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What is the Penalty for Not Paying Child Support in Florida?

When it comes to failing to pay child support, Florida is one of the toughest states on offenders. Florida courts do not take lightly to parents who try to skip out on their financial obligations to their children—and they will punish those who attempt to do so.

child support in Florida

What is Child Support?

Child support is a court-ordered payment that a noncustodial parent pays to a custodial parent to financially support the child. Florida law clearly states that if a noncustodial parent refuses to pay child support, they will take action against that parent to ensure the custodial parent can collect payments.

How to Collect Child Support

To begin, you will need to meet with a Miami family law lawyer. Your attorney will file a motion for civil contempt against the non-paying parent.

You will have to claim that the parent violated his or her court child support order and prove that they have not sent any payments or made any attempt to pay.

If the judge determines that the noncustodial parent has violated that order, then the judge will hold that parent in contempt of court.

The Punishment for Not Paying Court-Ordered Child Support

If you are tempted to not pay child support, be aware of the harsh consequences. Just some of the penalties and actions the court will take to collect include:

  • Seizing your bank account. Florida courts will not fail to seize your account and take the funds due—especially if you owe more than $600 or you are more than four months past due on your obligations.
  • Garnish your wages. The courts will withhold income from your check or garnish your wages to cover past due payments as well as collect future payments.
  • Seize your tax refunds. If you owe more than $500 in past due child support, and you are expected to receive a tax refund, the courts will place a hold on that federal and state tax refund.
  • Intercept benefits. If you are receiving benefits, such as workers’ compensation, the courts will intercept those benefits and take out the past due and future child support payments.
  • Seize your assets. The courts can also seize your vehicles, real estate, and other assets to sell off and cover your past due child support payments.
  • Suspend your driver’s license. You can have your driver’s license suspended until you take care of past due payments or set up a court-approved repayment plan.
  • Credit report filing. The courts will also report that you are past due on child support once you fall behind more than 15 days.
  • Suspend professional licenses. If you are a trades person who uses a professional license, the courts can suspend that license until you pay past due amounts or enter into a payment plan.

Do You Need Assistance Collecting Past Due Child Support?

If your former spouse refuses to pay child support, a Miami family law attorney can assist you. Contact the attorneys at the Estevez-Pazos Law Firm today for assistance with your child support collection case.

We offer no obligation consultations, so schedule your appointment today by calling 305-717-7130 or visiting our office in Coral Gables, FL.

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