Moving Out of State: What Changes and What Doesn't

Relocating changes where you enforce — not the deal itself. Knowing which is which keeps you out of trouble.

What stays the same

The original issuing state keeps continuing exclusive jurisdiction (CEJ) to modify support as long as a parent or child lives there, unless everyone agrees in writing to move it (UIFSA, Tex. Fam. Code ch. 159). Support duration and any accrued arrears remain governed by the original state's law — a move doesn't change them.

What changes

To enforce in the new state, register certified copies of the order and arrears statement — registration mirrors the original amount but unlocks local wage withholding and liens. A new employer receives an IWO, and withholding limits and compliance rules follow the employer's state.

What to do

Notify the support agency within three days of moving, register the order in the new state, confirm where CEJ sits before seeking any modification, and don't unilaterally cut support over travel costs — get an order that aligns both the schedule and the money.

If you need a 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.