What happens when a parent refuses to financially support their child after separation or divorce? Unfortunately, it’s more common than many realize. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only about 44% of custodial parents receive the full amount of child support owed to them. This gap in payments leaves many children without the resources they need for food, clothing, housing, education, and healthcare.
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we understand how stressful and unfair it is when a parent ignores court-ordered child support. As a trusted family law firm, we work with families to pursue accountability, fairness, and enforcement when support obligations are not met. If you’re looking for an experienced child support lawyer who takes action, we’re here to help.
In this article, we’ll explain how child support enforcement works, what legal tools the courts use to hold non-paying parents accountable, and what your options are if you need to modify an existing order.
What Is Child Support Enforcement?
Child support enforcement refers to the legal processes and tools used by courts and government agencies to make sure non-custodial parents meet their financial obligations to their children. Once a support order is issued by a judge, both parents are legally bound to follow it. If payments are missed or stop entirely, enforcement actions can be triggered—automatically in some cases, or through a legal request by the other parent.
How Courts Make Sure Child Support Is Paid
The legal system offers several enforcement methods to ensure a parent pays the support they owe. These measures aim to secure the financial well-being of the child while holding the responsible party accountable. Here’s how enforcement typically works:
1. Tax Refund Intercepts
If a parent owes back support (also known as arrears), their federal or state tax refund can be seized and redirected to cover the unpaid amount.
2. License Suspension
Failure to comply with support orders can result in:
- Suspension of a driver’s license
- Suspension of professional or recreational licenses (e.g., business, medical, hunting)
- This pressure often compels payment, especially for individuals who rely on a license for their livelihood.
3. Contempt of Court
When a parent continues to ignore a court order:
- The other parent can file a motion for contempt.
- If found in contempt, the non-paying parent could face fines or even jail time.
- This is usually a last resort but a very real possibility under the law.
4. Liens and Property Seizure
The court may place a lien on the non-paying parent’s property, bank accounts, or other assets. In some cases, assets can be seized and sold to cover unpaid support.
5. Passport Denial
If more than $2,500 in child support is owed, the federal government may deny the parent a passport or refuse to renew it.
What Happens If Circumstances Change?
Sometimes, a parent’s financial situation shifts due to job loss, disability, or other life changes. In these cases, the right step is not to stop paying but to request a child support modification through the court.
A judge can review the situation and determine whether to adjust the payment amount. Until a modification is legally approved, the original order remains in effect and enforceable. Parents who stop paying without court approval risk serious legal consequences—even if their intentions were based on hardship.
When You Should Take Action
It’s important not to wait if support payments stop or are consistently late. The longer enforcement is delayed, the harder it becomes to recover owed amounts. Courts and agencies can work to collect back pay, but interest may accrue, and enforcement options become more limited over time.
Signs you may need legal help with enforcement:
- Missed or late payments over several months
- A co-parent refusing to pay altogether
- Difficulty navigating the legal system or dealing with enforcement agencies
- Need for child support modification due to a major life change
The Legal System Is on Your Side—But You Don’t Have to Face It Alone
Are you struggling with missed support payments and don’t know where to turn? The good news is that the law is built to protect your child’s right to financial stability—but taking legal action is often necessary to make that protection a reality.
That’s where we come in. At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we help parents fight for what their children are owed. Whether you need help with child support enforcement, want to initiate child support modification, or need guidance from an experienced child support attorney, our firm is ready to advocate for you. With extensive experience as a child support lawyer in Houston, we know how to work through the legal system efficiently, professionally, and aggressively when needed.
Reach out today to speak with a team that understands your rights, your responsibilities, and how to ensure your child receives the financial support they deserve. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders—so you can focus on what matters most: your family