Texas parents with unpaid child support could now face a serious new consequence. The federal government has expanded child support enforcement and may revoke passports for parents with overdue child support balances. In the past, parents could be denied a new passport or renewal. Now, active passports may also be taken away.[1]

For many people, losing a passport can impact work travel, vacations, family visits, and other important plans. Once a case is reported for enforcement, resolving the issue can take time.

Texas already has strict child support enforcement laws. Parents behind on payments may also face wage garnishment, suspended licenses, frozen bank accounts, and other penalties including jail.[2]

The passport restriction is authorized under federal law. Under 42 U.S.C. sec. 652(k), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services certifies cases to the State Department for passport denial or revocation when a parent owes more than $2,500 in child support arrears.[3] Once certified, the parent must satisfy the debt or enter into a payment agreement before passport privileges can be restored.

What Should You Do If You Owe Child Support?

If you are behind on child support payments, acting quickly is important. Many parents wait until enforcement actions begin before seeking legal help, but early action may provide more options.

At Cutrer Law Group, we help Texas parents:

  • Request child support modifications
  • Review outdated or unfair court orders
  • Correct payment errors
  • Negotiate manageable payment solutions
  • Respond to child support enforcement actions

Our team understands that financial situations can change due to job loss, medical issues, or unexpected life events. We work closely with clients to find practical legal solutions that protect their future and reduce stress. If your circumstances have changed, a modification to your child support order may be an option worth exploring.

Under Tex. Fam. Code sec. 156.401, a child support order may be modified if there has been a material and substantial change in the circumstances of the child or a person affected by the order since it was last established.[4] A significant drop in income, a medical hardship, or a change in the child’s needs may all qualify. The key is acting before arrears accumulate to the point where enforcement actions have already begun.

How Texas Calculates Child Support

Texas uses a percentage-of-income model to calculate child support obligations. Under Tex. Fam. Code sec. 154.125, guideline amounts are based on the paying parent’s net monthly resources: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five or more.[5]

Understanding how your obligation was originally calculated is an important first step. If your income has changed significantly since the order was entered, the current amount may no longer reflect your actual financial situation, and a modification may be appropriate.

Why Choose Cutrer Law Group?

When child support issues threaten your finances, travel rights, and peace of mind, having the right legal team matters. Cutrer Law Group provides experienced, responsive representation for Texas families facing difficult situations. We focus on clear communication, strong advocacy, and personalized legal strategies designed to help clients move forward with confidence.

Our office serves families throughout Hurst and the surrounding Tarrant County area. Meet our board-certified family law attorney and learn how her Texas Board of Legal Specialization credential shapes every case we handle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Texas revoke your passport for unpaid child support?

Yes. Under federal law, the U.S. Department of State can deny or revoke a passport if you owe $2,500 or more in child support arrears. This applies to both new passport applications and passports that have already been issued.

Ignoring child support enforcement in Texas can lead to serious consequences including wage garnishment, suspended driver’s and professional licenses, frozen bank accounts, passport revocation, and in some cases jail time.

Yes. If your financial situation has changed significantly due to job loss, illness, or another major life event, you may be eligible to request a modification of your existing child support order. Texas courts consider a material and substantial change in circumstances when evaluating modification requests.

Speak With a Texas Child Support Attorney Today

If you are facing child support enforcement or passport problems in Texas, contact Cutrer Law Group today to learn how we can help protect your rights and your future.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State — Child Support and Passport Denial | https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/legal-matters/child-support.html

[2] Texas Attorney General — How We Enforce Child Support | https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support/child-support-enforcement/how-we-enforce

[3] 42 U.S.C. sec. 652(k) — Passport Denial for Child Support Arrear | https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section652&num=0&edition=prelim

[4] Tex. Fam. Code sec. 156.401 — Modification of Child Support Order | https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.156.htm

[5] Tex. Fam. Code sec. 154.125 — Child Support Guidelines | https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.154.htm