KP-0494

Ken Paxton

Summary

Based on the plain text of Family Code subsection 157.318(a), child support liens on accounts with financial institutions have no uniform ending date but continue until all current support and arrearages (including interests, costs, and fees) are paid or the lien is otherwise released pursuant to Chapter 157 of the Family Code.

Family Code subsection 157.317(a-1) addresses property to which a child support lien attaches. The plain text of that subsection reveals that a lien attaches to all property of the obligor in the possession or control of a financial institution from the date the child support lien notice is delivered to the financial institution, which includes property acquired after deliver of the notice.

Compliance with a child support levy may, but does not necessarily, lead to the release of a lien.

Opinion File

kp-04941.pdf