What happens when a parent refuses to fulfill their financial responsibility for their child? It’s more common than you might think. Many families are left struggling to cover basic expenses like housing, education, and healthcare.
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we understand how frustrating and financially damaging missed child support payments can be. As one of the leading family law firms in Houston, we help parents take legal action to enforce child support orders and protect their children’s well-being. With an experienced child support lawyer by your side, you don’t have to go through this process alone.
In this blog, we’ll cover the key legal steps you can take when child support payments stop—how to document the issue, the enforcement options available, and how a child support attorney can help ensure your case is taken seriously in court.
Step 1: Keep Thorough Records
Before taking legal action, it’s important to document every missed payment.
- Track payment dates and amounts received
- Save communication with the non-paying parent
- Keep a copy of the court-ordered child support agreement
These records can make or break your case if enforcement becomes necessary.
Step 2: File a Motion for Enforcement
If the other parent continues to miss payments, you can file a motion for enforcement with the court. This legal action asks the court to force compliance with the child support order.
A judge may order the non-paying parent to:
- Pay back the amount owed (arrears)
- Follow a payment schedule moving forward
- Cover your legal fees if they are found in contempt
Step 3: Enforcement Tools the Court Can Use
The court has several powerful tools to collect unpaid child support:
- License suspension – May include driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses
- Tax refund intercepts – Redirects tax refunds to cover unpaid support
- Contempt of court – May result in fines or even jail time for refusal to pay
Step 4: Consider a Modification Request
Sometimes, a parent’s financial situation changes due to job loss, illness, or other hardships. If either party experiences a major life change, it may be time to request a child support modification. An experienced child support lawyer can help determine whether the current order still reflects your child’s needs and each parent’s ability to pay.
Is Someone Skipping Their Responsibility? Here’s What You Can Do
No one should have to chase down what their child is legally owed. If child support payments have stopped or become inconsistent, it’s time to take legal action. At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we’re ready to help. With one of the most experienced child support attorneys in Houston on your side, you’ll have the legal strength to hold the other parent accountable.
We’ve helped countless families in situations like yours—whether you’re seeking enforcement or need help with a child support modification. Speak with a trusted child support lawyer in Houston today and let us help you protect what matters most.
Call Daniel Ogbeide Law at 832-321-7005 to schedule your consultation—because your child’s future can’t wait.