As a family lawyer in Texas, I have seen many cases where one parent stops paying child support. While there may be various reasons for this, it is important to understand that stopping child support can have serious consequences. In this blog post, I want to share some insights on what can happen when a parent stops paying child support in Texas.

The Legal Obligation of Child Support

First, it is important to understand that both parents have a legal obligation to provide financial support for their children. This obligation is typically enforced by a court order that sets the amount of child support to be paid by the non-custodial parent. When a parent stops paying child support, they are not only failing to meet their legal obligation, but they are also creating a financial burden for the custodial parent.

Legal Consequences of Stopping Child Support

If a parent stops paying child support, there can be several legal consequences. The custodial parent can file a lawsuit to enforce the child support order, and the court may order the non-paying parent to pay back child support owed. The court may also garnish the non-paying parent’s wages, put a lien on their property, or take other legal action to ensure payment.

Contempt of Court

In Texas, if a parent is found to be in contempt of court for failing to pay child support, they may face fines or even jail time. This is a serious consequence that can have a significant impact on the non-paying parent’s life.

License Suspension

The state of Texas may also suspend the non-paying parent’s driver’s license, professional license, or any other license until child support payments are brought up to date. This can have a significant impact on the non-paying parent’s ability to work and provide for themselves.

Credit Reporting

Another consequence of not paying child support is that the state of Texas may report the non-paying parent to credit bureaus. This can negatively impact their credit score, making it difficult for them to obtain loans, credit cards, or other financial services.

Seeking Legal Assistance

If you are a custodial parent who is not receiving child support, it is important to seek legal assistance. A family lawyer can help you enforce the child support order and ensure that you receive the financial support you are entitled to.

Contact the team at The Blacknall Firm if you need representation for a child support enforcement case.