How do I open a child support case?

Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.

Can I modify my child support order?

Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.

What happens if I can't pay?

Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.

How is the amount calculated?

Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.

Child Support in Texas

7 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Texas

Texas district courts hear family matters across its 254 counties, with many urban counties operating dedicated family courts. The Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division runs enforcement statewide. Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth are the largest metros. Texas Legal Services Center, Lone Star Legal Aid, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid cover the state.

7 Resources

1. Texas OAG Child Support Division — Free

The primary state agency responsible for establishing, collecting, and enforcing child support orders statewide. Assists both custodial and noncustodial parents with opening cases, locating parents, establishing paternity, and collecting payments. Call (800) 252-8014 Monday through Friday 8 AM–5 PM; automated line available 24/7. Visit childsupport.oag.texas.gov to manage your case online. Free for all Texas parents regardless of income.

(800) 252-8014 · P.O. Box 12017, Austin, TX 78711 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; automated line 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Texas Child Support Online Portal — Free

Official portal for managing child support cases online. View payment history, update contact information, request services, and access case details. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish at childsupport.oag.texas.gov. Create a free account using your Social Security number and case number. Noncustodial parents can view payment records, request income withholding reviews, and submit modification requests directly through the portal without calling the office.

(800) 252-8014 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Texas Monthly Child Support Calculator — Free

Official OAG calculator estimating monthly obligations based on Texas guidelines using percentage of noncustodial parent's net monthly resources. Net resource cap is

1,700/month as of Sept 2025. Texas uses a flat percentage: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 30% for 3, 35% for 4, 40% for 5+. Use the calculator to estimate payments before your hearing and prepare financial documentation. Available online at no cost 24/7.

(800) 252-8014 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Texas OAG — Houston Regional Office — Free

Multiple Houston-area child support offices serving Harris County. Open new cases, enforce existing orders, assist with paternity, and process modifications. Walk-ins accepted; appointments recommended. Call (800) 252-8014 to reach the nearest Houston-area office. Bring proof of income, your child's birth certificate, existing court orders, and photo ID. OAG staff can initiate income withholding, license suspension, and contempt enforcement on delinquent orders.

(800) 252-8014 · 450 N Sam Houston Pkwy E, Suite 190, Houston, TX 77060 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Texas Child Support Modification Request — Free

Request a review if your order is at least 3 years old or there's been a material change in circumstances such as job loss, income change, or new children. Submit online at no cost through childsupport.oag.texas.gov. An informal agreement does NOT legally change the order — only a court-approved modification is enforceable. Call (800) 252-8014 or log in to your OAG account to begin the review process without hiring an attorney.

(800) 252-8014 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Texas Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) — Free

Allows unmarried biological fathers to voluntarily establish paternity by signing an AOP form at the hospital after birth or at an OAG office later. Gives the child legal rights to the father's benefits, inheritance, and medical history. AOP Hotline assists with special circumstances. Once signed, fathers gain rights to seek custody and visitation. Call (800) 255-2667 or visit texasattorneygeneral.gov for AOP forms and instructions.

(866) 255-2006 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. NCP Choices — Noncustodial Parent Employment Program — Free

Joint program of Texas OAG and TWC helping unemployed/underemployed noncustodial parents find stable work. Job search assistance, skills training, GED/ESL classes, and job placement support included. Program helps participants get and keep jobs so they can meet child support obligations and avoid enforcement actions. Call your local Workforce Solutions center or OAG child support office to ask about NCP Choices enrollment in your area. Free to participants.

(800) 628-5115 · 101 E 15th St, Austin, TX 78778 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?: Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?: Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?: Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?: Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.