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Many noncustodial parents believe that having a seri-
ous reason for falling behind on their child support
payments will allow the court to dismiss their past-due
support, once they explain what happened. This is not
true. If a major life event affects your ability to pay child
support, notify the court and the child support office
immediately. Do not wait to explain your changed
circumstances, because the court will not reduce or
reimburse past-due child support payments.
Are there any services available to help me get a job
so that I can pay my child support?
Yes, the Texas Workforce Commission provides skills
training and job placement services. At your request,
the child support agency can also refer you to education
and literacy classes as well as counseling services for
substance abuse and parenting skills.
If the child’s other parent interferes with visitation,
may I refuse to pay court-ordered child support?
No. You must pay your court-ordered child support regard-
less of whether you have access to your child for visitation.
If you need assistance seeing your child, contact the
Texas Access and Visitation Hotline (866)-292-4636,
Monday - Friday, 1–7 p.m.
How does not paying my child support affect my right
to see my child?
Legally, child support and visitation are separate issues.
This means you have the right to see your child even if
you are not paying child support. At the same time, if you
are not seeing your child, you must continue to pay child