Texas Child Support FAQ

Not automatically. Texas still starts from the income-based guideline, and a judge may adjust up or down based on many factors, including the time each parent has with the child.

No. Support cannot be conditioned on possession or access. Missed visits don't excuse nonpayment, and nonpayment doesn't excuse denying visits.

Until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later. It can continue indefinitely for an adult child with a disability, and ends earlier if the child marries, is emancipated, or dies.

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

Avoid it unless your order authorizes it. Direct payments (including Zelle or Venmo) can be treated as gifts and never credited to your support obligation.

You can seek a change if there's a material and substantial change in circumstances, or if it's been three years and the guideline amount would differ by at least 20% or $100. Don't just stop paying — file to modify.

Texas uses UIFSA: orders can be enforced or modified across state lines after registration, and employers in other states must honor a valid withholding order.

Incarceration doesn't automatically stop support. The paying parent can request a modification based on current ability to pay.

No and no. Recipients don't report it as income, and payors can't deduct it.

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

Yes. A nonparent caring for the child can seek support from the parents; the court weighs the child's needs and each parent's ability to pay.

Yes. The law today allows collection of past-due child support, with interest, no matter what year the obligation began — even after the child is an adult.

Yes. The OAG represents the State's interest in establishing and enforcing support — not either parent. You can hire a private attorney for individual advice and advocacy at any time.