Do minors have to pay child support in Texas? Yes. In Texas, a parent can be ordered to pay child support even if that parent is under 18. But minor-parent cases often need an adult next friend to help the teen parent take part in court.
Key Takeaways
Even if a parent is under 18, Texas can still order child support, and the case may require an adult “next friend” so the teen parent can participate in court.
- A parent under 18 can still be ordered to pay child support.
- Support usually ends at 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later.
- The Texas OAG Child Support Division can help set up and enforce support.
- Not working does not automatically mean $0 support for a minor parent.
- Ignoring the case can lead to arrears, wage withholding, and license suspension.
Key Facts for Minors and Child Support in Texas
| Quick fact: What You Should Know About Child Support | What it means in real life |
|---|---|
| “Minor parent” | A parent under 18 can still be an obligor (the person who pays support). |
| “Minor child” | The child receiving support is usually under 18, and the support end date follows Texas rules. |
| Agency involved | The Texas OAG Child Support Division can help set up and enforce support. |
| Key deadline concept | Support typically ends at 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later, unless an exception applies. |
| Risk markers | No court order, unpaid support, growing arrears, wage withholding, license suspension, contempt risk. |
Micro-definitions (plain English):
- Child support: money paid to help cover a child’s basic needs, including medical support and often dental insurance.
- Court order: a judge-signed order that creates and enforces the support obligation.
- Next friend: an adult who helps protect a minor parent’s legal rights in the case.
Quick reality checks:
- Not working does not automatically mean $0 support.
- Ignoring the case is how arrears build.
How does Texas child support work when someone is a minor?
The basic steps are usually the same as adult cases. Texas ties child support to being a legal parent, not to turning 18.
In practical terms, most cases follow this path regarding the basic costs of child support in Texas:
- Confirm legal parenthood (or establish it if it is disputed).
- Get a child support order signed by a judge.
- Make support payments through the state system as required.
- Respond quickly if enforcement notices arrive or if circumstances change.
Which “minor” are you asking about?
| Path A: “I am under 18 and I am the parent.” | Path B: “My under-18 child had a baby.” |
|---|---|
| Bottom line: A court can still order you to pay child support. | Bottom line: Grandparents are not automatically ordered to pay support for a grandchild. |
| Not specified in the article | Custody and support facts can get complicated if you take over care. |
Bottom line: Grandparents are not automatically ordered to pay support for a grandchild, but custody and support facts can get complicated if you take over care.
Can a minor parent be ordered to pay child support in Texas?
Yes, a minor parent can be ordered to pay child support in Texas. Child support is tied to being a legal parent, not to turning 18.
If paternity is disputed, the case often starts by establishing the parent-child relationship. Once legal parenthood is established, the court can issue a child support order and set support payments.
Related: Child Custody Lawyer Denton County for Families
Related: How is Child Support Determined?
Related: Child Support Modifications & Enforcements
Related: How to File for Divorce in Collin County Guide
For more on custody issues that often connect to child support, see: Child Custody
How do Texas judges handle child support if the minor parent has little or no income?
Judges usually base support on the minor parent’s real income, but “no job” does not always mean $0. Courts look at net resources like pay stubs from part-time work, self-employment income, and other income sources when they apply the guideline rules.
Common examples of income courts may consider:
- Pay stubs from part-time work
- Self-employment income
- Other income sources shown in records
For more information on what happens if an ex is not paying child support, see how family law lawyers can help enforce payments.
If the teen is in school, the court may still order support, but the amount may reflect:
- Limited hours and lower wages
- Whether the teen receives help from family
- Whether the teen is choosing not to work when they reasonably could (intentional underemployment can become an issue)
Reality check: Not working does not automatically mean $0 support.
Another reality check: Ignoring the case is how arrears build. The OAG can enforce unpaid support, including license suspension in some situations.
What is a “next friend,” and why does it matter in minor-parent cases?
A “next friend” is an adult who helps a minor parent participate in the case and protect their legal rights. Under Texas procedure, minors may appear through a next friend in court matters.
A next friend often:
- Attends hearings and conferences with the minor parent
- Helps the teen understand what the judge is deciding
- Helps gather documents and keep the teen on track
A next friend does not:
- Automatically become responsible for the teen’s child support payments
- Replace a lawyer or give legal advice unless they are also an attorney
If you are dealing with a teen-parent child support case in North Texas and you want help getting the facts in front of the judge clearly, call (888) 584-9614 for a free consultation with Warren & Migliaccio, L.L.P.
