How Long Will It Take Before Payments Begin?

Obtaining child support involves a wide variety of factors making it difficult to predict how long it will take to secure payments. The time frame varies on a casebycase basis. For example, one case may require the full range of services locating the parent, establishing paternity and a support order and enforcing the order. Another case may have a divorce decree with an established order, a social security number and an employer for the noncustodial parent, allowing enforcement of payment through an administrative income withholding order.

Other Texas Family Law FAQs

Q: Who Can Apply For Child Support Services And What Is The Fee?
A: The Attorney General`s office accepts applications from mothers and fathers. Our attorneys represent the State of Texas in providing child support services and do not … More
Q: Where Do People Apply For Child Support Services With The Office Of The Attorney General?
A: The Child Support Division of the Office of the Attorney General operates field offices throughout the state at which people may apply for services. The telephone … More
Q: How Do Tanf Recipients Seek Child Support?
A: To receive TANF benefits through the Texas Department of Human Services, recipients must cooperate with the Office of the Attorney General`s efforts to identify their … More
Q: What If A Person No Longer Wants The Office Of The Attorney General's Services?
A: If the parent is not on TANF and is not receiving Medicaid and wishes to discontinue child support enforcement services, the case can be closed by written request, … More
Q: How Can Child Support Be Changed?
A: Only the Court can modify child support. It cannot be done by agreement of the parties. Grounds for a modification include a material and substantial change in the … More
Q: Why Is It So Important For Unmarried Parents To Establish Paternity For Their Child?
A: When a child is born, the mother`s name automatically appears on the birth certificate. If she is married, her husband is assumed to be the baby`s father. But if the … More
Q: Do Unmarried Parents Need To Establish Paternity If They Stay Together?
A: Yes. Even if the parents stay together, the father could become disabled or die. In most cases, children born to unmarried parents can be assured of receiving certain … More
Q: How Do Unmarried Parents Establish Paternity For Their Child?
A: Paternity can be voluntarily established by agreement of both the mother and the father of the child. The parents can sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) that … More
Q: What Happens When The Parents Sign The Acknowledgment Of Paternity?
A: After the father and mother have signed the AOP, the biological father becomes the legal father. This means that he has parental rights and responsibilities just like … More
Q: How Does Paternity Establishment Affect Custody And Visitation?
A: Each parent has the duty to financially and emotionally support his or her child. Each parent is presumed to possess the right to custody or visitation. If the parents … More