Enforcement FAQ
How unpaid support is enforced
Wage garnishment, contempt, intercepts, liens, and license suspension.
What happens if you don't pay child support in Texas? The state can garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, intercept tax refunds, suspend licenses, deny a passport once arrears reach $2,500, and jail a parent for contempt — and child support can't be wiped out in bankruptcy. The answers below explain each tool.
Can arrears be collected through wage garnishment?
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Yes — Texas can garnish wages directly from the employer until the arrears are paid.
Can a bank account be frozen?
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Yes — the Attorney General may freeze and seize bank accounts to satisfy arrears.
Can nonpayment lead to jail?
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Yes — a judge may order jail for willful nonpayment through contempt proceedings.
Can tax refunds be intercepted?
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Yes — federal refunds can be taken automatically each year until the balance is zero.
Can arrears block a passport?
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Yes — arrears over $2,500 trigger federal passport denial.
Can a driver's license be suspended?
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Yes — licenses may be suspended until compliance improves.
Can bankruptcy erase child support arrears?
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No — child support cannot be discharged in bankruptcy.