Largo Child Support Enforcement Lawyer
Child support obligations are not voluntary. Any parent ordered to pay child support must pay, and they can face penalties for their failure to keep up with monthly support obligations. At Reep Coleman & Stubbendorff, we realize how much parents rely on child support. When the noncustodial parent doesn’t pay their fair share, then it might be time to involve the courts.
Speak with a Largo child support enforcement lawyer today to learn more about your options. There are many myths about child support, and you deserve accurate legal advice.
What Happens if a Parent Doesn’t Pay Child Support?
Generally, child support is calculated based on each parent’s income and other factors. The noncustodial parent makes payment to the custodial parent. An enforcement action is necessary when the noncustodial parent refuses or fails to pay. A judge can order a delinquent parent arrested and brought into court to address the reason why they are not keeping up with their child support payments.
Any parent who fails to pay can face:
- Garnishment. An employer will withhold a certain amount of income from the parent’s paycheck and send it to the state to distribute to the custodial parent.
- License suspension. The state can suspend the parent’s license for not paying child support.
- Tax refund interception. The state might seize any tax refund and apply it to unpaid child support.
- Contempt of court citation. A judge can find the parent intentionally violated a court order and can fine the parent or even send them to jail. A parent might not get out until they actually pay what they owe.
- Other actions. The state has many options for getting a parent to pay or even seizing a person’s assets to apply to unpaid child support. Florida is aggressive at pursuing “deadbeat” parents.
If you are the parent seeking child support, then you can hire a lawyer to help you with child support enforcement. You could also contact the state’s Department of Revenue, which has taken the lead on collecting child support.
A parent who is delinquent is entitled to a lawyer. There might be valid reasons why you can’t pay child support, such as disability or incarceration. The obligation to pay still exists until a judge modifies your order but you can seek to avoid the worst sanctions, such as a license suspension or contempt.
Our firm can seek a modification if your inability to pay is expected to continue. For example, a disabled parent might be unable to work or can only work part-time. This is an appropriate reason to ask a judge to reduce your child support obligation.
Contact Our Largo Child Support Enforcement Lawyers Today!
Failing to pay child support can create headaches for everyone involved. Address this issue in a timely manner by calling Reep Coleman & Stubbendorff today to speak with a Largo child support enforcement lawyer with our firm. We can analyze the status of your support case and provide legal advice about how to move forward.
