What if the non-custodial parent refuses to pay child support?
Most child support obligations can be enforced through an income withholding order. If not already ordered by the court, the income withholding process can be initiated against a parent who falls more than 30 days behind. Once an employer receives an income withholding order, the first support payment is usually received in about 30 days. If other methods fail, non-paying parents can be summoned to court to show cause for not making court-ordered child support payments. A court can find a parent in contempt if the non-payment is willful and the parent has the ability to pay. The court can order the parent to be jailed, pay a purge bond, perform community service in lieu of jail, issue an income withholding order, suspend a driving or professional license or order the parent to return for a compliance hearing. Administrative actions may also be take, including the interception of tax refunds, supervision of driving or professional licenses and the reporting of child support arrearages t
