Texasoagchildsupport (2024)

FAQs

Who handles child support in Texas? ›

The Child Support Division of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the official public child support agency for the state of Texas. We're here to make sure every child receives the support they need and deserve.

In general, child support is no longer needed once a child reaches adulthood and is therefore no longer considered a child. So, does child support end at 18 in Texas? The simple answer is yes.

Contacting the Child Support Division

Telephone: For automated payment information and case status, or to speak with a child support representative about your case, please call toll free 800-252-8014. Automated payment and case information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A parent also can request an application for services by calling our toll-free telephone number at (800) 252-8014 or by visiting our website. An applicant who is deaf or hard of hearing can call Relay Texas toll free by dialing 711 or (800) RELAY TX (735-2989). How long before payments begin?

On September 1, 2023, a new law – specifically Senate Bill 870 – went into effect, giving judges the power to order parents behind on child support payments to actively seek employment or enroll in a community employment program to help them find a suitable job – whether they want to or not.

Generally, you must be found in contempt of court before a warrant will be issued. If you owe more than six months of child support, or more than $5,000, you could be convicted of a misdemeanor. If you have not made regular child support payments in two years or owe more than $10,000, you may face felony charges.

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.

To officially stop child support payments, the same court that initially ordered the child support must issue an order to terminate it. The custodial parent can petition the court to stop the child support, but it is ultimately the court's decision based on the child's best interest.

Q: Can back child support be forgiven in Texas? A: Forgiveness of back child support is rare and typically requires agreement from both parents and court approval. It's essential to seek legal advice for personalized guidance.

Texas child support laws provide the following Guideline calculations: one child= 20% of Net Monthly Income (discussed further below); two children = 25% of Net Monthly Income; three children = 30% of Net Monthly Income; four children = 35% of Net Monthly Income; five children = 40% of Net Monthly Income; and six ...

What is the 24 hour number for child support in Texas? ›

You can also chat with us or call us at (800) 252-8014.

Parents of the child receiving support are entitled to view payment information in Texas. In some cases, legal representatives of either parent can access this information, too. If you are the custodial parent (CP) of a child receiving support, you will need your CIN number and PIN to access these records online.

Child support does not constitute a debt owed directly to the child. Consequently, when child support payments go unpaid, it generally falls on the custodial parent to take legal action against the other parent.

You can apply for child support online or in person. Therefore, it is not necessary to go to court for child support unless you have not been paying, you would like to modify your support payments, or you are in the midst of a divorce in Texas and have been unable to amicably come to an agreement with the other parent.

A common question arises: “Who pays for the attorney's fees?” Generally, both parties are responsible for their own legal costs. This means you will pay your attorney's fees, and your co-parent will pay theirs. However, there are limited exceptions where a court may award attorney's fees to one party.

Ruth Anne Thornton - Director of Child Support and IV-D Director - Texas Attorney General | LinkedIn.

For one child, the percentage of child support in Texas amounts to 20% of the parent's net monthly income. What is the percentage of child support in Texas for more than one child? The child support Texas percentage increases incrementally by 5% for each additional child, up to 40% for five children or more.

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.