Collecting From A Bank Account
Collecting Unpaid Child Support from a Bank Account in Texas
When child support goes unpaid, custodial parents often wonder what options are available to recover the money owed. One of the most effective enforcement tools under the Texas Family Code is seizing funds directly from the non-custodial parent’s bank account. At Child Support 2 Collect, we guide parents through this process and take the necessary steps to ensure arrears are collected quickly and legally.
How Bank Account Seizure Works
Texas law allows for the seizure of funds in a bank account when a parent has past-due child support. This is done through a legal process called a child support lien. Once a lien is in place, it authorizes the collection of funds held in financial institutions to satisfy unpaid support (Tex. Fam. Code § 157.317).
Steps to Collect Child Support from a Bank Account
At Child Support 2 Collect, we follow a structured process to help custodial parents recover unpaid support through bank account enforcement:
1. Review of Court Orders and Arrears
We begin by reviewing your existing child support order, payment history, and calculating the total arrears owed. This ensures the amount being collected is accurate and enforceable.
2. Locating Bank Accounts
Using advanced investigative tools, we identify where the non-custodial parent holds financial accounts. This may include checking, savings, or other deposit accounts.
3. Filing a Child Support Lien
Under Tex. Fam. Code § 157.312, a lien can be filed against a parent’s bank account for unpaid child support. Once filed, this lien attaches to the funds in the account.
4. Notice to Financial Institution
The lien is then served to the bank or credit union where the account is held. At this point, the institution must freeze the funds in the account up to the amount of past-due support.
5. Seizure and Payment of Funds
After proper notice and compliance with the law, the funds are seized from the account and applied toward the unpaid support balance.
6. Continued Monitoring
Bank account seizures are highly effective, but child support enforcement often requires ongoing action. We continue monitoring the case and pursue additional enforcement measures if necessary.
Why Work with Child Support 2 Collect?
While Texas law provides powerful enforcement tools, the process of collecting child support from a bank account can be complex. At Child Support 2 Collect, we handle every step of the process, from locating accounts to filing liens and working with financial institutions. Our persistence ensures that custodial parents are not left waiting for payments that may never come without action.
"My children were 47, 45 and 43 years old. I had not received a payment for 25 years. My ex-husband passed away and I had always thought his children would inherit from him. He did not have them in his Will and I had finally had enough. I hired Child Support 2 Collect and within 14 days they froze his bank accounts. I collected $166,736.84. I would recommend them to anyone who is owed money. They really know what they are doing and they have changed my life."
— Mary Day
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Collecting Child Support from Bank Accounts in Texas
Can child support take money directly from a bank account in Texas?
Yes. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 157.317, child support liens may be filed against bank accounts. Once filed, the financial institution is required to freeze funds and release them toward unpaid child support.
Do I need a court order to seize funds from a bank account?
A child support order and past-due balance are required, but a new court hearing is not always necessary. A properly filed lien allows collection directly from a financial institution.
Can all types of bank accounts be seized for child support?
Most deposit accounts, such as checking and savings accounts, can be seized. However, certain protected funds, like Social Security benefits, may be exempt.
How long does it take to collect child support from a bank account?
Once a lien is filed and served to the bank, funds can typically be frozen and applied within weeks, depending on the institution’s processing timeline.
What if the parent has no money in their account?
If the account has insufficient funds, the lien will remain in place and may capture future deposits. Additional enforcement tools, such as wage garnishment or license suspension, can also be used.