Child Support Attorney in Texas

A downtown, metropolitan area in Texas at night, where a growing population needs Child Support services.

At Hargrave Family Law, we help North Texas families handle child support matters with clarity and a practical plan for what comes next.

In Texas, child support is court-ordered financial support that helps cover a child’s everyday needs, including housing, food, clothing, health insurance, and medical care.

However child support can also involve more than that monthly payment. Dallas Metroplex parents may also need help with uninsured medical expenses, extracurricular costs, post-graduate education, enforcement, or modifications after a job change or major life event.

The Texas Office of the Attorney General oversees child support in Texas, and reported collecting nearly $4.3 billion in child support in fiscal year 2022, showing how central these orders are to children’s well-being and family stability across the state.

With over 230 years of combined experience, Hargrave Family Law’s legal team has helped clients approach child support matters with collaborative strategies that reduce unnecessary conflict, protect long-term family relationships, and keep the child’s best interest at the heart of it all.

With Board Certified Family Law leadership, inclusion in Best Lawyers of America® and Tier 1 Best Law Firms®, and recognition by Texas Super Lawyers® and AVVO, our team is equipped to help you explore your options, prepare you for each decision, and work toward solutions that support your child while respecting your future.

Our Child Support Services in Texas

Child Support Calculation
Child Support Establishment
Child Support Modifications
Child Support Enforcement
Unpaid Child Support/Arrears
Medical Support Orders
Health Insurance and Uninsured Medical Expenses
Income Withholding Orders
High-Income Child Support Cases
Self-Employed Parent Child Support
Child Support for Multiple Children
Retroactive Child Support
Deviation from Guideline Support
Child Support After Job Loss
Termination of Child Support Orders

WE WILL SPEAK FOR YOUR RIGHTS

Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your options. You may find that you are entitled to payment if your claim was denied or underpaid.

Book Consultation

Professional woman in navy dress, office background

Why Choose Hargrave Family Law

A Dignity-First Approach

This firm helps clients move through child support matters in a way that aligns with their values, with less conflict and less unnecessary damage to the family.

Board-Certification in Family Law

Board Certification in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization is a meaningful mark of proven skill in this field, not a general practice label. We have attorneys and paralegals who have reached this distinction, and are ready to guide you through your case.

Depth Across a Large Legal Team

Clients benefit from a large, skilled legal team that includes senior attorneys, associate attorneys, senior paralegals, and all the support you need, all, giving your case the attention and range of experience it requires.

Recognized and Respected

The firm has earned remarkable peer recognition such as inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® and Tier 1 Best Law Firms®, as well as Texas SuperLawyers® and AVVO recognition, along with a strong reputation for integrity and professional excellence in Texas family law.

Support Beyond the Legal File

Clients are not treated like case numbers at our firm. Hargrave Family Law stays connected with you every step of the way, provides resources as needed, and helps you make informed decisions with clarity and confidence throughout your case.

How Child Support Works in Texas

In Texas, child support is usually based on the paying parent’s net resources, not just gross income. Net resources can include wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, and certain other earnings. Texas also applies a cap to net resources when guideline support is calculated.

Most child support is paid through wage withholding. That means support is taken from the paying parent’s paycheck and sent through the Texas State Disbursement Unit before it reaches the receiving parent. The Texas Office of the Attorney General oversees child support payments and monitors adherence to court orders.

Courts can also order medical support and dental support in addition to monthly child support. If there are extenuating circumstances, irregular income, or income tied to business ownership, careful review and characterization matters. That is where strategic legal guidance by an experienced family law attorney becomes important.

Texas child support state guidelines are also reviewed at least once every four years to evaluate whether guideline amounts remain appropriate in relation to inflation and other factors. That is why Texas parents benefit from up-to-date, clear legal guidance when confronting child support decisions.

We know that parents are more likely to follow through on parenting and child support plans they help create. Customized agreements can also make it easier to address your family’s specific needs in a way that promotes stability and cooperation. Any agreement does need to be converted into a signed court order for enforceability.

Modifying Child Support Orders

A child support order can be changed in Texas, but you must show a “material and substantial change” in circumstances, such as a job loss, major income change, disability, or a significant shift in the child’s living arrangements or needs.

The key point is that parents cannot privately rewrite child support and assume it will hold up. Until a judge signs a new child support order, the existing order remains enforceable, including any unpaid support as outlined in that order.

