305-358-2330
If you are ordered to pay child support in the state of Florida, it is a good idea to take this obligation seriously. It is imperative that both parents take an active role in supporting their child or children, but the court order that makes child support necessary will also carry serious consequences if you don’t comply.
Being aware of some of the penalties that you may face if you fail to pay child support in Florida can help you understand why it is so important that you do so. Keep in mind, if you are facing issues with child support, you should reach out to a family law attorney Miami for help.
Financial Penalties for Failing to Pay Child Support in Florida
If you fail to pay the ordered child support, it may lead to a number of financial penalties. Some of the most common include:
- Garnishment of your wages
- Tax refund seizure
- Taking past due amount from any lottery or gambling winnings
- Placement of liens on property, vehicles or homes
Personal and Professional Penalties for Failing to Pay Child Support in Florida
If you fail to comply the orders for child support you have been given, then you may face additional consequences personally and professionally. These include:
- Denial of a passport
- The suspension of licenses to drive, fish and hunt
- The suspension of professional or business licenses that are regulated by the state
- The notification of the delinquency to credit bureaus and your employer
Potential Criminal Penalties for Failing to Pay Child Support in Florida
While financial, personal and professional penalties for failing to pay child support are bad enough, in some cases you may also face criminal actions. These include:
- The issuing of an arrest warrant
- A jail sentence
- Possible federal charges in the form of a felony or misdemeanor
How to Avoid Penalties for Not Paying Child Support
If you want to avoid the penalties mentioned above, then it is essential that you remain current with your child support payments. If there is a problem that comes up where you cannot make the payment, or if you don’t agree with the amount that has been ordered by the court, then you should speak with your attorney about a modification. If you do this sooner, rather than later, it will help you minimize or completely avoid the possible penalties.
If you are trying to get child support payments from a parent who is delinquent, then you can also speak with a lawyer to see what options of enforcement are available. The fact is, any matter that involves children and child support is taken very serious in the court. As a result, it is best to hire an attorney to better understand the rights you have.
If you need help with your child support or family law case, the best thing you can do is hire an attorney. It is never a good idea to try and take matters into your own hands, as this may wind up in an undesirable situation, Instead, contact the team of attorneys at The Carolan Family Law Firm, P.A. by calling 305-358-2330.
Additional Reading
How Courts Calculate Child Support
Collaborative Divorce in Florida – A Different Approach