The State of Florida takes a parent’s obligation to their child very seriously. It has numerous ways to compel a parent to pay child support, with or without the parent’s willing consent. For this reason, missing a payment is much worse than missing a car payment. In this article, the Tampa, FL child support attorneys at Westchase Law, P.A. will discuss how the court handles parents who miss child support payments.
Consequences for missing a child support payment
In Florida, much is determined by the parent’s attitude toward child support payments. If the parent has been making payments properly, misses a single payment, and explains the matter to the court, they may not face any of the most serious consequences the court can levy against a non-paying parent. However, if the court believes that the parent is willfully refusing to pay child support, that’s another matter entirely and allows the court to take more aggressive measures against the non-paying parent. The following is a list of potential consequences a non-paying parent can face:
- Florida imposes interest on unpaid child support
The State of Florida will impose interest on all missed child support payments. The interest rate is set by the Florida courts and applied to any missed payment, compounding the debt owed.
- The state can garnish your wages
If you are delinquent on child support payments, the State of Florida will garnish your paycheck to make the recipient parent whole. In other words, they will direct your employer to withhold the amount you owe directly from your paycheck.
- Liens and bank account freezes
The State of Florida can place a lien on any real property you own. It can also freeze your bank account preventing you from accessing your money.
- Intercept financial awards
The State of Florida can intercept your tax returns, lottery winnings, or other financial awards.
- License suspension
The State of Florida can suspend both your driver’s license or other licenses. This includes hunting licenses, fishing licenses, boating licenses, and more. Worse still, the state can suspend a professional license you require to do your job.
- The court can “tax” you
Those who willfully miss child support payments can have rulings concerning child custody or child support go in the other spouse’s favor.
- Contempt of court
The court can find a non-paying parent in contempt of court. This is particularly true if the judge believes the non-payment is willful. Contempt is a criminal charge that can be levied against a non-paying parent. The parent could be sent to jail, fined, and more.
Talk to a Tampa, FL Child Support Lawyer Today
Are you trying to compel enforcement of a child support order? Do you need to petition the court for a modification of child support? If so, call the Tampa, FL family lawyers at Westchase Law, P.A. today to schedule an appointment, and learn more about how we can help.