That can create serious problems with arrears, enforcement, wage garnishment, and future disputes. In some instances, unpaid child support can even lead to jail time. It is crucial to keep child support arrangements court-approved.

At Hargrave Family Law, we help Dallas Metroplex parents pursue or respond to child support modifications with a clear strategy and a focus on practical resolution. The best interest of the child will remain as our core focus as we empower you to determine the next right steps.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

In Texas, enforcement often starts with a motion asking the court to address missed payments, medical support, or other ordered child-related expenses. The goal is not more conflict. It is asking for the order to be followed to protect your child’s stability and well-being.

Depending on the facts, an enforcement may involve:

Wage withholding by the paying parent’s employer
A contempt action for willful failure to pay
A money judgment for child support arrears
Orders for attorney’s fees and court costs
Suspension of licenses in serious nonpayment cases
Jail time as a last resort

Texas courts have the responsibility to ensure their orders reflect the best interest of the child, and they treat unpaid support very seriously. At Hargrave Family Law, we help clients pursue enforcement strategically, with a focus on practical results and a path forward for the family that is centered on the child’s best interests.

About Hargrave Family Law

Founded in 2013, Hargrave Family Law helps North Texas clients handle divorce and family law matters with an intentional, more strategic approach. We are built for people who want to protect their children, finances, privacy, and future without unnecessary conflict.

Our attorneys bring over 230 years of combined experience, and the firm is led by Jennifer Hargrave, who is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

With inclusion in Best Lawyers in America®and Tier 1 Best Law Firms®, as well as recognition by Texas Super Lawyers® and AVVO, our firm’s mission is to help people make informed decisions and move forward with dignity, and hope.

That matters in Texas family law, where court orders involving child support, custody, and enforcement can affect your family for years. People turn to Hargrave Family Law for guidance and compassionate, practical support. We work to resolve issues strategically, protect what matters most, and help clients write a brighter next chapter.

Our Process for Texas Residents

1. Reach out to our team

You start by contacting the firm, and we connect you with a Client Care Coordinator.

2. Initial intake and scheduling

Your Client Care Coordinator gathers the first details and schedules a complimentary case evaluation with our Client Intake Specialist.

3. Case evaluation

You meet remotely with the Client Intake Specialist to talk through your concerns, goals, and possible paths forward. That may include doing nothing for now, continuing to work on the relationship or pursuing counseling, hiring us, or meeting with an attorney.

4. If needed, consult with an attorney

If you require specific legal advice before retaining us, you can schedule a paid consultation with an attorney with experience tailored to your situation to discuss your options in more detail.

5. Retain the firm and begin legal work

Once you hire us, your legal team takes over the case. Your Client Care Coordinators still check in monthly outside the legal work to offer support, resources, and ask about your experience.

6. Ongoing support after the case

Even after your matter is finished, Client Care Coordinators continue to check in once a year to provide support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Texas

My ex is paying sometimes, but not consistently. Is it worth going back to court if they only miss payments here and there?

Yes, it can be worth it, especially if the missed payments are becoming a pattern. In Texas, child support is a court order, not a casual agreement, so partial or inconsistent payments can still create arrears. The court can enforce the order through wage withholding, money judgments, and other remedies depending on the facts.

In the end, child support provides for the health and well-being of your child, and they deserve to receive what they need to continue to thrive.

Can we just agree between ourselves to change child support without filing anything if our income changed?

That is risky. In Texas, parents can agree informally, but the court will usually still treat the signed order as the amount that is enforceable until a new order is entered. That means a parent can fall behind on paper, even if both sides thought the lower amount was fine, and face serious consequences.

What happens if my co-parent is self-employed and I think they are hiding income to keep child support low?

This is a common concern in higher-asset, business owners, and more complex family cases. When someone is self-employed, income is not as simple as a W-2, so the court may look at business records, bank statements, expenses, tax returns, and lifestyle evidence in order to determine appropriate child support.

If my child turns 18 but is still in high school, does child support stop automatically in Texas?

Usually not right away. In Texas, child support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. Also, if you are the paying parent and there is an income withholding order in place, do not assume the payments automatically stop on its own the exact day your child has a birthday.

Careful attention and coordination with the Texas Office of Attorney General is needed regarding the end of child support.

I got laid off in Dallas and cannot keep up with my current support order. Should I wait until I find a new job before doing anything?

