Child support is meant to help cover the costs of raising a child, making sure they have what they need to grow and thrive. But what happens when the parent who’s supposed to pay stops making payments? In California, there are legal ways to enforce child support orders and help ensure the child receives the support they’re supposed to.
If child support isn’t being paid, you can ask the court for help. The court has several tools it can use to collect unpaid support, including wage garnishments (taking money directly from the parent’s paycheck), intercepting tax refunds, suspending driver’s or professional licenses, or even placing liens on property. You can also open a case with your county’s Department of Child Support Services. They will enforce the order to ensure the recipient parent receives their support.
It’s important to act quickly if payments stop. Unpaid child support adds up over time and doesn’t go away — the debt remains until it’s paid. You can’t just “forgive” the amount owed without court approval, and waiting too long to act can make it harder to collect what’s due.
If you’re struggling to collect child support or need help understanding your options, The Grey Legal Group, APC is here to assist. Our experienced family law attorneys can guide you through the enforcement process and help make sure your child gets the support they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward protecting your family’s well-being.