In the event that you are the non-custodial parent of a child in Florida, it is imperative that you make your court-appointed child support payments on time and in full. Failure to do so can have several damaging consequences, both financial and legal. Plus, child support is important for ensuring that your child has a stable and safe life, even if you are not living with that child on a majority basis. According to the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers, if a child support payment is past due for 15 days, this is when the payment enters delinquency.
There are several routes that the State of Florida can take when it comes to enforcing child support payments. Probably the most common is placing a garnishment upon your paycheck. This is when the state will directly remove the amount of child support you are required to pay from your paycheck prior to the money getting to you. The State of Florida may also withhold your tax refund or any workers’ compensation benefits if you receive them.
Placing a lien on any property you own is also a common remedy Florida takes against those who are in arrears with their child support payments. It is also possible that not paying child support will end up with criminal penalties being levied against you, as well. These can include jail time on the state level and possibly federal charges if the situation is severe enough.
Do not make the mistake of thinking that moving out of state will serve as a barrier. The State of Florida can simply file a domestication action in the state that you move to.