Waiting can make the problem worse. In Texas, support obligations keep accruing under the current order until it is officially modified, even if your job situation has changed overnight. If your loss of income is material, you may have grounds to request a modification, but the court has to approve it and issue a new order. You will then need to coordinate with the Texas Office of the Attorney General to ensure they have the new order.

My co-parent moved to another county in the DFW area. Do I have to start over somewhere else to enforce or modify support?

Not necessarily. Many child support issues stay tied to the court that issued the original order unless the case is properly transferred to another jurisdiction. and venue questions depend on where the child has been living and what filings have already happened. An experienced family law attorney can guide you regarding next steps.

What Customers Say About Hargrave Family Law

“Jennifer and her team are top notch.”- B.H.

This kind of feedback speaks to the level of care and professionalism clients want on their side in a custody matter. It reflects a skilled, respected, and experienced team that clients feel confident trusting during a stressful family life transition.

“They truly care about their clients and their families.”- K.K.

Families dealing with custody issues need more than someone to manage paperwork and court dates. This review shows the firm’s focus on you, not just the legal process. We walk with you every step of the way, providing resources for you and your children as needed.

“I always felt informed and supported.”- A.W.

Clear communication matters when you are making decisions that affect your children and your future. This shows the firm is dedicated to keeping you informed, educated, prepared, and involved throughout the process.

“Professional, compassionate, and effective.”- S.M.

That balance matters in Texas custody cases, where strong advocacy and practical solutions both count. Clients value a legal advocate that protects their future without adding unnecessary conflict, staying focused on your goals for your family.

“They helped me navigate a very difficult time with dignity.”- J.M.

This reflects what many of our clients are looking for: steady guidance, compassion, respect, clarity, and a hopeful path forward. It is the kind of experience that builds trust and confidence from beginning to end, and it’s a hallmark of our firm’s mission.

Local Resources in Texas

Texas Attorney General Child Support Division
Texas Child Support Interactive
Texas Child Support Guidelines
Texas Child Support Calculator
Texas Family Code
Texas Courts Self-Help Family Law Resources
Texas Law Help Child Support Resources
Texas State Law Library Child Support Guides
Texas Judicial Branch Court Directory
Texas Office of Court Administration
Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Texas Access and Visitation Hotline
Texas Parenting Time Resources
State Bar of Texas
State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral & Information Service
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Texas Legal Services Center
Texas Advocacy Project
Domestic Relations Offices in Texas Counties

Schedule a Confidential Case Evaluation

If you are facing a child support issue, the steps you take now can affect your child’s ability to thrive, and how you navigate your family’s path forward. A complimentary case evaluation can help you understand your options and empower you to make decisions that protect your children and your peace.

At Hargrave Family Law, we help clients approach difficult family matters with clarity, discretion, and a focus on resolution. To schedule a confidential case evaluation, reach out to speak with our team about the next right step for your family. We’re here to help.

Contact Us

Call Our Office With Any Questions or To Schedule a Complimentary Case Evaluation

Call Hargrave Family Law

How We Support our clients

PERSONALIZED GUIDANCE
We provide clear, strategic legal guidance designed to protect your interests and help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE
We draw on extensive family law experience to protect your interests and strategically advocate for the future you’re envisioning.
ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN
We provide compassionate, strategic advocacy for parents. ensuring the child’s well-being is considered and remains at the heart of every decision.
ASSET PROTECTION
We provide thoughtful, strategic counsel to safeguard your assets and secure the financial foundation for your next chapter.
BUSINESS OWNERS
We offer strategic guidance tailored to business owners, protecting both personal and professional interests while preserving the value you’ve worked hard to build.
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
We craft creative, customized solutions that honor your family’s unique needs while protecting what matters most.

Choosing an experienced Attorney

Navigating divorce can be overwhelming, but with Hargrave Family Law, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced Dallas family law team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, offering the clarity, compassion, and advocacy you need to move forward with confidence. We focus exclusively on family law, helping clients begin anew with dignity and hope. We invite you to schedule a complimentary case evaluation, where our Client Intake Specialist will listen to your concerns, discuss your goals, and help you explore your options—empowering you to make informed decisions and start writing the next chapter of your life.

