Civil vs. Criminal Enforcement

Both routes can put pressure on a non-paying parent, but they do different jobs.

Civil enforcement (coercive)

Civil enforcement aims to compel payment. It uses purge conditions and review dates, and it's focused on securing the amount owed.

Criminal enforcement (punitive)

Criminal enforcement punishes willful nonpayment. It can result in probation or incarceration and carries a different, higher burden of proof.

How cases usually move

Most cases begin as civil actions. Criminal charges are reserved for egregious, sustained nonpayment.

If you need a Austin child support lawyer to collect what you're owed, Sinkin Law Firm handles collection and enforcement cases — and on those, you don't pay our fees.