Enforcing Unpaid Child Support Orders in Palm Beach County

Raising kids is expensive enough without a co-parent falling behind on payments. When child support goes unpaid, the parent who is owed those funds is often left scrambling to cover everyday costs like groceries, school supplies, and medical bills. If you are dealing with a former spouse or partner who is not keeping up with a court-ordered support obligation, know that Florida law gives you several paths toward enforcement.

Why Payments Fall Behind

There are many reasons a parent might stop paying child support. Sometimes it is a job loss or a genuine financial hardship. Other times, a parent simply decides not to comply with the order. Whatever the cause, the parent receiving support still has options, and the court system is built to hold obligors accountable.

Enforcement Tools Available in Florida

Florida Statute 61.13 outlines the powers a court has when it comes to child support orders, including income deduction and garnishment provisions designed to make sure payments are collected directly from an obligor’s paycheck. When a parent falls behind, a few common enforcement methods include the following.

• Income withholding, where support is deducted straight from wages before the obligor ever sees the money.
• Contempt proceedings, which can result in fines or even jail time for a parent who willfully ignores a valid court order.
• License suspension, since Florida allows driver’s and professional licenses to be suspended for significant arrears.
• Interception of tax refunds or lottery winnings to apply toward the outstanding balance.
• Liens placed on property owned by the obligor.

The Florida Department of Revenue’s Child Support Program also assists parents in Title IV-D cases with locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, and pursuing these enforcement remedies on the state’s behalf.

What the Process Can Look Like

Enforcement typically starts with documenting the missed payments and confirming the exact amount owed. From there, a motion can be filed with the court asking for one or more of the remedies above. Judges in Palm Beach County take unpaid support seriously, especially when a parent has repeatedly ignored their obligations or hidden income to avoid paying what is owed.

It is worth noting that enforcement is not always about punishment. Courts also want to see support flowing to the children who need it, so many cases resolve through a structured payment plan or a renewed income withholding order rather than harsher penalties.

Consider Speaking with a Family Law Team

If you are owed back child support, waiting rarely makes the situation better. The longer payments go unaddressed, the harder it can become to recover the full amount owed. Working with knowledgeable Palm Beach County child support attorneys can help you understand which enforcement tools fit your circumstances and how to move the process forward efficiently.

Are you dealing with an ex who has stopped paying child support? We understand how stressful this situation can be for you and your children. The team at Bruce S. Rosenwater & Associates is ready to talk through your options and help you pursue the support your family is entitled to. Schedule a confidential consultation with us today.

Source:

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/61.13