Have you been awarded child support by the court but your ex refuses to
pay or has fallen behind? If so, there are several methods that courts
can use to enforce and collect past-due child support from parents. In
Texas, enforcement options for child support violations include jail time,
wage garnishment, and costly fines. To enforce action on past-due
child support, the custodial parent must file an enforcement action with the court requesting
a judge force the delinquent parent to make the required payments.
Wage Garnishment
Judges can notify the employer of the delinquent parent instructing them
to automatically deduct funds from the parent’s paychecks. The garnished
wages are then sent to the child support office and distributed to the child.
Contempt
You can also file for contempt of the
court’s order if the other parent fails to make child support payments. The following
sanctions can be issued if a parent is found in contempt of the court:
- The parent can be jailed
- The parent can be placed on probation for up to 5 years
- The parent can be ordered to pay attorney fees for the other parent related
to the child support dispute
- 12% interest can be added to the past-due amount
Child Support Lien
Child support liens can be enforced against real and personal property
if parents fail to pay child support. When a lien is attached to the tile
of property or real estate, the debtor can’t sell, mortgage, or
transfer it. A lien can be enforced without a foreclosure suit and the
property can be sold at public auction with all of the proceeds going
towards paying off the judgment.
Speak to Our Dedicated Child Support Attorneys Today
At the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny, we have more than 30 years of experience
under our belts and an intuitive understanding of the unique
family law issues our clients face. When you choose our firm to handle your child support
matter, we will take the time to get to know your needs personally so
we can help you achieve your case goals.
To
schedule your case consultation with our attorneys, please call {F:P:Sub:Phone} today.