Statutes of Limitation on Arrears
Quick answer
In Texas the child support debt itself never expires, but you must file within 10 years of the child turning 18 (or support ending) to reduce arrears to a money judgment, and within 2 years to pursue contempt.
The debt itself never expires in Texas — but the remedies used to collect it have hard deadlines, and missing one can cost you a tool.
The 10-year money-judgment window
File within 10 years after the child turns 18 or the support obligation ends to convert arrears into a cumulative money judgment, which makes collection far simpler (Tex. Fam. Code § 157.005(b)).
The 2-year contempt window
File within 2 years after the child turns 18 or the obligation ends to pursue contempt sanctions — fines or jail — against a parent who won't pay (Tex. Fam. Code § 157.005(a)).
No dormancy, and liens that don't expire
Child support judgments stay continuously enforceable and don't go dormant like ordinary civil judgments. And as of September 1, 2023, child support liens on property no longer expire by statute — they remain effective until the arrears, interest, and fees are paid or the lien is released.
When the obligation "ends"
Usually the later of the child's 18th birthday or high school graduation — unless the order sets earlier emancipation or extends support for a disabled child.
Since 1997, the child support lawyer team at Sinkin Law Firm has recovered unpaid support for parents statewide.
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