Child support obligations should not be ignored. Failing to pay child support can result in penalties for the nonpaying parent and negative consequences for the child. Parents in Florida should be familiar with how child support is enforced and legal resources that might be available if they need to modify their child support.
Enforcement of child support obligations
There are several methods of child support enforcement that may be brought to bear against a parent who fails to pay their child support. Child support is intended for the support and care of the child and it is important that they receive it.
Child support can also become a contentious issue between parents, which is why the family law system also serves as a resource to help parents who want to see if they can modify their child support order.
For a parent who fails to pay their child support, an income withholding letter may be sent to their employer so that their income is withheld to cover child support obligations.
In addition, other income sources may also be collected or intercepted including tax refunds and workers’ compensation benefits. Past due child support may also be collected from bank accounts and past-due child support obligations may be reported to credit agencies.
In addition, liens can be placed on cars and boats for child support that is past due. Licenses, including driver’s, professional and recreational can also be suspended for past-due child support. Court actions can potentially be taken against the nonpaying parent, which can result in contempt of court proceedings and other possible penalties and consequences.
Failing to pay your child support is serious, which is why parents on both sides of a child support order should know how child support is enforced and other legal remedies that may be available to them.