Does Texas Enforce Out-of-State Child Support Orders?

Trying to collect child support once a parent crosses state lines can feel like chasing smoke. Many parents worry that a court order signed in one state will fade the moment someone packs a moving van. 

At Jackman Law Firm, we specialize in family law matters, and our mission is straightforward: we advocate for parents and children who rely on stable support. In this guide, we break down how Texas handles child support orders from other states so you can see the road ahead instead of guessing in the dark.

Interstate Child Support Enforcement in Texas

Before diving into forms and filing fees, it is helpful to understand why Texas has the authority to enforce an order from another jurisdiction. Every state, Texas included, adopted the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act to make cross-border enforcement possible. UIFSA lays out rules so states can work together to set, collect, and change child support when parents live far apart.

The Texas Office of the Attorney General, often shortened to OAG, handles most interstate cases. That office can locate an absent parent, start income withholding, and send enforcement requests to sister states. Thanks to this framework, an out-of-state order does not vanish at the state line.

The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA)

UIFSA exists to keep one single, controlling support order in place for each family. Without it, courts once created several competing orders, and nobody knew which amount was right. Under Texas law, UIFSA lives in Family Code Chapter 159, and it directs courts to treat a registered foreign order exactly like an in-state judgment.

While UIFSA tackles support, a different law called the UCCJEA covers custody and visitation. Knowing which statute applies prevents filing the wrong paperwork and wasting time.

Establishing a Child Support Order Across State Lines

Parents sometimes need a new order after moving, even when they no longer share the same ZIP code. Texas can issue a first-time support order if either parent has sufficient ties to the state, such as living in the state with the child, owning property, or working for a Texas employer.

If Texas lacks personal jurisdiction over the parent who must pay, UIFSA lets Texas ask the other parent’s home state to open a case. The result is still one valid order, not two competing demands.

Registering an Out-of-State Child Support Order

Registration is the legal step that enables a Texas court to enforce an order from another state. You will need a bit of paperwork, but the process is straightforward once you have the right documents.

Before walking into the clerk’s office, gather these items:

  • A certified copy of the child support or income withholding order.
  • One plain copy of the same order.
  • A letter asking the Texas court to register and enforce the order.
  • A sworn statement that lists any unpaid support.

The Texas Family Code, section 159.602, also asks for details in that letter. Make sure you include the obligor’s name, last known address, social security number if you have it, the employer’s contact information, and a note describing any non-exempt property the parent owns in Texas.

Send or hand-deliver the packet to the district clerk in the county where the child has lived for the previous six months. Filing fees vary, so call the clerk first to budget for certified mailing or process-server costs.

Contesting the Registration

Once the clerk files the order as a foreign judgment, notice goes out to both parents. The law grants twenty days from the date of service to object. During that window, either party can ask for a hearing.

The court will uphold the registration unless one of the following claims stands up in front of the judge:

  1. The issuing court lacked jurisdiction when it signed the order.
  2. The order was vacated, paused, or changed later on.
  3. Proper notice was never given during the original case.

If no timely objection lands on the clerk’s desk, the registration becomes permanent by operation of law. After that, the order carries the same weight as any Texas judgment.

Enforcing a Registered Out-of-State Order

With registration confirmed, Texas courts have a full toolbox to collect past-due support. Methods range from automatic income withholding to more aggressive steps such as bank levies or license suspensions.

Below is a brief comparison of common enforcement tools and when they often come into play.

MethodHow It WorksTypical Trigger
Wage WithholdingEmployer deducts support from paycheckDefault remedy for current support
License SuspensionDriver, hunting, or professional license put on holdArrears equal to three months or more
Tax Refund InterceptState or federal refund applied to back supportAny certified arrears balance
Bank LevyFunds frozen and seized from a bank accountLarge arrears, usually after other tools fail
Contempt of CourtPossible fines or brief jail timeWillful refusal to pay despite ability

Most parents respond once wage withholding begins, but courts will climb the ladder if payments do not resume.

Modifying an Out-of-State Child Support Order

Life changes. Income rises or falls, kids grow older, and health issues appear. UIFSA lays out which court may modify an existing order so parents do not race each other to friendlier venues.

As long as one parent or the child still lives in the state that issued the controlling order, only that original state can change the amount. If everyone has left, jurisdiction shifts to the state where the parent who is not asking for modification now lives, once the order is registered there.

This rule prevents a game of legal tag while giving both parties fair notice of where hearings will take place.

Need Help with Interstate Child Support? Contact Us Today

Interstate child support cases involve complex rules, deadlines, and communication across state lines. At Jackman Law Firm, we regularly handle these matters with one goal in mind: ensuring fair treatment and timely support for parents and children. We prepare registration packets, represent clients in hearings, and take enforcement action when needed. If you need to modify, collect, or contest an out-of-state order, call 844-303-0001 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation. We are ready to protect your rights and help secure the support your family relies on.

Schedule a Consultation

OR CALL: 206-558-5555

Chris Jackman

Article by

Chris Jackman

Chris Jackman, founder of The Jackman Law Firm, has litigated thousands of family law cases, authored a legal book, and spoken at seminars. His firm, with offices in Washington, Texas, and Colorado, is dedicated to client advocacy and community support, donating a portion of fees to scholarships, schools, and charities. Education: Juris Doctor, Creighton University

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