How to Enforce a Custody or Support Order in Texas

When a court in Texas signs a child custody or support order, it isn’t just a suggestion—it is a legally binding mandate. However, at Lundberg Law, we frequently see clients who are frustrated because the other parent is simply not following the rules. Whether they are withholding visitation or failing to pay child support, the stress of non-compliance can be overwhelming.

In Texas, “enforcement” is the legal mechanism used to hold a party accountable for violating a court order. If you are dealing with a co-parent who treats the Standard Possession Order as optional, here is what you need to know about enforcing your rights in 2026.

Enforcing Child Custody and Visitation

In the legal world, custody is referred to as “conservatorship,” and the schedule is called “possession and access.” When a parent denies you your court-ordered time, you have the right to file a Motion for Enforcement.

The Importance of Documentation

To win an enforcement case, you must prove a specific violation occurred. We always advise our clients to keep a detailed log. If you arrive at the exchange location and the other parent is not there, do not just leave.

• Get a Receipt: Buy a pack of gum or a water bottle at a nearby gas station to create a time-stamped record of your presence.
• Save Communications: Keep texts or emails where the other parent refuses the visit.
• Avoid “Self-Help”: Never withhold child support because you were denied visitation. In the eyes of a Texas judge, these are two separate issues, and “eye for an eye” tactics can get you in legal trouble.

Potential Remedies for Custody Violations

If the court finds that the other parent willfully violated the order, the judge has several tools to fix the situation:

1. Make-up Visitation: The court can order additional days to compensate you for the time you lost.
2. Contempt of Court: This is the most serious remedy. A judge can fine the other parent or even sentence them to jail for up to six months per violation.
3. Attorney’s Fees: Often, the court will order the violating parent to pay your legal fees and court costs.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

If you are the “obligee” (the person receiving support) and the “obligor” has stopped paying, you don’t have to wait for the Office of the Attorney General to take action. While the state can help, their caseload is massive, and private enforcement is often much faster.

Tools for Collecting Unpaid Support

Texas law provides aggressive ways to collect “arrearages” (back-pay). These include:

• Wage Withholding: We can request a court order that directs the employer to deduct the support directly from the obligor’s paycheck.
• License Suspension: If the parent is significantly behind, the state can suspend their driver’s license, professional licenses, or even hunting and fishing licenses.
• Property Liens: We can place a lien on the non-paying parent’s non-homestead property or assets.
• Money Judgments: The court can “confirm” the total amount of back child support owed, which then earns interest at a rate of 6% annually.

The 2026 Legal Landscape

As of 2026, Texas has implemented stricter training requirements for child custody evaluators and enhanced protections for parental rights. It is more important than ever to ensure your motions are drafted with precision. A “vague” order is often unenforceable; for a judge to hold someone in contempt, the original order must have stated exactly what was to be done, when, and where.

If your current order is too confusing to enforce, we may need to look at a Motion to Clarify alongside the enforcement action to ensure the rules are crystal clear moving forward.

Take Action to Protect Your Family

You shouldn’t have to beg for the time or financial support that a judge already granted you. At Lundberg Law, we understand the nuances of the Ellis County court system and how to effectively navigate the local rules in Midlothian and Waxahachie. Whether you need to file a motion for contempt or simply need help clarifying a messy possession schedule, our team is here to provide the firm, empathetic representation you deserve.

Don’t let another month go by without the support or time your child needs. Click here to schedule a free consultation or call 972-775-3500 now to speak with our team.