Unpaid child support in Texas doesn't quietly disappear — it becomes arrears that accrue interest and can be collected through a wide set of enforcement tools, most of them run by the Office of the Attorney General Child Support Division.
1. Interest keeps adding up
Past-due support carries simple interest by statute (Family Code §157.265). Note a recent change: the rate is 6% per year on arrears that accrued before January 1, 2026, and 3% per year on arrears arising on or after January 1, 2026. "Simple" means interest is charged on the unpaid principal only, not on prior interest — but over years it still adds up substantially.
2. Wage withholding
Most Texas support is already collected by an income-withholding order sent to the employer. For arrears, additional amounts can be withheld. Federal law caps total withholding at 50% of disposable earnings (if supporting another family) or 55% (if not), rising by 5% when payments are more than 12 weeks behind.
3. License suspension
The Attorney General can move to suspend a delinquent parent's driver's license, professional and occupational licenses, and hunting/fishing licenses once they fall significantly behind (generally around 90+ days delinquent).
4. Tax refunds, liens, and bank levies
- Federal tax refund interception — your IRS refund can be seized and applied to arrears.
- Liens on real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, and other property.
- Bank account levies to pull funds directly.
- Passport denial when arrears exceed the federal threshold.
- Credit reporting of the delinquency.
5. Contempt of court — including jail
A parent who can pay but willfully refuses can be held in contempt, which can mean fines and up to 180 days in jail per violation. Courts generally reserve jail for clear, willful non-payment — which is exactly why filing to modify the order when you genuinely can't pay is so important.
If you're owed support
The receiving parent can open a free enforcement case with the Texas Attorney General Child Support Division, or file a motion for enforcement in court. Keeping records of missed payments and dates is the single most useful thing you can do.