You made it through your divorce, and a settlement has been reached. Not only does the agreement with your former spouse cover financial and property matters, but it also clearly lists out child custody and child support arrangements. Ensuring that child support payments are made consistently and on time, you insisted that each payment be withheld and automatically deducted from your former spouse’s wages. But is that possible in Texas?
Yes, child support payments can be automatically withheld from wages in Texas. That said, you may still have questions about how wage withholdings work and what parents and employers should know about the process.
The good news is that Texas law spells out clear guidelines, and a closer look will help clarify what to expect.
First Things First—What Is Wage Withholding?
Wage or income withholding is a legal process where child support payments are deducted directly from the paying parent’s paycheck. While the paying parent could theoretically write a check each month or make a bank transfer, wage withholding is a common method of child support payment in Texas and is typically included in a child support order. Wage-withholding orders are enforced unless parents agree to an alternative arrangement approved by the court.
A few benefits of child support payments being withheld from wages in Texas include the following:
- More reliable, consistent, and easier for everyone involved
- Less financial stress
- Better planning for the child’s needs
- Hassle-free way to stay on track with payments
- No missed deadlines
- Overall stability
How Exactly Are Child Support Payments Withheld from Wages in Texas?
The parent ordered to pay child support contacts the Texas Attorney General’s office to provide their employer information. Once identified, your employer will receive an “Order to Withhold Income for Child Support” from the Child Support Division. Child support payments will then be automatically deducted from their paycheck and sent to the Attorney General’s office each pay period, where the payment is processed and sent to the other parent.
It is important to note that it may take a few weeks for their employer to process the wage withholding order. In the meantime, the paying parent is still responsible for making child support payments on time.
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