Why Must I Pay Support If I'm Not Allowed Visitation?

You must pay your court-ordered child support regardless of whether you have access to the child for visitation.

Child support and visitation are separate issues. Your not paying child support should not affect your ability to see your child. When faced with the question of whether or not to allow you to see your child, a court will only be concerned with the best interest of the child. There are many penalties that the court will likely apply to you for not paying child support. Some of these penalties include: posting your picture in private and public locations and in the news, revoking your driver's license, taking your tax refunds, denying occupational licenses, denying you state loans or grants, referring you to private collection agencies, reporting you to a consumer reporting agency, or placing you in jail.

Another Texas penalty for not paying child support is that you will be required to pay interest at the rate of 6 percent per year on any past-due child support. Before January 1, 2000, any parent who was late in paying court-ordered child support was charged 12 percent per year.

From the Texas Q and A Handbook for Non-Custodial Parents, Office of John Cornyn, Texas Attorney General