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All states have enforcement tools to collect child support from noncustodial parents who have fallen behind in their payments. Once such tool is license suspensions, which has proven to be very effective. The types of licenses that are generally affected include driver licenses, professional licenses, occupational licenses, and recreational licenses (e.g. hunting and fishing licenses), however, the trigger criteria varies from state to state.
When we say “trigger criteria,” we’re referring to the amount of money a parent must owe in child support before their licenses are suspended or revoked. Here in Texas, the state laws addressing license suspensions for past-due child support can be found in Sections 232.001 through 232.010 of the Texas Family Code.
Which Licenses Are Suspended in Texas?
In Texas, the following types of licenses can be suspended when a parent falls too far behind on child support:
- Business licenses
- Driver licenses
- Occupational licenses
- Professional licenses
- Recreational licenses
“At what point is a noncustodial parent’s licenses suspended for child support arrears in Texas?” The delinquency threshold in Texas is arrears that meet or exceed three months or more. So, if you owe at least three months of child support, your licenses are at risk.
If you’re falling behind on child support, you should receive a notice in the mail that allows you to request a hearing. Such notices provide obligors the opportunity to make payments toward their past-due child support through a court-ordered repayment plan or schedule. If you enter into such an agreement and you fail to comply with the schedule, it will trigger the license suspension process.
Get Over 5 Decades of Collective Experience on Your Side
License suspensions can wreak havoc on a noncustodial parent. They can make it difficult for the parent to drive to and from work and in respect to professional and occupational license suspensions, the parent can lose their ability to earn income and pay their child support arrears.
If you’re dealing with an issue regarding child support arrears and now your licenses are threatened, contact the Law Firm of Johnson & Gaskill PLLC for professional legal assistance. We would be happy to help you find a resolution.