Steps and Strategies to Enforcing Child Support Orders

When a parent fails to make support payments, it can create significant financial strain for the parent expecting the funds. Thankfully, there are several legal mechanisms available in Newtown, Yardley and Langhorne to enforce child support orders.

If you need advice on what steps and strategies to employ, including accessing guidance on wage garnishment and possible contempt of court actions, talk to a Bucks County family attorney.

Legal Mechanisms and the DRS

There are a range of legal actions that can be explored if your ex-spouse has stopped making support payments. Once you talk to a lawyer, one or more of the following may be advised.

• Wage garnishment. One of the most effective methods of enforcing child support orders is garnishing the wages of the individual responsible for making payments. The court can issue an income withholding order, directing the non-paying parent’s employer to automatically deduct the support payments from their wages.
• Contempt of court. If a parent willfully disobeys a court order to pay child support, they can be held in contempt of court. The custodial parent can file a petition for contempt, and the court can impose various penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time, to compel compliance.
• Tax refund interception. The state can intercept federal and state tax refunds to collect past-due child support. This is particularly useful when the non-paying parent receives a significant refund.
• Property liens. The court can place a lien on the non-paying parent’s property, such as real estate or vehicles. Then, any sale or refinancing of the property will go toward child support obligations.
• Seizure of assets. In some cases, the court can authorize the seizure of the non-paying parent’s bank accounts or other assets to satisfy a child support debt.

It is also important to recognize that the Bucks County Domestic Relations Section (DRS) can play a role in enforcing child support orders. The DRS can assist in locating the non-paying parent, establishing paternity, and modifying support orders as needed. They can also initiate enforcement actions, such as wage garnishment and tax refund interception, on behalf of the custodial parent.

Proper Documentation to Support Your Goals

The DRS provides a structured and systematic approach to ensuring that support orders are followed and that children receive the financial support they are entitled to. That said, they can’t do it alone, proper documentation is essential when seeking enforcement of child support orders.

To fortify your claim, keep detailed records of all payments received, including dates and amounts. If payments are made sporadically or not at all, document each missed payment. This information is important when filing a complaint with the court or the DRS, as it provides evidence of non-compliance.

Extracting the funds you have a right to could involve a combination of legal mechanisms and strategic actions. A Bucks County family attorney can ensure that all paperwork is correctly completed and filed.

How are you planning to access the funds you were awarded? Throughout the process, the legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. can offer advice, answer questions, and provide peace of mind. Call 215-968-6602 to learn more.