What happens when a parent simply doesn’t pay child support? For many single-parent households, the answer is heartbreakingly clear: unpaid support leads to late rent, empty refrigerators, and missed school supplies. It’s not just a financial issue—it’s a disruption to a child’s life.
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we know just how devastating non-payment can be. As a trusted family law firm serving families in Houston, we work with parents every day who are either owed support or facing enforcement due to unpaid obligations. We use our experience and deep understanding of Texas family law to pursue real solutions—through legal enforcement, child support modification, or both. If you’re worried about the legal consequences of unpaid child support, this guide is for you.
We’ll break down what happens when child support isn’t paid, the legal actions the court can take, the penalties involved, and how to handle things before they escalate.
When Child Support Isn’t Paid: A Chain Reaction of Consequences
Failing to pay child support isn’t just breaking a financial promise—it’s violating a legal order. And courts don’t take that lightly. The process of enforcement can begin with something as simple as a missed payment. Over time, the consequences grow more severe.
1. Income Withholding
Most child support orders in Texas already come with an income withholding order. That means the amount owed is taken directly out of the paying parent’s paycheck. But if payments stop or fall behind, the withheld amount can increase to cover back support.
- Wages, bonuses, and even commissions can be garnished.
- Employers are legally required to comply with the withholding order.
2. License Suspension
One of the strongest penalties the state can enforce is license suspension. This doesn’t just apply to a driver’s license. If someone falls behind significantly in support, they can lose:
- Driver’s license
- Professional licenses (e.g., nursing, law, real estate)
- Hunting and fishing licenses
- The suspension remains until a payment agreement is reached or a portion of the debt is paid.
3. Tax Refund Interception and Passport Denial
When support remains unpaid, the state can intercept federal and state tax refunds to recover the amount owed. If the overdue support hits $2,500 or more, the U.S. State Department can deny a passport application or renewal.
4. Liens and Asset Seizure
To recover unpaid child support, the court can place liens on:
- Bank accounts
- Homes or property
- Retirement accounts
- Settlement awards
Once a lien is in place, the funds can be seized to satisfy the debt.
5. Contempt of Court
If none of the above actions motivate payment, the court can escalate the matter through contempt proceedings. This can lead to:
- Fines
- Jail time
- Community supervision (probation)
In Texas, a judge may sentence a non-compliant parent to up to six months in jail for civil contempt and impose additional fines until payment is made.
What About Child Support Modification?
Sometimes, the issue isn’t intentional non-payment but a change in financial circumstances. Loss of a job, health problems, or major life changes can make it hard to keep up. But stopping payments without a court-approved change can still lead to serious penalties.
If your financial situation has changed, filing for child support modification is the right step. A judge may adjust the order—but only from the date of filing, not before. That’s why it’s important not to wait.
Is Jail Really on the Table for Unpaid Support?
Yes, and it happens more often than people think. In some cases, a non-custodial parent ends up serving time—not because the court wants to punish them but because the law demands accountability. When all other enforcement tools fail, jail time is the last resort to compel compliance.
But here’s the critical part: once someone is in jail, paying child support becomes nearly impossible. That’s why courts usually offer opportunities to make partial payments, set up a payment plan, or prove inability to pay before issuing jail time.
You Don’t Have to Wait for Things to Get Worse
If you’re owed back support, or if you’re behind and don’t know what to do, it’s better to act early. The legal consequences of unpaid child support can grow quickly—and recovering from them isn’t easy. Whether it’s seeking enforcement or requesting a modification, getting legal help early makes a major difference.
Don’t Let a Missed Payment Turn Into a Legal Crisis
Are you worried that unpaid support is affecting your child’s future—or your own? Do you need help enforcing an order or adjusting one that no longer fits your life? At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we’re here to protect your rights and your child’s well-being. As experienced child support lawyers based in Houston, we’ve seen how easily a small issue can become a major legal problem. Our team has years of experience handling enforcement actions, modifications, and court proceedings related to support.
We don’t just know the law—we know how to make it work for you. When you contact us, you’re getting a team that’s ready to fight for what matters most. Talk to a child support attorney today and let us help you find a path forward—before the legal consequences become overwhelming.
Contact Daniel Ogbeide Law now to schedule a consultation with an experienced child support lawyer in Houston who understands your situation and knows how to help.