When does child support end in Texas?
| Category | What the article says |
|---|---|
| Standard end date | 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later |
| Early end triggers (certain circumstances) |
|
| Exception that can extend support | Support may continue past 18 if the child has a qualifying physical or mental disability and requires substantial care. |
| Practical warnings |
|
In most situations, child support ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. Use this checklist as a quick guide:
What about medical and dental support in Texas child support orders?
Texas child support orders often include medical and dental support on top of base support. Courts may require:
- Health insurance coverage if available at a reasonable cost
- Dental insurance if available
- Reimbursement rules for uninsured expenses (often split by percentage)
- Cash medical support in some cases
This is one reason I caution families about informal “side agreements.” If a judge signs an order, the order controls.
A Personal Story from Attorney Migliaccio
Recently, I met with a 17-year-old dad who looked terrified before his first child support hearing. He worked weekends at a grocery store and was still in high school. His biggest fear was jail time, and he thought being a minor meant the judge could not order support. I explained that Texas courts can still enter a child support order, and that ignoring the case is how arrears grow fast. We brought his mother as his next friend, gathered pay stubs, and showed his class schedule. The judge set support based on his real income and included medical and dental insurance terms he could follow. When he left my office, he said he could finally breathe. Over my nearly 20 years practicing law, I have learned that a realistic plan beats panic. Every family can find a path forward.
How did a North Texas teen parent get a workable child support order?
Case Study: Securing a Workable Child Support Order for a Teen Parent
Problem: A 17-year-old father in Denton County came to us before his first child support hearing. He was in high school, worked weekends at a grocery store, and was scared that missed payments meant jail, especially after the other side pushed for $400 a month.
Action: We explained that Texas ties support to legal parenthood, not age, and brought his mother as his “next friend” so he could participate. We gathered pay stubs and his school schedule, calculated guideline support from his net resources, and presented a workable plan that included medical and dental terms.
Result: The judge set support based on his actual income, reducing the proposal from $400 to $185, and kept arrears under $500. He left with clear steps to stay current and avoid enforcement.
Takeaway: A realistic order beats panic. If you are a teen parent, do not ignore court papers. Bring a next friend, show real income, and get an order you can follow. Outcomes depend on the facts and the court.
How do we handle a minors-and-child-support case step by step in North Texas?
We follow a simple court-ready plan that keeps the case from turning into an arrears problem.
Step 1: Identify the situation and the goal
Minor parent paying support, grandparent worried about liability, or “when does child support end.”
Step 2: Confirm legal parenthood
Acknowledgment of paternity or the court process if disputed.
Step 3: Gather the right documents before court
Pay stubs, proof of school enrollment, childcare costs, and health and dental insurance info.
Step 4: Get the right case pathway
Divorce with kids, a SAPCR (custody case), or an OAG child support case. (Related: Divorce)
Step 5: Build a realistic support proposal
Guideline support baseline, medical and dental support, and a plan to avoid arrears.
Step 6: Do not ignore enforcement notices
If circumstances change, a modification is often better than falling behind.
If you want help putting that plan into action in Dallas, Collin, Denton, or Tarrant County, call (888) 584-9614 for a free consultation.
What Texas statutes and court rules control child support for minors?
Here is a short map of the main authorities discussed in this article, using a format that is easier to scan.
| Authority | What it governs | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Family Code Chapter 154 | Guidelines and framework | Tells the judge how to calculate support and include medical support. |
| Tex. Fam. Code § 154.001 discusses the legal framework regarding child support agreements in Texas. | Duty to support and common duration rules | Answers “when does it end” and ties the end date to age 18 or high school graduation. |
| Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125 | Guideline percentages based on net resources | Sets the usual starting point for the monthly amount. |
| Tex. Fam. Code § 154.006 | Termination of duty of support | Lists events that can end the support order, including marriage and military service. |
| Tex. Fam. Code § 154.302 | Support past 18 for disabled child – learn about the | Allows support to continue for a child with a qualifying disability who needs substantial care. |
| Texas Family Code Chapter 31 | Removal of disabilities of minority (emancipation) | A legal status change can affect how courts treat a “minor” in certain steps. |
| Tex. R. Civ. P. 44 | Next friend concept | A teen parent may need an adult helper to protect legal rights in court. |
| Texas Family Code Chapter 157 | Enforcement of child support | Covers enforcement tools and consequences when support is not paid. |
| Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003 | Standing to file a SAPCR | Explains who can file a parent-child relationship case. |
What mistakes do people make after reading bad internet advice about minor child support?
