What can happen to a parent who does not pay child support?

Failure to pay child support is not a subject that should be taken lightly. Many people are unaware that arrearages can be a ground for liens. This means that if you owe someone child support she can attach your debt to your property so that if it is ever sold she will get paid.

When individuals refuse to voluntarily pay, there are several other possible ways of obtaining payment. If an individual has a job, his wages can be garnished. He will not have any say in when or how much of his money is taken. Instead, his employer, based on instructions from the court or child support enforcement agency, will deduct a certain amount from his wages before he is paid.

It may also be possible to intercept other funds that are due to the individual before they reach him. These include state and federal tax returns, lottery winnings, and lawsuit settlements.

Individuals who do not want to pay child support may also inadvertently make the choice not to do other things… such as drive or engage in certain professions. In many states, when arrearages reach a certain amount or when a certain length of time has passed without payment, an individual’s driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses may be revoked.

Have you ever heard the saying "it’s not a crime to be in debt?" Well, that saying does not apply to child support. Paying child support begins as a civil matter but non-payment can become a criminal offense and result in incarceration.

If you are dealing with a situation where someone refuses to pay child support or you are unfairly accused of not paying, you should seek legal advice to discuss your options.