Dallas, TX family law attorney Holly Draper shares how she can help someone whose ex-spouse stops paying support. She explains that if an ex stops paying child support, there are several remedies available in Texas to enforce payment. One option is to file a private enforcement proceeding, seeking to have the parent held in contempt for each missed payment. In Texas, child support is not considered late until the end of the month, and enforcement through the Attorney General requires the parent to be at least one full month behind. However, a parent can be found in contempt for any violation of failing to pay within a given month.

When someone is held in contempt, a range of remedies may be imposed. They can be required to serve time in jail, pay a fine, or cover the other parent’s attorney’s fees associated with the enforcement proceeding. The Attorney General can also take steps such as intercepting tax refunds or stimulus checks if a parent is in arrears on child support, ensuring that the owed payments are collected.