If you are owed arrears in Texas for a child who has turned 18, you may still be able to collect through a Judicial Writ of Withholding. This legal tool allows enforcement of child support arrears by garnishing the obligor’s wages or other sources of income, even after your child reaches adulthood.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What a Judicial Writ of Withholding is
• The process for obtaining one in Ward County
• How courts enforce old child support obligations
• What to do if the obligor refuses to pay

What is a Judicial Writ of Withholding?

A Judicial Writ of Withholding is a court order that directs an employer to deduct child support arrears from an individual’s paycheck. This is commonly used when a non-custodial parent has failed to meet their support obligations—even after the child turns 18.

In Texas, child support remains enforceable until paid in full, regardless of your child’s age. The Texas Family Code allows collection through wage withholding, liens, bank garnishments, and other legal actions.

Where to File for a Judicial Writ of Withholding in Ward County

In most Texas counties, these cases are handled by the District Court or the Title IV-D (Child Support) Court.

How to Obtain a Judicial Writ of Withholding for Old Child Support

1. Confirm the Amount Owed
   • Request an arrears statement from the Texas Attorney General’s Office – Child Support Division
   • Review past court orders to confirm the unpaid balance
   • Obtain payment records from the Texas State Disbursement Unit (TxCSDU)
2. File a Request with the Court

   File a Petition for Judicial Writ of Withholding with the appropriate court, including:

   • The original child support order
   • A certified arrears statement
   • Details of the obligor’s employer or income sources

   You may request assistance from the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division, but a private attorney can expedite the process.

3. Obtain a Court Hearing (If Required)

   In some cases, a hearing is required, where the obligor can contest the writ. The judge will review:

   • The child support order
   • Any payments made
   • Any valid defenses (e.g., proof of prior payments)

   If the court finds that back child support is owed, it will issue the Judicial Writ of Withholding, which will be sent to the obligor’s employer.

4. Enforce the Writ of Withholding
   • The writ is sent to the obligor’s employer for payroll deductions
   • Filed with the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit for payment processing
   • Enforced by the court—noncompliance may lead to wage garnishment, bank levies, or contempt of court penalties
5. Consider Additional Collection Methods
   • Bank levies (seizing funds from the obligor’s account)
   • Tax refund interceptions (garnishing state or federal tax refunds)
   • Property liens (on real estate or assets)
   • License suspension (driver’s/professional licenses)

What If the Other Parent Refuses to Pay?

If the Judicial Writ of Withholding does not result in full repayment, you can seek further enforcement, such as:

• Contempt of court proceedings (possible fines or jail time)
• Collection through the Texas Attorney General’s Office (seizing additional assets)
• Negotiation of a repayment plan if the obligor cannot pay in full immediately

Conclusion: Protect Your Rights to Back

If you are owed arrears in Ward County, you have strong legal options to enforce payment. The Judicial Writ of Withholding can help ensure back child support is collected—even after your child turns 18.

For help with enforcing arrears in Ward County, contact our office today. We help parents recover unpaid support and secure financial stability for their children.

Ready to get started? Call us at (713) 974-1151 or fill out our contact form.