{"id":376527,"date":"2018-05-04T17:34:09","date_gmt":"2018-05-04T22:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/texas-law\/child-support-enforcement-in-texas.html"},"modified":"2025-05-19T10:15:42","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T15:15:42","slug":"child-support-enforcement-in-texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/child-support-enforcement-in-texas.html","title":{"rendered":"Child Support Enforcement in Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Child Support Enforcement in Texas<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In Texas, the Office of the Attorney General<\/a> handles child support enforcement for the state. If recipient parents need help collecting back child support payments, the AG\u2019s Child Support Division can assist them. Parents can also make their own enforcement requests through the courts. The AG has enforcement mechanisms that private individuals do not have. There are aspects of child custody where the AG\u2019s office cannot help you.<\/blockquote>\r\n

Enforcing child support obligations is one of several child support services the Texas OAG provides. This article reviews the services the agency offers and what parents need to provide for enforcement.<\/p>\r\n

Texas Child Support Enforcement: The Basics<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In most cases, courts write child support orders during divorce proceedings. Courts will order either or both parents to contribute to the child\u2019s support until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school (Texas Family Code \u00a7 154.001<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n

In a Title IV-D case, where neither biological parent has custody of the child, the child\u2019s guardian or a state agency may request child support payments on behalf of the child. If a parent needs to establish paternity<\/a> or obtain a support order, they can do so through the OAG<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Enforcement of Child Support<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Enforcement of child support orders<\/a> occurs when the payor parent, usually the noncustodial parent, fails to make the ordered payments. When that happens a parent can either go to court with their own attorney, or file a complaint with the OAG.<\/p>\r\n

If you attempt to enforce the order yourself, you may ask the court:<\/b><\/p>\r\n