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August 12, 2026

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On behalf of The Powell Law Firm

| Family Law

The Role of the Texas Attorney General in Child Support Cases

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) Child Support Division is the official agency for child support in Texas. This means that if you have a related issue, you’ll turn to this office to help you resolve it. OAG is responsible for the establishment of child support orders, collections, distribution, and payment enforcement. If you have questions or concerns regarding child support, our experienced Pearland, TX, child support attorneys at The Powell Law Firm are here to help.

In Support of Children

While the Office of the Attorney General fills many roles, child support is a primary concern. The child support division works with parents to establish paternity and to establish, enforce, and modify child support orders. The overarching goal is to ensure that children receive the financial support that they’re entitled to from their parents.

The Matter of Paternity

If a child’s parents are not married at the time of the child’s birth, paternity must be established. When both parents are in agreement on the issue, this is a straightforward process, but when they’re not, it can become a much more complicated matter. When this is the case, OAG can help resolve paternity by filing a paternity lawsuit, which generally means ordering DNA testing. Paternity can, however, be established voluntarily with an Acknowledgment of Paternity form that is signed by both parents.

The Child Support Order

Once paternity is determined, you can turn to the Texas OAG to issue a child support order. Your order will determine the following:

  • The amount of child support that the obligor, or the parent who pays child support, is required to pay
  • The payment schedule
  • How child support will be paid

The usual payment schedule is calculated as follows:

  • For 1 child, the obligor pays 20 percent of their net income.
  • For 2 children, the obligor pays 25 percent of their net income.
  • For 3 children, the obligor pays 30 percent of their net income.
  • For 4 children, the obligor pays 35 percent of their net income.
  • For 5 children, the obligor pays 40 percent of their net income.
  • For 6 or more children, the obligor pays at least 40 percent of their net income

When circumstances call for a deviation from the normal calculation method, it must be court-ordered. Turn to a focused child support lawyer to help ensure that your children receive the support they deserve.

Enforcement of Child Support

When a parent with a child support obligation fails to make their payments, the Texas AOG has the authority to legally enforce the matter. The tools at their disposal include wage garnishment, the seizure of assets, the suspension of the obligor’s driver’s license or professional license, and even the threat of jail time.

Our Experienced Pearland Child Support Attorneys Can Help

Our trusted Pearland, TX, child support attorneys at The Powell Law Firm have the experience, legal skill, and drive to help you resolve your child support case favorably. Learn more by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 832-850-6095 today.

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