Ex parte Howell

OPINION

OLIVER-PARROTT, Chief Justice.

Relator, Thomas Keith Howell, was found in contempt for failing to pay child support and ordered confined for 180 days in the Harris County jail. He brings this original habeas corpus proceeding to challenge the order of commitment dated November 12, 1992.

*242Dana Lynn Howell and Thomas Keith Howell divorced on July 21, 1988.1 The fourth page of the final decree of divorce provided:

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that Thomas Keith Howell shall pay to Dana Lynn Howell child support of $250.00 per month, in two installments per month of $125.00 each, with the first…