How do I enforce my ex husband pay child support in California?

To enforce child support payments, typically you need a court mandated child support order that states the amount owed by the non-custodial parent. If the non-custodial parent fails to make court mandated child support payments, interest attaches to each missed payment.

Usually, child support payments are paid thru garnishing the paying spouse’s wage check, unless the court approves another payment method. Enforcing child support payments that are overdue is left to the local county child support services, which can assist in attempting to levy bank accounts or garnish the non-custodial parent’s wages until child support is paid. The court can also use their contempt power to make a parent comply with the order.

You should speak with an experienced attorney if you are unable to get your spouse to pay, as you may need to reinstitute proceedings against your ex-spouse. Furthermore, an experienced attorney can guide you in understanding your rights and best advise what methods to use in seeking enforcement of the court ordered support payments.