Texas parents who think they can get away with not paying child support to ex-partners might want to think again. During the week of April 7, 2013, the Cameron County Sheriff's Department arrested 34 parents in violation of child support court orders. 

The Texas Attorney General's Office worked closely with Cameron County to locate and focus on individuals with arrest warrants for failure to pay child support. Most of these parents face civil charges for their failure to follow court orders. In a statement, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott expressed gratitude to the Cameron County Sheriff, saying that non-custodial parents have "a moral and legal obligation" to make child support payments.

How the sweep happened

On Tuesday, April 9 at 5 in the morning, the Cameron County Sheriff dispatched two teams of deputies to arrest parents before they left their homes for work. All of the parents were rounded up that morning thanks to logistical assistance and information from the Attorney General's Child Support Division.

A press release from the Attorney General's Office indicated that delinquent parents with civil warrants out for their missed payments could face up to six months in jail. They would also be required to pay all back payments in the form of cash bonds to custodial parents. It also suggested that all other delinquent parents with warrants out for their arrest should contact the Cameron County Sheriff's Department to make any back payments or risk the "embarrassment of arrest" at work or at home.

Child support in Texas

According to the Texas Attorney General's Office, more than $3.4 billion was collected in child support funds across the state in the fiscal year ending August 31, 2010. According to a 2010 report in the Dallas News, Texas has one of the highest rates of child support collection for money spent. Nearly $10 was collected for every $1 spent by the state on collection procedures in the 2009 fiscal year. This figure is more than double the national average of $4.73. 

However, Texas parents also owe quite a bit of child support, with more than $13 billion in delinquent funds. Compared to other states, this amount is rising much more quickly. Some critics of Texas' child support collection practices also note that noncustodial parents often end up waiting so long to receive delinquent payments that they simply write off the debt owed to them.

If you need assistance with child support enforcement in Texas, consult with a family lawyer. A qualified Texas family lawyer can also help you or your ex-partner modify child support agreements.