GET CHILD SUPPORT SAFELY
This initiative provides a safe space for parents to access legal and financial resources, ensuring the well-being of their children without compromising their safety. The Office of the Attorney General Child Support Division seeks to provide information and assist parents to navigate the child support process safely and with confidence.
Our Mission
Helping family violence survivors determine if and how they can pursue child support safely.
Our Background
The Office of the Attorney General Child Support Division and the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) established a collaboration in 2008 to bring awareness to survivors and advocates concerning the child support process.
Our Work
The Child Support Division’s focus is to be a helpful resource, build partnerships and work with public, private and non-profit organizations to achieve safe and timely services throughout the child support process.
Build Partnerships Collaboration Training Presentations Publications
We continue to raise family violence awareness within the Child Support Division and expand our relationships with state and local community partners.
Additional Information
Helping family violence survivors determine if and how they can pursue child support safely and maintain economic stability.
Build Partnerships
Identify and support local, statewide, and national opportunities.
Collaboration
Support and collaborate between the Child Support Division, courts, and family violence programs.
Trainings
Provide support to develop family violence training material for child support staff.
Presentations
Conduct presentations on the intersection of family violence and child support.
Publications
Develop and distribute informational material on how to get child support safely.
Applying for Child Support Through the Office of the Attorney General
You can apply in person at a child support office, online, or call (800)252-8014 to request that an application be mailed to you. If you have safety concerns or a history of family violence, answer “yes” to the “Important Safety Information” section in the application.
Applying for or Receiving TANF or Adult Medicaid
In order to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or adult Medicaid, you must provide information about the other parent to your HHSC eligibility worker AND you will be required to cooperate with the Child Support Division in obtaining child, medical and dental support from the other parent of your child(ren), unless you are granted a Good Cause Waiver from this requirement.
Receiving Services Because the Other Parent has Applied for Child Support
If you receive notice of a case because the other parent has applied for child support services, be sure to report family violence to the Child Support Division as soon as possible by contacting the statewide child support call center (800)252-8014 or chat. The child support process can move quickly, so it is important to let the Child Support Division know about your safety concerns immediately.
Preparing for the Court Process
Keep in mind that even though the Child Support Division will take steps to keep parents separated during court, you may still see the other parent. If an in-person hearing is required, you may have to stand before the judge near the other parent or participate in a virtual environment where the other parent may also be present.
Following or Modifying a Child Support Order
Both parents must comply with the court’s order. This means that the person ordered to pay child support must pay child support and the person with primary custody must allow any visitation that is ordered. However, the Child Support Division cannot enforce or modify the visitation that is ordered.