Texas Child Support Enforcement Lawyer

Aggressive Enforcement of Unpaid Child Support, Arrearages & Contempt Actions

If the other parent is not paying court-ordered child support, Texas law gives you powerful enforcement tools—including wage garnishment, asset seizure, license suspension, and jail time.

At Snodgrass Law Firm, we focus on high-impact child support enforcement cases in Corpus Christi, the Coastal Bend, Austin, and throughout Texas. These are not paperwork cases—they are litigation matters with real consequences.

When Child Support Enforcement Is Necessary

You may need an enforcement action if the other parent:

• Has missed or partially paid child support

• Is paid in cash or through a business to avoid withholding

• Changes jobs frequently to evade wage garnishment

• Owes significant arrearages

• Ignores medical or dental support obligations

Child support orders are not optional. Texas courts treat violations seriously.

Enforcement Tools Available Under Texas Law

Depending on the facts, enforcement may include:

• Motion for Enforcement

• Contempt of Court (including jail time)

• Wage withholding and income assignment

• Bank levies and liens

• Interception of tax refunds

• Suspension of driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses

In some cases, the court can also order the non-paying parent to pay your attorney’s fees.

Contempt & Jail-Time Cases

Contempt is the most serious child support enforcement remedy.

A court may find a parent in contempt when:

• The support order is clear

• Payments were not made

• The failure to pay was willful

Contempt cases require precise pleadings and courtroom experience. Mistakes can cost leverage—or liberty.

Defending Against Enforcement & Contempt

Not all enforcement cases are straightforward. We also represent parents who:

• Lost employment or suffered income changes

• Were improperly credited for payments

• Face exaggerated or inaccurate arrearage claims

• Need protection from unconstitutional jail threats

Defense cases often intersect with child support modification and must be handled carefully. Learn more about “Modification and Enforcement of Family Court Orders in Texas.”

Enforcement After Divorce or Custody Orders

Most enforcement cases arise after:

• A divorce decree with child support orders

• A custody (SAPCR) order involving conservatorship and support

Enforcement is often the next step when one parent refuses to comply with court orders. Learn more about Contested Divorce, Child Support, or Child Custody.

Why Child Support Enforcement Is Different

These cases:

• Move faster than standard family law matters

• Carry real financial and criminal consequences

• Often justify higher retainers and litigation fees

• Frequently expand into modification, asset discovery, or related litigation

We approach enforcement strategically—not emotionally.

Why Choose Snodgrass Law Firm?

• Focus on contested, enforcement-driven family law cases

• Litigation-first mindset

• Direct attorney involvement—no handoffs

If the other parent thinks child support is optional, we show them otherwise.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How far back can child support be enforced in Texas?

Child support arrearages generally do not expire and may be enforced until paid in full.

Can a parent really go to jail for unpaid child support?

Yes. Courts may order confinement for contempt of court in appropriate cases.

Can attorney’s fees be recovered in enforcement cases?

Often, yes. Texas courts may order the non-compliant parent to pay reasonable attorney’s fees.

What if the parent hides income or works for cash?

Courts can consider lifestyle evidence, bank records, and business income through discovery.

Should enforcement be combined with modification?

In many cases, yes—especially when income has changed or the order is outdated.

Speak With a Texas Child Support Enforcement Attorney

If child support is not being paid, delay only helps the non-paying parent.

📞 Contact or Call Snodgrass Law Firm today at 361-239-8332 to schedule a consultation

📍 Serving clients in Corpus Christi, the Coastal Bend, Austin and throughout Texas

Learn more reading our Texas Family Law Articles

This page is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney–client relationship is formed by reading this content.