What Happens If You Don't Pay Child Support?

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Child support is a legal obligation. Failure to pay has significant consequences enforced by both state agencies and federal law.

Enforcement mechanisms:

Wage garnishment — Your employer automatically deducts child support from your paycheck.

Tax refund interception — Federal and state tax refunds can be seized to cover arrears.

License suspension — Driver's licenses, professional licenses, and recreational licenses can be suspended.

Bank account levies — Funds in your bank account can be seized.

Passport denial — Owing more than $2,500 can result in passport denial or revocation.

Credit reporting — Unpaid child support can be reported to credit bureaus, damaging your credit score.

Liens — A lien can be placed on your property, including real estate and vehicles.

Contempt of court — A judge can find you in contempt, potentially resulting in fines or jail time.

Criminal prosecution — Willful failure to pay child support is a crime in every state. Federal prosecution is possible if you owe more than $5,000 or cross state lines to avoid payment.

What to do if you cannot pay:

Do NOT simply stop paying.

File a petition for modification immediately, citing the change in circumstances.

Keep records of your efforts to find employment or the medical condition preventing work.

Continue paying whatever you can.

Arrears. Back child support does not go away — it accumulates with interest in most states and survives even bankruptcy.

This is legal information, not legal advice.