Child support is money that one parent pays to another parent to help them cover the costs of raising a child. In Texas, the law usually requires the parent who doesn’t live with the child most of the time to pay support. This money goes toward basic needs like food, housing, clothing, medical care, and education. A court usually sets the support payment amount based on the parent’s income and the number of children. Child support starts once a legal order is in place.
How Child Support Payments Work
Parents can make child support payments in several ways. Online payments work fastest. Payments can also be accepted by phone, mail, or through a kiosk. Parents can pay with cash or set up automatic drafts from their bank accounts. Most payments go through wage withholding. This means the parent’s employer takes the money out of their paycheck. Every payment goes through the Texas State Disbursement Unit before it reaches the other parent.
How Parents Receive Child Support
Texas offers two ways to receive child support: through direct deposit or a Texas Payment Card. With direct deposit, the state puts the payment right into your bank account. The Texas Payment Card, on the other hand, works like a debit card. The state loads the card with funds when a payment comes in. Parents can choose the option that works better for them. Either way, payments come from the Texas State Disbursement Unit, not directly from the other parent. Payments can take a few days to show up, depending on the method.
Modifying a Child Support Order
Only the court can change an official child support order. If your income or your child’s needs have changed, you can ask for a review. Texas lets you request a change if the current order is over three years old and the amount no longer matches state guidelines. You can also qualify if a major change has happened, like a job loss or a new child to support. Parents must use either the Child Support Review Process (CSRP) or go to court to get a new order.
Child Support Enforcement in Texas
The Office of the Attorney General takes missed child support seriously. They can suspend driver’s licenses, professional licenses, and even hunting or fishing licenses as enforcement measures. They can also block passport renewals, file liens on property or accounts, and stop vehicle registration renewals. In serious cases, they even publish the names and photos of parents who owe large amounts. The state also has the power to take legal action in court. If you can’t pay, contact the Child Support Division promptly to avoid stronger enforcement steps.
How a Child Support Attorney Can Help
The rules for child support cases can vary depending on your situation, and the process often involves more than just filling out forms or showing up at hearings. A child support lawyer can help you protect your rights and follow the law by:
- Reviewing your income records and expenses to calculate child support
- Explaining how state guidelines apply to your situation
- Gathering documents to support your request or defend against one
- Preparing and filing court forms or responses for you
- Requesting modifications of existing support orders
- Responding to enforcement actions or payment issues
- Asking the court to consider special expenses, like medical or school costs
- Talking with the other parent or their lawyer to try to reach an agreement
- Representing you at court hearings or CSRP meetings
- Following up on missing payments or reporting errors
Contact a Family Law Attorney in Texas
If you have questions about your child support case, talk to someone who handles these issues every day. Contact Jennifer Wiggins Moore Family Law now to arrange your free consultation. Jennifer will listen, explain your options, and help you figure out your next steps.
