What to Do If Your Ex Isnt Paying Child Support

Over $113 billion in unpaid child support is owed across the United States, according to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). That number speaks to a serious problem—parents struggling to support their children while their ex refuses to meet legal obligations.

If you’re tired of waiting on payments that never come, you’re not alone. Missed child support isn’t just frustrating—it puts real stress on your child’s well-being and their financial security.

You shouldn’t have to chase what’s legally owed to your child. The good news? Texas law gives you the right to take action. A child support attorney can help you enforce the order and get the payments flowing again. Let’s learn more about this.

When Is It Time to Take Legal Action?

Not every missed payment is cause for panic. However, if your ex regularly skips payments, pays late, or completely stops, it's time to act by consulting a child support attorney.

Here are signs you need legal help:

● Your ex hasn’t paid for over 30 days.

● Payments come inconsistently or in partial amounts.

● Your ex changed jobs and stopped paying.

● You tried communicating, but nothing changed.

Delays only make the problem worse. The longer you wait, the more your child loses out.

Legal Remedies for Unpaid Child Support in TX

In Texas, unpaid child support is taken seriously. Here are legal steps you can take via a child support attorney:

1. File an Enforcement Action

You can ask the court to enforce the existing order. The judge will review the case and may order your ex to pay what’s owed. If they don’t, they could face penalties.

2. Wage Garnishment

A common and effective tool. The court orders your ex’s employer to deduct child support directly from their paycheck. This ensures payments go out regularly and on time.

3. Intercepting Tax Refunds or Lottery Winnings

If your ex is behind on payments, the state can intercept federal or state tax refunds or lottery winnings and apply them toward the debt.

4. License Suspension

In Texas, failing to pay child support can lead to a suspended driver’s license, hunting license, or even professional license.

5. Liens on Property

The court may place a lien on your ex’s bank accounts, real estate, or other assets. This ensures that any future sale or financial transaction prioritizes child support debt.

6. Contempt of Court

If your ex ignores a court order, the judge can hold them in contempt. Penalties include fines, wage garnishment, and even jail time.

Does It Matter How Much Is Owed?

Yes. Texas courts often act faster when the unpaid amount is large or ongoing. But even if your ex only missed a few payments, you still have legal rights. You can speak to a child support attorney to understand your options.

Can You Recover Back Pay?

Absolutely. Courts can require your ex to pay back every missed dollar, often with interest. The longer they delay, the more they owe. It's not a lost cause. Legal action can help recover the full amount.

Should You Handle This Alone?

No. You don't need to manage legal filings and court processes by yourself. A family attorney in TX knows the law and the system. They’ll help speed things up and make sure your case is taken seriously.

Don’t Wait to Protect Your Child’s Rights

Child support isn't optional. It's a legal responsibility. When your ex ignores it, your child suffers—and so do you.

Act now. A legal professional can start the enforcement process, reduce your stress, and help restore financial stability.

 

Consult Expert Child Support Attorneys

Daniel Ogbeide Law understands the financial strain unpaid child support causes. Their child support attorneys in Katy, TX are ready to fight for your child’s rights. Don’t let the debt grow while your ex avoids responsibility.

Contact their family lawyers today for a consultation and take the first step toward enforcement and peace of mind.