Whether you are trying to get your former spouse to pay his court-appointed child support or struggling to make regular payments, you may benefit from the help of a Houston child support lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to answer questions like, “If a Houston, Texas father doesn’t pay child support, does he still have rights?”

If a Houston, Texas, Father Doesn’t Pay Child Support, Does He Still Have Rights?

Child support is an important part of parenting in the US. Both parents are expected to contribute to their child’s well-being, regardless of their marital status.

Roughly one out of every five children in the United States lives in a household where their parent receives child support payments. According to a recent study done by the University of Chicago, approximately 25.9% of custodial parents do not receive the child support they are owed, 30.4% receive partial payments, and 43.4% of parents are given the entire amount.

While it is illegal to withhold court-appointed child visitation rights from a parent who has failed to pay child support, there are plenty of other negative consequences you could end up facing if you do not make good on said payments. Some examples of these repercussions include the following:

  • Your license and/or passport could be revoked, making it harder for you to visit your child. You could also lose your ability to apply for a passport until you have paid your debts.
  • You could serve prison time and/or be made to pay monetary fines per Texas Penal Code – PENAL § 25.05.
  • Wages could be taken from your paycheck to put toward delinquent payments.
  • Lottery winnings and tax refunds could be garnished due to missing payments.
  • Liens could be placed on your property and/or assets.
  • You could be listed on the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Evaders website.
  • Your credit score could be negatively impacted.

All in all, it is wise to keep up with your payments, especially if you want to show your children how much you value them. If you cannot afford to make the pre-established payments, you may have options. A Houston child support lawyer can help you present your case in an effort to have the payment amount reevaluated in light of your change in financial circumstances.   

Why Might I Benefit From the Help of a Houston Child Support Lawyer?

Coming to an agreement about child support can be an incredibly messy endeavor, even when both parents approach the situation with good intentions. Emotions can get in the way, leading to setbacks, confusion, and unnecessary delays. Fortunately, hiring a Houston child support lawyer can prove to be a monumental help.

Your lawyer will be able to help you build and present your case, as well as negotiate on your behalf. They can serve as a mediator while still emphasizing your needs and focusing on accomplishing your desired outcomes. They can also tackle the legal and administrative side of your case, which allows you to focus on what matters most: your family.

If you find that your case cannot be resolved outside of the Texas court system, your lawyer can schedule a trial appointment on your behalf. One of the potential courthouses where your case may be carried out is the Harris County Family Law Center, which is located in Houston and handles a wide variety of family law cases, including those involving child support issues.

FAQs

Q. How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Child Support Lawyer in Texas?

A: The overall cost of a child support lawyer tends to vary case by case in the state of Texas, as each claim usually presents unique variables that may impact the final price. This can include how lengthy and complex your case is, as well as who you hire to represent you. Your lawyer should focus on building a case that is worth the money you may spend.

Q. What Is the Deadbeat Dad Law in Texas?

A: In the state of Texas, the “Deadbeat Dad Law” refers to when the non-custodial parent is required to make child support payments but purposefully evades doing so. This is illegal and can lead to a wide variety of negative consequences for delinquent child support payments. To avoid reaching the point where you cannot make your payments, contact a Houston child support lawyer today.

Q. Can I Represent Myself in My Own Child Support Case in Texas?

A: While it is perfectly legal for an individual to represent themselves in a child support case in Texas, many people find enlisting the assistance of a skilled child support lawyer to be incredibly helpful. They can operate as an advocate for you, your parental rights, and your desired outcomes, freeing you up to focus on yourself and your children.

Q. What Happens if a Parent Does Not Pay Their Court-Appointed Child Support in Texas?

A: If a parent does not pay their court-appointed child support in Texas, they could face penalties from the court. The court believes in taking the welfare of children seriously, which means that they hold child support evaders responsible for their actions. If you are found guilty of delinquent payments, you could face time in prison, the revocation of your license and passport, and many other negative consequences related to your missed payments.

Get More Information Today

While the legal world may seem daunting and complex, lawyers from the Stange Law Firm make it their goal to help you find clarity in the midst of confusion, guiding you every step of the way until your case reaches its conclusion.

Child support can be stressful to navigate, especially when your ex is late on their payments or when you cannot keep up with the pre-established financial demands. Fortunately, you do not need to face these difficulties alone.

The Stange Law Firm offers legal representatives who believe in helping you pursue your desired outcomes, as well as the welfare of your beloved child. If you are struggling to sort out what the future of child support looks like for you and your family, contact us today to schedule a consultation. You and your family matter, and we are ready to help you build a better future today.