When a parent falls behind on child support, it creates serious stress for the other parent and, most importantly, for the child. Fortunately, Florida law provides several ways to enforce child support orders and ensure that children receive the financial support they need. In this post, we’ll walk through the key methods of child support enforcement in Florida, what to expect during the process, and how an attorney can help.
1. Income Withholding
The most common enforcement tool is income withholding, also called a wage garnishment. The court can order the paying parent’s employer to automatically deduct child support from their paycheck and send it directly to the Florida State Disbursement Unit. This ensures payments are made regularly and reduces the chance of missed or late support.
2. Contempt of Court
If a parent refuses to pay despite a valid court order, the court may hold them in contempt. This can lead to fines, additional penalties, or even jail time in severe cases. Contempt is a strong enforcement measure that sends a clear message: child support obligations are not optional.
3. Driver’s License Suspension
Florida law also allows for the suspension of a non-paying parent’s driver’s license if they are significantly behind. While this may seem harsh, it is an effective tool to bring parents back into compliance with their support obligations.
4. Other Enforcement Tools
In addition to the options above, child support enforcement in Florida may also include:
- Intercepting tax refunds.
- Placing liens on property.
- Reporting delinquent payments to credit agencies.
- Suspending professional or recreational licenses.
5. Why Work with an Attorney
While the Department of Revenue can assist with enforcement, many parents find the process slow and overwhelming. An experienced family law attorney can move more quickly, file motions on your behalf, and represent you in court hearings. Having someone who understands the law ensures you don’t miss opportunities to enforce your rights.
Conclusion
If your ex has stopped paying child support, don’t wait and hope things will improve. The law provides several remedies to help you collect what is owed. At Lipinski Family Law, we work with parents across Clearwater and Tampa Bay to enforce child support orders and ensure children receive the financial stability they deserve.
