The parent who is required to pay child support is called a payor.
Making sure that parents obey child support orders is called “enforcement.” DOR/CSE can take many actions, including going to court, if a parent is not following a child support order. This includes:
Increasing the amount held from the payor's paycheck by 25%
When the court makes a child support order, the judge also orders a “wage assignment.” The wage assignment orders the paying parent’s employer to take the child support out of the parent’s wages and send it to DOR/CSE. DOR/CSE then sends the child support to the parent who is supposed to get it. DOR/CSE can increase the wage assignment by 25% if a payor is not paying.
Charging interest and penalties
DOR/CSE can charge interest and penalties on past due child support over $500. A payor may be able to get an exemption in certain situations, including hardship, being on public assistance, or if your child lives with you. Learn more on DOR's website.
Placing a lien on real estate or personal property
A lien means that if the payor sells their property, money from the sale will go to paying the overdue child support.
Seizing property
DOR/CSE can take away property such as
- Financial assets,
- Car,
- Vacation home,
- Boat,
- Lottery winnings,
- Funds from bank accounts – that is called “levying” your bank account,
- Business or personal property.
Intercepting payments
DOR/CSE can also take (“ intercept”)
- State and federal income tax refunds,
- Insurance claims,
- Unemployment compensation payments,
- Worker’s compensation payments,
- Public pension payments.
Levying bank accounts
DOR/CSE can “levy” your bank account. This means that the bank must take the child support that you owe out of your account and send it to the DOR/CSE. See DOR enforcement actions.
Suspending licenses
- Business license,
- Trade license,
- Professional license,
- motor vehicle registration
- Driver’s license. See DOR enforcement actions.
Filing a Complaint for Contempt
The DOR/CSE can file a Complaint for Contempt against a payor if they do not pay child support. A judge will decide how much money the payor owes at a court hearing. See What if DOR/CSE files a complaint for contempt.
Reporting child support debt to credit reporting agencies
If you owe child support, and you want to challenge steps DOR is taking to collect, see What if I owe child support and DOR is involved.