One of the most painful and frustrating experiences for any parent is watching their child go without while the other parent refuses to pay court-ordered support. When child support stops, it doesn’t just hurt your budget—it hurts your child’s future.
The good news is this: Texas law gives you tools to respond. And as child support enforcement lawyers, we are here to explain what those tools are, how to use them, and what to expect when enforcing support orders in Harris County.
Step One: Know That You Have Legal Rights
You are not powerless. If your ex is behind on payments, they are violating a court order—and the law takes that seriously. You have the right to pursue enforcement through the court system, even if it’s been months (or years) since a payment was made.
A knowledgeable child support lawyer in Harris County can help you review your existing court order and file the necessary paperwork. Texas courts—and especially those in Harris County—prioritize the best interests of the child, which includes holding delinquent parents legally accountable for nonpayment.
Step Two: Gather Documentation of Missed Payments
Before the court can act, we need to prove that payments were missed. This means keeping a detailed record of any child support received and what is still owed. We often work alongside family attorneys in Galveston County and Montgomery County Family lawyers for cases where the non-paying parent lives outside Harris County.
We also use enforcement tools that apply across jurisdictions. For families with prior court orders created through an uncontested divorce, enforcement may require tracing records that are years old. A clear, factual timeline builds your case and speeds up the court’s decision-making process.
Step Three: File a Motion for Enforcement
Once we’ve documented noncompliance, we file a Motion for Enforcement with the Harris County family court. This legal filing asks the court to compel the other parent to fulfill their obligations under the existing child support order.
Working with a child support enforcement lawyer ensures the filing is correct, complete, and persuasive. The court may order wage garnishment, payment plans, or other corrective action. Our role is to make the process as efficient and effective as possible so you can focus on your child—not the legal red tape.
Step Four: Know the Court Can Impose Serious Consequences
In Harris County, judges can impose serious consequences for nonpayment. These include wage garnishment, license suspension, fines, and even jail time in severe cases. However, courts typically prefer enforcement solutions that result in actual payments, not just penalties.
We approach these cases strategically, encouraging compliance while protecting your child’s best interests. As your legal team, we also explore whether support orders should be updated—especially if you suspect your ex is hiding income or earning more than reported.
Step Five: Stay Focused on What’s Best for Your Child
It’s tempting to make the case about your ex—but judges focus on one thing: the child. We help you center your legal argument around the impact missed payments are having on your child’s needs. Whether it’s school supplies, housing stability, or access to medical care, the court wants to see that enforcement is about protecting your child’s life—not escalating personal conflict.
That’s why working with a compassionate child support lawyer in Harris County matters. We help you present a calm, credible, and focused case.
Step Six: Don’t Wait Too Long to Act
Delaying enforcement weakens your case and makes recovery harder. Interest can build, records can be lost, and your child continues to go without. Whether it’s been three months or three years since the last payment, it’s not too late to act—but sooner is always better.
If your circumstances have changed—such as your child’s medical needs or your ex’s income—a child support modification in Harris County might also be part of your legal strategy. Enforcement and modification often go hand in hand, and we’re here to guide you through both.
Conclusion: Get the Legal Support Your Family Deserves
Every child deserves financial support from both parents—and when that support stops, legal action is often necessary. As a team of experienced child support enforcement lawyers, Daniel Ogbeide Law has helped families throughout Harris County hold nonpaying parents accountable and recover the resources their children need to thrive.
Our legal team also serves families across Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Galveston County, and Brazoria County, offering trusted guidance on enforcement, support modification, custody, and more.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step in protecting your child’s future.