Meet them All

Smiling woman in glasses and black jacket indoors

Jennifer Hargrave

Owner & Managing Partner

Misty Cole

Senior Attorney

Professional woman with glasses in modern office

Michelle Heron

Senior Attorney

Smiling woman with short gray hair indoors

Donna Tomlinson

Senior Attorney

Katherine Zimmermann

Senior Attorney

Smiling professional woman in office building lobby

Hannah Rector

Senior Attorney

Smiling professional woman in office setting

LaQuisha Batson

Associate Attorney

Carie Silvestri

Of Counsel

additional resources

Don’t Face This Alone

Part of our mission is to offer the resources you need to move forward and reclaim peace. We invite you to explore the wealth of resources and information available from our dedicated Dallas family law team. We’ve listed just a few below.

View all resources

FAQ

Have questions? we have answers

Will my spouse find out if I contact a divorce attorney?
The fact that you have reached out to contact a divorce attorney is privileged information and should remain protected. If you are concerned that your communications are being monitored, you need to bring that to your attorney’s attention right away, so we can help you protect your communication for that initial contact. I would recommend that you go ahead and use a phone that your spouse doesn’t have access to. If you have a phone at work or a friend’s phone, that can be helpful. Also, you may want to set up another email account that you can use for communication with your attorney. We want to make sure that all of your communication throughout the divorce process remains privileged and protected.
What is common law marriage (in Texas)?
It is quite possible to be married, even if you never had a formal marriage ceremony, you didn’t go to the courthouse, and you didn’t sign a marriage certificate! Marriage can come about by what’s called a “common law marriage.” So, if you live together, and you intended to be married, and you held yourselves out to other people as married, then you may in fact be married. That means if the marriage has come to an end, the relationship has come to an end, and you may also need a divorce in order to bring an end to that relationship. If you have any questions about whether you are married under the laws of Texas, we’d love to talk with you and help you figure out whether your next step is to file for divorce.
Do I need a premarital agreement?
If you are preparing for marriage, you may want to consider a premarital agreement as part of your marriage planning. Many people have the mistaken notion that a premarital agreement is simply planning the divorce before the marriage. And I’m going to tell you in my experience that simply isn’t the case, whether you’re in Texas or you’re in any other state, that state is going to impose rights and responsibilities with regard to your marital property. Wouldn’t you rather sit down with your intended spouse and talk about what those rights and responsibilities are, where the two of you are actually making the decisions about how you’re going to hold that property. If you own a business, if you have children from a prior marriage, if you have significant assets that you’re bringing into the marriage, or your partner has significant assets that a premarital agreement may be right for you at Hargrave Family Law, we like to work with our clients to make sure that the premarital agreement is a constructive part of marriage planning in Texas.
What grounds do I need to file for divorce (in Texas)?
In the state of Texas, couples no longer have to go through the painful process of proving grounds in order to get a divorce. In fact, Texas is a no-fault state, which means you simply have to show that the marriage has become insupportable, or in other words, the marriage is broken. Does that mean there aren’t reasons for the divorce? Of course not. There are always reasons for divorce. We no longer have to prove those reasons. At Hargrave Family Law, we know if you’ve been living in a broken marriage, it’s been a painful journey, and we want to help you bring us into that journey so you can start the next chapter of your life.
What is collaborative divorce?
A collaborative divorce allows couples who are beginning the divorce process to make the commitment to each other that they’re going to work together to resolve the issues that need to be settled. Instead of going to court and litigating the issues in front of the judge, they’re going to work with a team of dedicated professionals, including their lawyers, a mental health professional, and a financial professional who are all committed to helping them reach a final resolution. We find that our clients who engage in the collaborative divorce process enjoy the perfect privacy it provides for their families, and they enjoy the control. So there isn’t somebody else who’s making these decisions for them. And they also enjoy a stronger co-parenting relationship after the divorce is finalized.
Can I modify my custody agreement?
In the state of Texas, it is possible to modify the provisions of the original order. In order to do so, we need to show the court that there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances. This applies whenever we’re changing child support.
- If somebody’s got a new job, and they’re making a significant amount of money, then it may be time to modify.
- If a parent has moved out of state, it may be time to modify the possession schedule,
- or if the parents are no longer able to reach agreements for any number of reasons regarding important aspects of the child’s care, then again, that may be time to modify.
In order to determine whether you’re eligible for a modification, you’ll need to meet with an attorney and see if your circumstances meet the threshold requirements in order to request the court for change, or the parties may simply agree to the changes in which case most of the time, the court will adopt those changes.
Should I empty our bank account before filing for divorce?
Emptying a bank account before filing for divorce will have serious consequences and will most certainly increase the tension and conflict in your divorce process. Before taking such a step, we strongly urge you to talk with your lawyer and make sure you’ve considered all your options. What we don’t want to do is take a step early on in the process that can make negotiating a desirable settlement, more difficult, if not impossible, later on.

