Frequently Asked Questions

Money a parent is ordered to pay for a child’s needs. Texas presumes guideline amounts are in the child’s best interest, but courts can deviate.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) – Child Support Division. Payments are processed by the State Disbursement Unit (SDU) in San Antonio.

Until the child turns 18 or graduates high school (whichever is later). It can continue indefinitely for an adult child with a disability; it ends earlier if the child marries, is emancipated, or dies. Enlistment in active military also ends it.

Not automatically. Texas still starts from the income-based guideline; judges may adjust up or down for many factors (including time with each parent).

No—support can’t be conditioned on possession or access. Missed visits don’t excuse nonpayment (and vice versa).

Through the SDU / OAG systems (online, phone, mail, wage withholding). Direct payments to the other parent can be treated as gifts unless your order says otherwise.

Yes, if the judge finds the agreement is in the child’s best interest.

Generally no, unless the parties agree. Texas support typically ends at 18 / high school graduation.

By an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or court order with genetic testing. An AOP can be rescinded within 60 days (or before the first court proceeding, whichever comes first).

You can seek a change if (a) there’s a material and substantial change in circumstances or (b) it’s been 3 years and the guideline amount would differ by ≥ 20% or ≥ $100.

Yes—Texas orders require you to keep contact/employment info current and notify the other party.

• 1 child: 20% of the obligor’s net resources
• 2: 25%
• 3: 30%
• 4: 35%
• 5: 40%
• 6+: not less than 40%

Wages, overtime, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, retirement, unemployment, some benefits, etc. SSI and TANF don’t count.

Self-employment income is included; courts can disregard inappropriate business deductions like excessive depreciation.

Courts can base support on earning potential (impute income) if unemployment/underemployment is intentional.

Yes—Texas has a reduced “low-income obligor” schedule when monthly net resources are very low.

Yes. Guideline percentages apply up to the cap on monthly net resources; the cap is adjusted periodically by the state.

Special multiple-family tables adjust the percentage.

Yes—dependent benefits (from the obligor’s record) can offset support owed.

Generally yes; they’re part of net resources.

Yes—medical and dental support are in addition to guideline child support.

Health insurance is “reasonable” if the total premium for all covered kids is ≤ 9% of the obligor’s annual resources; dental is ≤ 1.5%.

Orders typically allocate them (often 50/50 or proportional). Courts have flexibility; these costs are enforceable like support.

Through income withholding; orders/writs can withhold up to 50% of disposable earnings.

Yes—mail to the Texas State Disbursement Unit in San Antonio (include name, case #, cause #).

You can pay via the Texas Child Support Portal and SDU systems (card/ACH and other listed options).

Yes—Texas accepts certain walk-in providers; follow the provider’s child-support bill-pay steps.

Avoid it unless your order authorizes it—direct payments can be treated as gifts and not credited.

Typically within a few business days through the SDU; direct deposit is often faster.

Tools include wage withholding, license suspension, liens, tax refund and lottery intercepts, passport denial, and contempt.

If you owe about 3 months of support and don’t comply with a repayment plan, driver, professional, hunting/fishing, and other licenses can be suspended.

Federal law denies passports when certified arrears exceed $2,500.

Texas must deduct delinquent child support from lottery prizes.

Yes—child support liens can attach to many non-exempt assets; special rules apply to homesteads.

Yes—6% simple interest on past-due child support under current law.

• Contempt must be filed within 2 years after the child turns 18/obligation ends.
• Courts can render money judgments for arrears for 10 years after 18/termination.

No. Domestic support obligations, including child support, are nondischargeable in bankruptcy.

File to modify; don’t just stop paying. Wage withholding can also be applied to unemployment in some cases.

DFAS honors child support withholding orders; changes in status (activation/retirement) may require updated orders. Military pay/allowances generally count toward “net resources.”

Texas uses UIFSA: orders can be enforced/modified across state lines after registration; employers in other states must honor valid withholding.

Yes—orders can include employment-services provisions if you’re unemployed/underemployed.

No and no—recipients don’t report it; payors can’t deduct it.

That’s a tax/IRS dependency issue, not set by Texas support guidelines; your order or IRS rules control (often the custodial parent unless the right is released).

Use SDU/OAG payment histories and keep your own records. Courts can order records produced.

Yes—Texas allows retroactive support based on statutory factors (like knowledge, hardship, etc.).

Rare—courts must ensure any deviation still meets the child’s needs and is in their best interest.

