How to Collect Back Child Support in Texas

Child support is a crucial financial obligation that parents have towards their children. In Texas, as in many other states, there are legal provisions in place to ensure that child support payments are made consistently and on time. However, there are instances when parents fail to meet their obligations, resulting in a buildup of unpaid child support. If you find yourself in this situation, here is a guide on how to collect back child support in Texas.

1. Understand the legal process: Familiarize yourself with the legal process involved in collecting back child support. This includes knowing the relevant laws and regulations, as well as understanding your rights as a custodial parent.

2. Contact the Attorney General’s Child Support Division: Start by contacting the Attorney General’s Child Support Division in Texas. They can assist you in locating the noncustodial parent, establishing paternity if necessary, and enforcing child support orders.

3. Keep track of payments: Maintain detailed records of all child support payments received and missed. This will serve as evidence when pursuing legal action to collect unpaid child support.

4. File a motion for enforcement: If the noncustodial parent fails to make child support payments, you can file a motion for enforcement with the court. This will initiate legal proceedings to collect the overdue payments.

5. Wage withholding: One effective way to collect back child support is through wage withholding. This involves deducting child support payments directly from the noncustodial parent’s paycheck, ensuring regular and consistent payments.

6. Seize tax refunds: The state of Texas has the authority to intercept the noncustodial parent’s federal and state tax refunds to collect unpaid child support. This is done through the Income Tax Refund Offset Program.

7. Driver’s license suspension: If the noncustodial parent fails to make child support payments for an extended period, their driver’s license can be suspended. This measure encourages compliance with child support obligations.

8. Liens and property seizure: In extreme cases, the state can place liens on the noncustodial parent’s property or even seize their assets to satisfy the unpaid child support.

9. Hire an attorney: If you encounter challenges during the process of collecting back child support, it may be beneficial to seek legal representation. An attorney experienced in family law can guide you through the process and advocate for your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I collect back child support if the noncustodial parent lives out of state?
Yes, you can collect back child support from a noncustodial parent living out of state. The Attorney General’s Child Support Division can assist you in enforcing child support orders across state lines.

2. Is there a time limit for collecting back child support in Texas?
No, there is no time limit for collecting back child support in Texas. Unpaid child support can accumulate over years, and you can pursue collection at any time.

3. What if the noncustodial parent claims they cannot afford to pay child support?
The court will determine the appropriate amount of child support based on the noncustodial parent’s income and financial circumstances. If they claim inability to pay, they may be required to provide evidence of their financial situation.

4. Can I collect interest on unpaid child support?
Yes, the state of Texas allows for the collection of interest on unpaid child support. The interest rate is currently set at 6% per year.

5. Can I collect back child support if the noncustodial parent is unemployed?
Even if the noncustodial parent is unemployed, they still have an obligation to pay child support. The court will assess their ability to pay based on their past employment history, earning potential, and other relevant factors.

6. What if the noncustodial parent refuses to cooperate with child support enforcement?
If the noncustodial parent refuses to cooperate, the court can enforce child support orders through various means, such as wage withholding, seizing tax refunds, or suspending their driver’s license.

7. Can child support be collected if the noncustodial parent is in jail?
Child support obligations continue even if the noncustodial parent is incarcerated. The court can order child support payments to be made from any income or assets they have.

8. Can I collect back child support if there was no court order in place?
Yes, even if there was no court order for child support, you can still pursue collection. The court can establish retroactive child support based on the date of the child’s birth.

9. Can child support be collected if the noncustodial parent has passed away?
In the event of the noncustodial parent’s death, child support obligations may pass to their estate. Consult an attorney to explore your options for collecting back child support in such circumstances.

In conclusion, collecting back child support in Texas requires understanding the legal process, maintaining records, and seeking assistance from the Attorney General’s Child Support Division. By following these steps and being persistent, you can ensure the financial well-being of your child is prioritized.