| Myth | What the article says is true |
|---|---|
| If I’m under 18, a judge can’t order me to pay child support. | Under Texas law, support is based on parenthood, not age. |
| If I’m in high school, child support is automatically $0. | School affects income facts, but it does not erase the obligation. |
| Grandparents automatically have to pay for the grandchild. | That is not automatic. Legal parenthood matters, and facts control. |
| Child support stops the day the child turns 18 no matter what. | It may last until high school graduation, and disability support can continue in limited cases. |
| I can just pay cash directly and it will count the same as official payments. | Untracked payments can create a fight later. |
Most problems start when people believe myths and stop taking court papers seriously.
Two warnings I give families:
- Uncredited payments can still leave you owing arrears.
- A court order controls, not verbal promises.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minors and Child Support in Texas
Teen Parents and Court Representation
Can a minor parent be ordered to pay child support in Texas, and who represents them in court?
Do minors have to pay child support in Texas? Yes. A Texas court can order child support from a parent under 18, but a minor parent usually needs an adult representative (often called a “next friend”) to participate in the case.
Texas child support is tied to legal parenthood, not age. Texas law allows courts to order either or both parents to provide financial support for their child, even when one parent is still a minor.
In many teen-parent cases, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is involved in setting up and enforcing a child support case. Because a minor may need to appear in court through an adult representative (a “next friend”), an adult is often involved so the minor’s rights are protected.” https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1457525/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-august-31-2025.pdf
A next friend typically helps the minor parent:
- Understand the child support obligation and proposed terms
- Gather proof of income and school schedule
- Show up and stay on track in court
Child Support Amounts and Enforcement for Minor Parents
How is child support calculated for a minor parent with little or no income?
- “Do minors have to pay child support in Texas?” Yes, if they are a legal parent.
- The court totals the minor parent’s net resources (income from most sources).
- The judge applies the guideline percentage to set monthly support.
Texas uses “net resources,” which can include wages, overtime, tips, commissions, and self-employment income, not just a full-time paycheck. Then the court typically applies guideline percentages (for example, 20% for one child, 25% for two, and so on).
For a teen parent still in school, the big issue is proof. Judges want real numbers so the order reflects the minor’s actual ability to provide financial support without derailing the child’s education. Courts may also scrutinize whether a parent fails to work when they reasonably could, because intentional underemployment can affect a guideline outcome.
Bring: pay stubs, work schedule, school enrollment, and insurance information.
Related: How is Child Support Determined?
A realistic order is usually better than a high number that creates arrears fast, so documentation matters more than arguments.
What happens if a minor parent ignores child support papers or falls behind on payments?
Do minors have to pay child support in Texas? Yes, and the order can be enforced even against a teen parent. If payments fall behind, the state may:
- Withhold money from wages and some benefits
- Suspend certain licenses
- Take other enforcement steps through the OAG
The fastest way a manageable case turns into a crisis is when the minor parent stops showing up or stops paying. Once a judge signs an order, missed payments become arrears (past-due child support). Those arrears do not disappear when the child turns 18. In fact, Texas guidance is clear that payments can continue after the normal end date until the debt (and interest) is paid in full.
The OAG can enforce court orders when a parent fails to meet the support obligation, and enforcement tools can expand as the balance grows.
If the teen’s situation changes, a modification case is often safer than falling behind.
Doing nothing is how a small balance becomes a long-term debt that follows the parent into adulthood.
When Child Support Ends or Extends in Texas
When does child support end in Texas if the child turns 18 but is still in high school?
Do minors have to pay child support in Texas until 18? Support usually ends when the child turns 18 or the child graduates from high school, whichever is later, and the parent’s age does not change that.
Texas recognizes that a child’s education may extend past an 18th birthday, so support can continue until the child graduates from high school. That “later of” rule often surprises parents because the calendar date matters less than whether the child graduates.