SSI isn’t counted as a parent’s “resource,” and a child’s needs/benefits can be considered when the court decides deviations.

They’re classic reasons courts may deviate from the guideline (factor list).

No—support is for the judge, not the jury, in Texas.

Orders can withhold up to 50% of disposable earnings under Texas law (federal limits can allow more in certain contexts, but Texas caps at 50%).

Yes—unless the court tells you otherwise. Missing a hearing can lead to orders entered without your input.

Often, yes. You can submit an agreed order for the judge to review. The court must still find it’s in the child’s best interest.

Recent pay stubs, tax returns, proof of childcare/health insurance costs, proof of other children you support, and any relevant communications or records.

Many courts allow video appearances for certain settings. Check your notice and the court’s local procedures.

Courts can provide interpreters for parties and witnesses. Ask the court coordinator or include the request in filings as early as possible.

Usually immediately or by the first due date set in the order. Income withholding typically begins with the first payroll after your employer receives the order.

File to modify the order. Do not stop paying without a new order—arrears can accrue even if the child starts living with you.

Courts can consider additional children in another household and may adjust under multiple-family guidelines. A formal modification is required.

Incarceration does not automatically stop support. The paying parent can request a modification based on current ability to pay.

Pay what you can and contact the other party or OAG about catching up. Keep records. You can ask the court for a payment plan to address arrears.

A court or administrative order directing you to withhold support from an employee’s disposable earnings and send it to the state disbursement unit.

Begin with the first payroll that can reasonably include the deduction after you receive the order, and continue each pay period until you receive a release.

Follow each order and applicable caps on disposable earnings. If funds are insufficient, prorate according to the orders and send what is available with an explanation.

Yes—apply the order to lump-sum payments unless instructed otherwise. Check for arrears instructions in the order.

Promptly notify the issuing agency/court of the termination date and the employee’s last known address, and withhold from any final paycheck as ordered.

Yes. Valid orders follow the parents and child. Other states will enforce registered Texas orders.

Register the order in the new state and request enforcement through that state’s child support program or the court.

Generally, the state with continuing jurisdiction can modify—often where the child or a parent still lives, unless jurisdiction has been transferred by law.

Some countries cooperate under international agreements to recognize and enforce support orders. Processing can take longer; provide certified copies and translations if needed.

Courts can order support past age 18 for a child with a disability when legal requirements are met. Evidence of needs and resources is usually required.

Nonparents caring for the child can seek support from the parents. The court weighs the child’s needs and each parent’s ability to pay.

No legal duty of support typically exists for stepchildren unless adopted. Biological/adoptive parents are responsible.

Yes. Ask about address-confidentiality options and protective orders. Use safe mailing addresses when possible.

Support may be assigned to the state while the child is in care. Contact the caseworker or OAG for current handling and how to resume payments after reunification.

You can enroll in direct deposit to a bank account or a state-issued payment card. Keep your contact and banking info updated to avoid delays.

Overpayments are usually credited against future support or refunded depending on the order and agency procedures. Do not self-offset without guidance.

Update your disbursement settings through the state portal or by submitting the designated form. Changes can take a pay cycle to apply.

Some payment methods or cards may carry convenience or ATM fees. Review options and choose ACH/direct deposit when possible.

From the state disbursement unit/child support portal. Keep your own records too; courts often rely on the official ledger.

Parties, their lawyers, and authorized agencies. Most case files aren’t publicized online; sensitive data is restricted by law and court rules.

Notify the other party and the court/agency in writing as your order requires. Update phone, email, address, and employer promptly.

Do not share personal or payment info. Log into the official portal to verify messages or call the published number for the child support office.

Courts can limit public access in certain situations. Ask your attorney about a motion to seal or protective orders for sensitive materials.

Yes—serious past-due amounts can be reported and may appear on your credit file until resolved.

Federal and state refunds can be applied to certified arrears. Intercepts typically go to past-due support first.

Bring payments current or enter a written repayment plan and follow your agency/court’s reinstatement steps. Expect separate fees with licensing authorities.

Yes—liens and financial holds can be used to collect arrears under certain circumstances.

No—calculators are estimates. Judges can deviate from guidelines based on statutory factors and evidence.

The court can order one party to pay some or all of the other’s reasonable fees in enforcement or modification cases, depending on the facts and statutes.

Yes—many child support issues settle at mediation, especially when paired with clear financial documentation.

The OAG represents the State’s interests in establishing/enforcing support, not either parent. A private attorney gives you individual legal advice and advocacy.