What Happens if You Do Not Pay Child Support?

Child support payments are meant to help pay for the costs of raising a child, including helping to provide clothes, food, and shelter. Child support payments are also court-ordered, and those orders are final and legally binding. When anyone fails to make court-ordered payments, they may face serious consequences. Below, our Fort Lauderdale child support lawyer explains what these are.

Contempt of Court for Unpaid Child Support

In extreme cases, the court may also find a non-payer of child support in contempt of court. This happens most often when someone has the money to pay child support but they refuse to do so. For example, if someone quit their job to avoid wage garnishment and paying child support, they may be found in contempt of court. Contempt of court has very harsh penalties for those convicted, including jail time.  There may be other penalties for non-payment of child support, such as garnishment of tax return funds, suspension of a driver’s license, and suspension of your passport.  It’s best to deal with the issue rather than avoid it.

If you feel as though you cannot pay child support, it is still important to keep making payments until you obtain an official court order. To modify a child support order, you must show that there has been a substantial change in your circumstances that prevents you from paying the current amount.  If affordability is an issue, it is critical to consult a lawyer immediately.

Call Our Child Support Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale for Help Today 

If you feel as though you cannot pay child support, it is important to get legal advice. At Haber Blank, our Fort Lauderdale child support lawyer can guide you through the process of petitioning for a modification and help you prove your case so you obtain the most favorable outcome possible. Call us now at 954-767-0300 or contact us online to request a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Source:

flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2012/61.30