possibility for parents who fail or refuse to make support payments. Not following a court order to pay child support can lead to a contempt of court judgment carrying a penalty of up to 6 months in jail.

How far behind can you be on child support in Texas?

Texas law generally presumes that the amount of retroactive child support a parent may be required to pay should not be more than what they would have paid in the four years prior to when a petition requesting retroactive child support was filed.

What happens if an employer doesn't withhold child support in Texas?

An employer who does not comply with the order/notice is liable for the following: To the obligee for the amount not paid. To the obligor/employee for the amount withheld and not paid. For reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.

What to do if ex is late on child support?

What to Do When Your Ex Won't Pay Child Support in California
  1. Contact the Child Support Agency. The first step is to contact the local child support agency in your county. ...
  2. File a Motion for Contempt. ...
  3. Seek Wage Garnishment. ...
  4. Consider a Child Support Lien. ...
  5. Hire a Family Law Attorney.

How much child support will I pay if I make $1000 a week?

Using a standard calculation, an individual earning $1,000 a week might pay around $250 per month for one child, though this figure can vary significantly based on specific circumstances and local county guidelines.

Does the state pay child support if the father doesn't?

To qualify to receive the other parent's tax refund for back child support, you need to make sure that you are enrolled in a tax intercept program, which you can do by contacting your local child support office or family law attorney While the state does not pay child support if the father doesn't, if you or your child ...

How far back can child support be claimed in Texas?

Texas Laws on Retroactive Child Support

The state's laws permit retroactive child support, typically up to four years prior to the filing of a child support claim. These laws are structured to ensure that children receive the necessary support retrospectively if it was not provided initially.

Is there a cap on child support in the state of Texas?

There IS a presumptive cap on Texas child support, and it is revised every six years. On September 1, 2019, the “maximum” monthly net resources to calculate child support was increased from $8,550 to $9,200.

How to forgive child support arrears in Texas?

Agreement With the Custodial Parent

Sometimes, the custodial parent (who receives child support payments) may agree to forgive or reduce the owed amount. For example, if the custodial parent recognizes the noncustodial parent's financial hardships and wishes to help, they may decide not to pursue the full amount owed.

What is the new law on child support in Texas?

In 2023, Texas made several changes to its child support laws. The biggest new child support law in 2023 in Texas allows judges to order those who owe child support (“obligors”) to seek employment.

How long does a parent have to be absent to lose rights in Texas?

If the father has abandoned the child with the mother, a family member, or another person without providing support to the child for at least six months, their parental rights may be terminated.

How much child support do you have to be behind to go to jail in Texas?

HOW MUCH CHILD SUPPORT CAN YOU OWE BEFORE GOING TO JAIL IN TEXAS? The charge can increase to a criminal felony and up to two years in prison when child support in Texas hasn't been paid in two years or the amount owed reaches $10,000 or more.

Do I still have to pay child support if my child goes to college in Texas?

Texas Child Support Laws

In some states, the duty of a parent includes paying for college-related expenses even after a divorce. However, parents in Texas are only required to make child support payments until the child turns 18 or until they graduate from high school.

How often is child support reviewed in Texas?

Yes, Texas automatically reviews child support every three years. This review is called the Child Support Review Process (CSRP). The CSRP is an in-office negotiation process between the parents and a Child Support Officer (CSO).