What happens when your ex stops making court-ordered support payments—whether for child support or spousal maintenance? It’s a situation many individuals find themselves in, and the consequences can be more than just financial. Missed payments can impact housing, education, medical care, and day-to-day living.
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we understand how important court-ordered support is to maintaining stability. As one of the leading family law firms providing legal support for child visitation in Houston and representation from a knowledgeable spousal support attorney, we help clients address unpaid support through effective, lawful strategies.
Whether you’re dealing with a few missed payments or long-term noncompliance, this article will outline your options for enforcement, how Texas courts view support orders, and what legal remedies are available to protect you and your children.
Understanding Court-Ordered Support Obligations
Support orders—whether for children or a former spouse—are not optional. They are legally binding and enforceable under Texas law. When someone refuses to comply, they are in violation of a court order and subject to legal penalties.
- Child Support
In Texas, child support obligations are based on a formula tied to the paying parent’s income, and the law places a high priority on ensuring children’s needs are met. - Spousal Support(Alimony)
Also referred to as maintenance, spousal support is often ordered when one party lacks sufficient income post-divorce. If your ex was ordered to pay but stops doing so, that support can still be enforced through the courts.
Steps to Take When Support Payments Stop
When your ex stops paying, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Taking the right steps early can help avoid further financial strain and position you for a successful enforcement action.
1. Document Everything
Keep accurate, organized records of missed payments. This includes:
- Dates and amounts of each missed payment
- Bank statements or direct deposit records
- Any written communication about the missed support
This documentation will be crucial when presenting your case in court or to a lawyer.
2. Reach Out Informally (If Safe to Do So)
In some cases, there may be a reasonable explanation—temporary job loss, illness, or oversight. If it’s safe and appropriate, you may try to reach out to your ex to ask about the missed payments. However, avoid threats or confrontational language.
3. Contact the Office of the Attorney General (OAG)
The OAG’s Child Support Division can assist in enforcing child support orders. They have several tools at their disposal, including:
- License suspension
- Seizure of tax refunds or lottery winnings
- Liens on property or bank accounts
For many, this is the first official route to enforcement.
Legal Enforcement Through the Courts
If informal communication fails and OAG enforcement doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to bring the matter back to court with legal representation.
1. Filing a Motion to Enforce
We can file a motion to enforce the court’s original support order. This document outlines:
- How your ex is in violation
- What specific payments were missed
- The enforcement actions being requested
Once filed, your ex will be served with notice and required to attend a hearing.
2. Contempt of Court Proceedings
If your ex willfully refuses to pay, the court may find them in contempt. This is a serious matter and can result in:
- Fines
- Mandatory payment plans
- Jail time (in extreme cases)
Texas courts do not take lightly to violations of support orders, especially when they negatively affect children or a financially dependent spouse.
3. Wage Withholding Orders
For both spousal and child support, the court may issue or modify a wage withholding order. This means your ex’s employer must automatically deduct the required support payments from their paycheck.
4. Interest and Back Pay (Arrears)
Missed payments are still owed. Texas law allows for interest to accrue on overdue child support, and courts can order repayment schedules to recover all back payments owed.
Can I Withhold Visitation If Support Isn’t Paid?
No. In Texas, child support and visitation are treated as separate legal matters. Even if your ex refuses to pay, you must still follow the court’s visitation schedule. Doing otherwise could result in legal consequences for you.
However, if support is not being paid, that may be considered when reviewing future custody modifications. In these cases, seeking legal support for child visitation disputes with an attorney familiar with Houston family law can be especially helpful.
What If My Ex Has Left the State or Country?
Texas law allows support orders to be enforced even if the paying parent moves. The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) enables courts to enforce or modify support across state lines. For international cases, it depends on the country, but enforcement is often still possible through international agreements.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Delayed enforcement can make recovery more difficult. The longer payments are missed, the more damage is done—not only to your financial well-being but also to your children’s stability. That’s why we encourage parents and former spouses to act early, document everything, and seek help from professionals who understand the legal system.
Is Your Ex Falling Behind on Court-Ordered Support?
You don’t have to handle this alone. When support payments stop, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a violation of your rights and a threat to your financial security. At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we assist clients in enforcing court orders with the seriousness and urgency they deserve. Whether you’re trying to recover unpaid alimony or child support, we can help.
We are one of the leading family law firms providing legal support for child visitation in Houston, and we offer the experience of a knowledgeable spousal support attorney who can handle every aspect of your enforcement case. We take the time to understand your situation and take clear, strategic action to protect your interests.
If your ex has stopped paying what the court ordered, don’t wait—contact Daniel Ogbeide Law today to schedule a consultation. We’ll explain your options, prepare your enforcement case, and fight for what you and your family are owed.