If you are a custodial parent in Texas, you probably rely on child support to help pay for your child’s everyday needs — housing, food, clothes, school costs, and more. When your ex suddenly stops paying, it can feel scary, frustrating, and unfair. You may worry about how you’ll cover bills this month, and you may also feel angry that your child is being put in the middle again.
The good news is this: you do have options. You do not have to ignore the problem or handle it alone. This article walks through practical steps you can take under Texas law and how a Texas family law attorney, like Kristin Kline, can help you protect your child’s best interests.
Important: This article is general information about Texas child support and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Talk with a Texas family law attorney about your specific situation.
First, Take a Breath and Get Clear on the Problem
Before you jump into court or send a long angry message, it helps to slow down and get clear on what is actually happening.
Ask yourself:
- Has your ex stopped paying entirely, or are payments just late or partial?
- Is this the first time, or has this been happening for months?
- Has there been any recent change in their job, health, or living situation?
- Do you have a written court order spelling out the payment amount and due date?
Take a moment to gather:
- Your most recent child support order
- A list or printout of payments received and missed payments
- Any recent messages or emails about support or job changes
This information will help you decide whether a calm conversation might solve the problem — or whether it’s time to talk to a lawyer about enforcement.
Step 1 – Decide Whether It’s Safe to Contact Your Ex
In some co-parenting situations, it can make sense to start with a simple, straightforward conversation. In others, it’s not safe or productive to reach out directly.
When a Calm Conversation Might Help
If you generally communicate with your ex by text or email and can keep things civil, you might send a short message like:
- “I noticed the last two child support payments haven’t come through. Can you let me know what’s going on?”
- “Our order says payments are due on the 1st. I haven’t received one this month. Did something change with your job or paycheck?”
Sometimes there has been:
- A payroll change
- An honest mistake
- A temporary hardship
If your ex responds honestly and wants to stay in compliance, you may be able to discuss options like:
- Getting wage withholding updated
- Clarifying how payments are sent
- Talking with a lawyer together about a modification if their income has truly changed
If you can resolve it early, you might avoid bigger problems later.
When You Should Not Try to Handle It Alone
If your ex:
- Has a history of harassment, threats, or abuse
- Uses money to control or punish you
- Refuses to communicate in a respectful way
…then it may not be safe or wise to try to “work it out” directly. In those situations, it’s usually better to speak with a family law attorney first and let the legal process do the talking for you.
Step 2 – Understand What a Motion to Enforce Can Do
If your ex refuses to cooperate or has simply stopped paying, one powerful tool in Texas is a Motion to Enforce.
A Motion to Enforce is a legal filing asking the court to:
- Confirm the amount of child support that was ordered
- Compare it to what was actually paid
- Find that your ex is behind (in arrears), if that’s the case
- Order your ex to pay what they owe
- Consider penalties or other remedies if they have willfully disobeyed the court’s order
Possible Consequences if the Court Finds Non-Payment
If the judge finds that your ex has violated the child support order, the court may consider:
- Wage withholding or wage garnishment
- Judgments for back child support (arrears)
- Liens on certain property in some situations
- Fines or other sanctions
- In serious cases, possible contempt of court, which can include jail time
The exact outcome depends on the facts of your case, your ex’s payment history, and how the judge views the situation. No attorney can guarantee a result, but enforcement tools exist for a reason — to protect children from being harmed by unpaid support.
Step 3 – Consider Whether a Modification Is Needed
Life changes. Sometimes your ex stops paying because:
- They lost a job
- Their hours or pay were cut
- They became seriously ill
- They had other major changes in circumstances
These things do not excuse ignoring a court order, but they may be part of the bigger picture.
In Texas, if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances, or if it has been long enough since the last order, it may be appropriate to ask the court to modify the child support order. That could mean:
- Increasing support
- Decreasing support
- Changing how or when payments are made
A family law attorney can help you look at both enforcement and modification at the same time, so you are not locked into an order that simply doesn’t fit the current reality.
Step 4 – Work with a Family Law Attorney Who Knows Texas Child Support
Trying to enforce child support on your own can be overwhelming, especially if you are already juggling work, parenting, and an emotional history with your ex. A Texas family law attorney can:
- Review your court orders and payment history
- Explain realistic options under Texas law
- Prepare and file a Motion to Enforce if appropriate
- Help you seek a modification when circumstances have changed
- Represent you in court so you are not speaking alone in front of the judge
In the Houston area, Kristin Kline focuses on Texas family law and understands how stressful unpaid child support can be for parents. She works to explain your options in plain English and helps you decide what makes sense for your family.
Step 5 – Document Everything
No matter which path you take, good records are your best friend.
What to Keep Track Of
Start gathering and organizing:
- A copy of your current child support order
- Bank statements, payment app records, or employer statements showing payments received and missed
- Texts, emails, or messages where your ex discusses payments, their job, or reasons they stopped paying
- Any notices from the Texas Attorney General’s office or other agencies
- Notes from phone calls (date, time, and what was said)
This documentation:
- Helps your attorney give you accurate advice
- Gives the judge a clear picture of what has happened
- Shows that you are taking reasonable steps to protect your child’s financial stability
You do not have to be perfect, but the more organized you are, the easier it will be to move forward.
A Quick Checklist If Your Ex Has Stopped Paying
- Review your child support order and recent payment history.
- Ask yourself if it’s safe and productive to try a short, calm outreach.
- Save copies of all missed payments and communications.
- Make a list of your current monthly child-related expenses.
- Schedule a consultation with a Texas family law attorney to talk about enforcement and possible modification.
- Follow through on the plan you create with your attorney.
Download Kristin’s useful checklist (pdf)
You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone
When child support stops, it can feel like your child’s future has been put on hold. You may feel pressure to fix everything overnight, but you do not have to carry this by yourself.
If you are in Texas and your ex has stopped paying child support, talking with a family law attorney can help you understand your rights and your options. Taking action now can protect your child’s best interests and give you some peace of mind about the road ahead.
If you’d like to discuss your situation with a Texas family law attorney, consider reaching out to Kristin Kline to schedule a consultation and talk through the next steps that make sense for you.