Statutes of Limitation on Arrears

Unpaid child support (“arrears”) doesn’t expire in Texas. What does have deadlines is how you enforce it. Different remedies have different filing windows.

Key deadlines by remedy

1) Confirming arrears as a cumulative money judgment

Deadline: File no later than 10 years after the child turns 18 or the support obligation otherwise ends (whichever applies).

Why do this? It rolls everything into one judgment amount and can make collection simpler.

2) Seeking contempt for nonpayment

Deadline: File within 2 years after the child turns 18 or the obligation ends.

What it does: Asks the court to hold the obligor in contempt (possible fines/jail) for missed payments.

“Obligation ends” usually means the later of the child’s 18th birthday or high-school graduation, unless an order ends earlier (emancipation) or continues for a disabled child.

After you have a child-support judgment

No dormancy: Unlike ordinary civil judgments, child-support judgments don’t go dormant for not issuing writs. They remain enforceable until paid.

Liens & other collection tools

Child-support liens: Texas allows liens against non-exempt property to secure arrears. Since Sept. 1, 2023, child-support liens no longer expire by statute; they stay effective until the arrears (plus interest/fees) are paid or the lien is released.