Texas Laws on Retroactive Child Support The state's laws permit retroactive child support, typically up to four years prior to the filing of a child support claim. These laws are structured to ensure that children receive the necessary support retrospectively if it was not provided initially.
Under Texas law (Texas Family Code – FAM § 154.131), the custodial parent has four years after the date of the child's 18th birthday to file a claim.
Statute of Limitations Table SituationTimeframe to Seek Overdue Support Child support order in place 10 years after the child turns 18 No child support order in place 4 years after the child turns 18
There are only two ways a child support order can be changed: An in-office negotiation — known as the Child Support Review Process (CSRP) Court hearing.
Child custody agreements can be made through informal negotiations that are conducted between parents and other parties through an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). It's an emerging concept that covers a number of situations where disputes between parties can be resolved without going through a lengthy trial.
Texas employs several methods to enforce child support payments and address back child support. These mechanisms include income withholding, intercepting tax refunds, suspending licenses, and, in extreme cases, jail time for non-compliance.
Chapter 161 of the Texas Family Code governs procedures for both voluntary and involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship. When this process is voluntary, it is often referred to as "relinquishment." A court can also order the termination of rights, which is involuntary.
The easiest way for grandparents to be awarded custody is for the child's parent to sign a power of attorney giving the grandparents the right to decide where the child lives and to make important decisions for the child.
A parent can sign an “authorization agreement” form to give a nonparent the authority to care for and make decisions for a child. An authorization agreement lets a nonparent make decisions for a child without going to court.
How do I prove an unfit parent in Texas? To prove a parent unfit for custody in Texas, evidence of domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, child neglect, felonious behavior, parental alienation, sexual abuse, or many other behaviors that put the child at risk of harm must be provided.