What are the Consequences of Not Paying Child Support in Texas?

Failing to pay child support in Texas can result in jail time. The state views this as a serious offense, and parents who neglect their duties can be held in contempt of court, leading to up to six months in jail. According to Texas Penal Code Sec. 25.05, criminal nonsupport, is a state crime that carries a maximum two-year prison penalty. This law states, “An individual commits an offense if the individual intentionally or knowingly fails to provide support for their child younger than 18 years of age, or for their child who is the subject of a court order requiring the individual to support the child.”

Texas can issue an income withholding order (IWO) to automatically deduct child support payments from the noncustodial parent’s paycheck. Once the employer receives this order, they will adjust the payments accordingly, making it impossible for the parent to avoid their child support obligations. This process is straightforward and ensures that child support is paid regularly and on time.

The Texas Family Code allows for the suspension or revocation of any license issued by a Texas agency if the parent fails to pay child support. This includes driver’s licenses, business licenses, concealed weapon licenses, and hunting licenses. Losing a driver’s license can significantly impact a parent’s daily life, making it difficult to commute to work, run errands, or take their children to school.

Liens can be placed on a parent’s assets until the child support debt is paid off. These assets can include property, bank accounts, retirement plans, and automobiles. A lien is a legal claim against property that must be satisfied before the property can be sold or transferred.

The government can intercept tax refund checks and lottery winnings from parents who owe child support. This ensures that any state or federal monetary payments are used to cover the owed support. When a parent is delinquent on child support, the state can seize their tax refunds to cover the debt.

When a parent is delinquent on their child support payments, the state notifies credit bureaus. This will negatively impact their credit rating, making it harder to obtain loans or credit in the future. A poor credit rating can affect many aspects of a person’s life, including their ability to buy a home, get a car loan, or even secure a job.

The Texas Attorney General maintains a webpage listing parents who are delinquent on their child support payments. This page includes the names, number of children, and amount owed by child support evaders, creating public accountability. Being listed on this webpage can be embarrassing and damaging to a parent’s reputation.

In Texas, child support and visitation rights are treated separately. A parent who owes child support is still allowed to see their child. The law ensures that visitation is not denied due to unpaid support. This separation ensures that children can maintain a relationship with both parents, regardless of financial issues.

Unpaid child support does not disappear once a child turns 18. The state can still pursue any outstanding payments, which will continue to accumulate interest over time. This means that parents cannot simply wait out their obligations; they will continue to owe child support until the debt is paid in full.

Navigating the complexities of child support laws in Texas can be challenging, but understanding the repercussions of nonpayment is essential. From jail time to credit score impacts, the consequences are designed to ensure that children receive the support they deserve.