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Child Support

9 Things to Know About Failing To Pay Child Support In California

When a child is born in California, both parents are legally obligated to provide financial support for their child’s well-being. However, the exact amount of support that each parent should contribute is determined through the establishment of a formal child support order. Failing to adhere to these orders can lead to a cascade of serious consequences that can significantly impact your financial stability and legal standing. In this article, we will explore what happens if you don’t pay child support in California and why it’s crucial to address this obligation promptly.

1. Monetary Penalties And Interest

Failing to pay child support in California can result in additional financial penalties. Interest rates and penalty calculations vary among states, but in California, if you fall behind on child support payments by more than 30 days, you can incur a penalty of 6 percent of the amount owed for each month it remains unpaid, up to a staggering 72 percent of the total amount due. These penalties can quickly escalate your debt, making it even more challenging to catch up.

2. Credit Bureau Reporting

Late or missed child support payments are not only a legal matter but also affect your credit score. The child support agency can report these delinquencies to the major credit bureaus, much like late payments on credit cards or mortgages. This can have a detrimental impact on your credit rating, making it difficult to secure loans, housing, or employment in the future.

child support statistic
child support statistic

3. Bank Levies

If you don’t pay child support, California authorities have the authority to place levies on your bank accounts. This means that the money you owe can be taken directly from your accounts without warning. Imagine expecting a full paycheck only to find a fraction of it left after the levy is enforced. It’s a financial shock that can severely disrupt your life.

4. Denial Of Passport

Planning an international vacation while behind on child support payments? Think again. If you owe more than $2,500 in back child support, the U.S. government will not issue or renew your passport until your child support payments are brought up to date. This restriction can limit your ability to travel abroad for work or leisure.

5. Seizure Of Assets

Child support enforcement agencies can seize various assets, including real property, cash, vehicles, and even the contents of your safe deposit box. Any expected income, such as royalties, dividends, commissions, or rental income, can also be targeted. Nothing is off-limits, including unemployment, disability, or worker’s compensation checks, and even lottery winnings can be seized to cover overdue child support.

6. Property Liens

Liens can be placed on any property you own or intend to sell. When the property is eventually sold, the owed child support can be deducted directly from the sale proceeds, further complicating your financial situation.

7. License Suspension

Failure to pay child support can result in the suspension or withholding of various state-issued licenses, including professional licenses, business licenses, and driver’s licenses. This can severely hinder your ability to work in certain professions or even commute to your job.

8. Contempt Of Court

If the court determines that you are capable of paying child support but deliberately choose not to, you may be held in contempt of court. Contempt actions can have criminal consequences, potentially leading to jail time as a result of non-payment.

9. Proactive Measures

To avoid the devastating consequences of failing to pay child support, it’s crucial to take proactive steps. If you face challenges that prevent you from meeting your child support obligations, inform the court and request a modification based on changed circumstances. Addressing these issues early can help prevent a chain reaction of legal and financial troubles.

Conclusion

Failing to pay child support in California can have severe and far-reaching consequences. From monetary penalties and credit score damage to asset seizures and license suspensions, the repercussions are daunting. To protect your financial stability and legal standing, it’s essential to adhere to child support orders or take proactive measures to address any challenges you may face. Prioritize your child’s well-being and your own financial security by fulfilling your child support obligations responsibly.

Modern Family Law

Modern Family Law’s team of experienced California family law attorneys takes a compassionate approach to the practice of family law. Using innovative technology to create an effective and efficient process for our clientele, our attorneys approach each case as a collective effort to find the best long-term solutions for each family. For more information please give us a call or fill out a short form online to sign up for a free consultation today! Let us make a positive difference in your life.

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By: MFL Team

Posted September 11, 2023

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