What happens if my ex doesn't pay child support in Texas?

Asked by: Miles O'Reilly  |  Last update: December 1, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (8 votes)

A Texas court could issue a jail sentence for up to six months for contempt of court due to unpaid child support. The court could order the other parent to pay your attorney and legal fees. Suspending their driver's license, or other professional licenses.

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.

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.

What to do if your ex doesn't pay child support in Texas?

Immediate Steps When Child Support Payments Cease
  1. Logging into your online account on the Texas Attorney General website to check your case status and payment records.
  2. Keeping meticulous records of payments made and missed.
  3. It's also essential to communicate with your ex-partner about the missed payments.

What happens if a father doesn't pay child support in Texas?

Under Texas Penal Code 25.05, a person commits the offense of “criminal nonsupport” if the person “intentionally or knowingly” fails to provide child support. A state jail felony punishable up to six months or up to two years in a state jail with up to a maximum $10,000 fine is possible for criminal non-support cases.

What can I do if my Ex is not paying Child Support in the Houston area?

31 related questions found

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 my ex go to jail for not paying child support?

Interest on Arrears: Unpaid child support amounts can accrue interest, increasing the total amount owed over time. Contempt of Court: As mentioned earlier, the court can hold the non-paying parent in contempt, which may lead to fines, penalties, or even jail time.

Does Texas send you to jail for not paying child support?

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. Texas Penal Code Sec. 25.05 outlines criminal nonsupport which is a state felony offense that can lead to a sentence of 6 months to 2 years in jail.

What can I do if my ex won't pay 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.

Can you get deported for not paying child support?

Summary. To sum up, parents who are not citizens must fulfill their child support duties regardless of their immigration status. Failure to do so can result in serious legal and immigration consequences, potentially leading to deportation.

Can I sue my ex for back child support?

Legal Rights to Sue for Back Child Support

This process involves filing a court order and meeting legal prerequisites, including adhering to any statute of limitations. In cases where the non-custodial parent lacks immediate funds, the court order ensures future payment as the parent acquires the means.

How far behind in child support before license suspended in Texas?

The conditions that can lead to a non-renewable license include: Non-payment of child support for 3 months or more.

How to report someone not paying child support in Texas?

If the other parent isn't paying child support as ordered by the court, you can ask the Office of the Attorney General to step in to enforce the order.

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.

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 long does a father have to be absent to lose his rights in Texas?

How long does a father have to be absent to lose his rights in Texas? In Texas, a father must be absent for at least six months without providing support or communication for it to be considered abandonment, which could lead to the termination of parental rights.

Can I sue my father for never paying child support?

In California, a parent or child has 10 years to launch a lawsuit. 10 years past the child's 19th birthday, if the child was in high school past their 18th.

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.

How to beat contempt of court for child support?

Below, our child support attorney identifies three ways you can fight back against a contempt charge.
  1. Pay Your Child Support Arrears. A straightforward strategy is to catch up on child support. ...
  2. Argue Your Violation Was Unintentional. ...
  3. Request a Modification of Child Support. ...
  4. Let Us Help.

Can you lose parental rights for not paying child support Texas?

In some cases, the court may involuntarily terminate a parent's rights if they have consistently failed to pay child support and meet other criteria for termination. This can include abandonment, neglect or abuse.

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.

How often do men go to jail for not paying child support?

Most frequently, these are civil courts, which may not provide the same due process protections as criminal courts, such as the right to a court-appointed attorney. This study estimated that 14% of child support debtors were jailed for nonpayment of child support.

What do I do if my ex won't pay child support?

You can ask the LCSA to help you collect support and interest. They can enforce a child support order in every state in the US and in many countries. They have access to many databases to find where someone works or has money. The LCSA has many ways to help collect support.

Can I sue my ex for child support?

Yes, you can sue for child support.

Can you go to jail for not paying child support in Texas?

Non-payment of child support has serious consequences in Texas. A state jail felony in Texas can result in a jail sentence of “up to six months” in a state jail. It's a severe charge that can have long-lasting implications on an individual's personal and professional life.