You should also read this post on addressing your finances in a divorce.
I’m concerned my spouse will be abusive to our kids, what can I do?
If there has been any history of abuse in your home, whether that abuse has been directed against you or your children or any other family member for that matter, you need to take steps to put a safety plan in place as you prepare to leave your marriage.

We know that the decision to divorce is a very difficult one, especially if you’ve been in an abusive relationship. We also know that there is a heightened risk associated with the decision to divorce. We’re going to help protect you and make sure that there are safety measures in place so that you don’t have to risk hurting yourself or your children in the divorce process.
I was just served divorce papers. What should I do?
Being served with divorce papers can be a scary and intimidating time for many people. Not surprisingly when it comes to questions about divorce, we get this one a lot! The first thing you need to do is simply take a breath. You’re going to be okay. Divorce is a legal proceeding. And being served with papers is simply the formal way that your spouse lets you know that he or she has initiated that process.

Second, you’re going to find in the petition that there may be standing orders or a temporary restraining order. These are important to pay attention to because they may limit what you’re able to do – with your finances, for example.

There are other guidelines that are set forth in those orders that are very important, and you need to pay attention to them. Also, there’s a timeline that comes with the service of process, and that means that you need to get an answer on file. And there also may be a hearing date that’s scheduled. The very best thing you can do right now is to pick up the phone and contact a lawyer, so you can learn more about what this means for you.
I’ve decided to file for divorce, what can I do to prepare?
If you are in a broken marriage, and you’ve decided to file for divorce, the very best thing you can do to help prepare for that divorce is to gather information. First, you’re going to want to gather information about your household finances and understand where your accounts are.

If you have a financial advisor, take time to meet with him or her. Get copies of tax returns, and now is also a great time to get a copy of your credit report. In addition to financials, you want to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself emotionally. And by that, I mean take time to do the things that you love to do, spend time with people who love and support you. And finally, when it comes to preparing for divorce, one of the most important steps you can take is to meet with a divorce lawyer who can help you plan for the divorce and make sure you understand and know all your options.
How can I tell my spouse I want a divorce?
Having decided you want a divorce, your first big challenge is how to break the news to your spouse. Check the post, Honey, I want a Divorce for tips on making the divorce conversation easier.
How long does it take to get divorced (in Texas)?
In Texas, just because you file for divorce doesn’t mean you have to get a divorce. Sometimes couples are able to reconcile in the divorce process. If that’s something that you think might be an option, we want to know that early on, so we can help you select a process that provides the space for that to happen. And we can also put you in touch with resources that we think may be helpful.

You can also read te post How long does it take to get divorced in Texas?
Can I spy on my spouse during the divorce?
Before you take any steps, to spy on your spouse, whether you are installing a GPS tracker, you’ve got keylogger software, or you have any listening devices in your home, you need to make sure you speak with a lawyer. So many of these techniques for getting information about your spouse without their permission are illegal and can actually cause harm to your legal case. We want to make sure you get all the information that you need in the legal avenues that are available so that you can have the very best outcome possible.
How can I make divorce easier on my kids?
If you are beginning the divorce process, the very best thing you can do for your children is to let them know that they are loved by you and by the other parent. Here are some tips we found to help make divorce easier on your children.
- Keep your routines as stable and steady as possible
- Remind them that they are loved by both parents and be supportive of the children’s relationship with the other parent.
- Make sure you’re not disparaging or discouraging the other parent,
- Make sure your child has time to do the things they love to do and to spend time with their friends and their family members.
- And finally, if you find that your kiddos are experiencing disruption in their sleep or eating patterns or that they’re experiencing sadness, this is a great time to get a child therapist involved to help support your child.
You should also read Breaking the News: & Tips for Telling Your Kids About Divorce and find out more information on parenting through divorce on our blog.
Can I date during my divorce?
When facing divorce, it’s understandable that you may want to move on to your next stage in life as quickly as possible. Maybe you’ve found a companion you’d like to spend time with while your divorce is concluded. Divorce attorney Jennifer Hargrave discusses the legality of dating after filing for divorce and how to tell if you are in a common-law marriage in the state of Texas.