About the Child Support Program
As the official child support enforcement agency for the State of Texas, the Office of the Attorney General provides services for parents who wish to obtain or provide support for their children.
The Child Support Division determines, on a case-by-case basis, which of the child support services listed below are appropriate:
- Locating the absent parent
- Establishing paternity
- Establishing and enforcing child support orders
- Establishing and enforcing medical support orders
- Reviewing and adjusting child support payments
- Collecting and distributing child support payments
The Office of the Attorney General provides parents with a full range of child support services at no cost. The services are required by federal law and funded by the federal government and the State of Texas.
Child Support Division Mission Statement
The Attorney General's Child Support Division has a responsibility to assist parents in obtaining the financial support necessary for children to grow up and succeed in life. To encourage parental responsibility, the Attorney General establishes paternity of children, establishes court orders for financial and medical support and vigorously enforces support orders. The Attorney General promotes the emotional involvement of both parents in the life of the child by working with community groups, schools and hospitals. Attorney General employees will perform their duties in an efficient manner to minimize taxpayer expense and in a friendly fashion to maximize customer satisfaction.
All activities conducted within the Child Support Division, whether projects or ongoing functions, are designed to support the priorities of:
- Children;
- Collections; and,
- Customer services.
Rights of the Parent
- Expect that personal information will be kept confidential, including your physical address
- Obtain timely and professional customer service
- Submit a written complaint or inquiry concerning your case
Responsibilities of the Parent
- Complete documents
- Appear in court
- Provide support for your child
- Notify the Office of the Attorney General of address and phone changes
In accordance with state and federal law, the Office of the Attorney General is responsible for the establishment and enforcement of child support. The Office of the Attorney General represents the state and cannot represent individuals involved in child support claims.
For more information about child support services, please call the Office of the Attorney General, Child Support Division at 1-800-252-8014 or contact the child support office nearest you.
