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6) If my spouse and I agree, can we change the amount or eliminate child support?

Answer:

The court views child support as a benefit to the child and is very

reluctant to eliminate or modify child support without a substantial

change in circumstances. Generally speaking, the court will not

agree to eliminate child support unless some other person agrees

to take over the obligation.

7) I think I owe back child support. How can I find out and what happens to me if I don't pay it?

Answer:

When you were originally ordered to pay child support through the

State of Texas Child Support Office, you were given a case number.

You can determine the status of your child support account by

contacting the Child Support Office. If you fail to pay court ordered

child support in Texas, you may be sent to prison!

8) Can I just give my spouse money for the child? Why do I want to go through the Texas State Child Support Agency?

Answer:

The only way to prove that the money you gave your spouse was for child

support, and not some other reason, is to go through the State Agency.

Informal payments, while probably appreciated, will not be credited to

you as child support unless it goes through the child support office.

Once an account is set up, your child support obligation is

automatically deducted from your pay and sent to the agency then

on to your spouse. The Agency keeps excellent records and has

proof that child support was paid. We highly recommend paying

child support through the state agency.

9) What happens if I lose my job or my pay changes significantly, or something else happens where I can't meet my child support obligation?

Answer:

Provided the change in circumstances has significantly changed, the

court may issue a modification order changing the amount of child

support to be paid. A hearing in the court that ordered the child

support will usually hear testimony and make the determination if the

change in circumstances is sufficient to change the amount of

child support.