Two common problems show up in practice:
- Arrears: If the obligor is behind, withholding can continue even after the child is an adult until arrears are paid.
- Paperwork: Wage withholding does not always stop automatically. Some parents must file to end withholding once the child support obligation ends.
Before changing anything, match the order’s end date to the child’s graduation status and confirm whether arrears are still owed.
Does child support end early if the child is emancipated, married, or joins the military?
Do minors have to pay child support in Texas if the child becomes legally independent? Sometimes the child support obligation can end early if:
- The child marries
- A court removes the child’s disabilities of minority (emancipation)
- Other statutory termination events apply
Texas law lists specific events that can terminate a support order, including the child’s marriage and the removal of disabilities of minority for general purposes. Emancipation is not automatic. It is a legal process where a minor asks a court to treat them like an adult for certain purposes.
This matters because parents sometimes assume the child “moved out” or “acts like an adult,” and they stop paying. That can backfire. Courts generally expect a clear, court-recognized status change before stopping payments, especially when wage withholding is in place.
If you think a termination trigger applies, get the court paperwork first. Stopping on a guess is how arrears start.
Can child support continue past 18 for a disabled child or special needs situation?
Do minors have to pay child support in Texas past 18 if the child has a disability? In some cases, yes, because Texas courts can order indefinite support for a disabled child who needs substantial care.
Texas Family Code § 154.302 allows a court to order support for an indefinite period for a child who requires substantial care and personal supervision due to a physical or mental disability. This is different from ordinary support tied to age or when a child graduates. It focuses on the child’s ongoing well being and ability to be financially independent.
In a special needs case, courts often look for strong evidence, such as medical records, school plans, and proof of ongoing care costs. The order may also address medical and dental support alongside monthly financial support.
These cases are detail-heavy. Legal help is especially important when the parties disagree about the child’s needs or the caregiver’s role.
Do Texas parents have to pay for a child’s college education, and can an agreement require it?
Do minors have to pay child support in Texas for a child’s college education? Usually no, because Texas child support generally ends at 18 or high school graduation unless the parents’ child support agreement says otherwise.
Texas child support is typically built around supporting a child while they are a minor or finishing high school, not paying for college. That said, parents can still negotiate college-related terms in a divorce or parenting settlement. The key is that it must be written, clear, and incorporated into enforceable paperwork, not a vague promise.
We also see confusion when people mix “child’s education” expenses (like tutoring or private school) with college. A judge may consider proven needs in some situations, but college costs are not automatically part of guideline support.
If college support matters to your family, address it before the final order is signed so it does not turn into a fight years later.
Get Help With a Minor-Parent Child Support Case in North Texas
If you are a teen parent facing a child support case, or you are a parent trying to help your child respond to OAG paperwork, it is important to act early so the order reflects real income and does not turn into arrears. Our Lead Counsel Verified family law team at Warren & Migliaccio, L.L.P. helps North Texas families in Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Tarrant counties, and we have handled child support matters since 2006. For a free consultation, call (888) 584-9614.
Legal Authorities For Texas Child Support
These sources back up the rules on support, duration, emancipation, enforcement, and agency guidance. They also help you confirm what applies to your situation and avoid bad advice online.
Legal Authorities (Endnotes)
- Texas Family Code, Chapter 154 and § 154.001 (Texas Constitution and Statutes, Texas Legislature website).
- Texas Family Code, Chapter 31 (Removal of Disabilities of Minority) (Texas Constitution and Statutes, Texas Legislature website).
- Texas Family Code § 154.302 (Support for Minor or Adult Disabled Child) (Texas Legislature and secondary code publishers).
- Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 44 (Texas Courts PDF).
- Texas Family Code Chapter 157 (Enforcement of Child Support) (Texas Legislature website).
- Office of the Texas Attorney General, Child Support Enforcement resources (license suspension and enforcement tools).
- TexasLawHelp.org, “Child Support in Texas” (as presented in the provided materials).
- TexasLawHelp.org, “How to Stop Child Support Withholding” (as presented in the provided materials).
- Texas Office of the Attorney General, Wage Withholding information (as presented in the provided materials).
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading this article or contacting our law office does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every family law case is different, and outcomes depend on the facts and the court.
