If your divorced spouse is violating a court order and failing to pay owed child support in Texas, you have legal options to pursue enforcement or recover the payments with a lawyer. Here are actions you can take when facing unpaid support.
File an Enforcement Motion
The first step is filing a motion with the court that issued the child support order, requesting formal enforcement proceedings due to nonpayment. Be sure to thoroughly document all missed child support payments in the motion. The court can then hold your ex-spouse in contempt of court for violating its lawful child support order. Potential consequences include wage garnishment, property liens, and even jail time in serious willful violation cases.
Seek License Suspension
Under Texas law, the court has authority to suspend any professional or recreational licenses held by a non-paying parent. This includes driver’s licenses, hunting/fishing licenses, and occupational/business licenses. Suspending these privileges often provides additional motivation to fulfill their child support duties.
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