The Legal Consequences of Child Support Arrears in Florida: What You Need to Know

Child support is a legal obligation that parents must fulfill to ensure the welfare of their children. Unfortunately, some parents fail to meet their child support payments, leading to a significant financial burden on the custodial parent and the child. This is where the legal system steps in to enforce child support obligations and hold non-paying parents accountable.

In Florida, the law takes child support arrears very seriously, and there are legal consequences for parents who fail to pay their child support. In this article, we'll discuss what child support arrears are, the consequences for not paying child support, and what you need to do if you are in arrears.

What are Child Support Arrears?

Child support arrears are the unpaid child support that a non-custodial parent owes to the custodial parent. Child support arrears can accumulate over time if the non-custodial parent fails to make payments on time or does not make any payments at all. In Florida, child support is calculated based on a parent's income, the number of children, and the custody arrangement. If a parent fails to pay the full amount of child support, they will accrue child support arrears.

Consequences of Not Paying Child Support in Florida

There are severe consequences for not paying child support in Florida. The State of Florida takes child support very seriously, and the legal system has several mechanisms in place to enforce child support obligations. Here are some of the consequences for not paying child support in Florida:

1. Driver's License Suspension: The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can suspend the non-paying parent's driver's license if they are in arrears by more than $500. The suspension remains in place until the non-paying parent pays their child support or enters into a payment plan.

2. Passport Denial: The U.S. Department of State can deny a non-paying parent's passport application or renewal if they owe more than $2,500 in child support.

3. Wage Garnishment: The court can order the non-paying parent's employer to deduct child support payments from their paycheck.

4. Property Seizure: The court can seize property owned by the non-paying parent to pay child support arrears.

5. Contempt of Court: The court can hold the non-paying parent in contempt if they fail to pay child support, which can result in fines, jail time, or both.

What to Do If You Are in Child Support Arrears?

If you are in child support arrears in Florida, there are steps you can take to avoid the legal consequences. Here are some options:

Payment Plan: You can work with the Florida Department of Revenue to set up a payment plan to pay off your child support arrears. A payment plan can help you avoid driver's license suspension, passport denial, and other legal consequences.

Modification of Child Support: You can file a petition to modify your child support payments if there has been a substantial change in circumstances that makes it difficult for you to pay the current amount.

Seek Legal Representation: If you are facing legal action for child support arrears, it is essential to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.

Child support arrears can have severe consequences, not just for the non-paying parent but also for the custodial parent and the child. If you are in child support arrears in Florida, it is crucial to take action immediately to avoid legal consequences. Contact ZAGERLAW, P.A., an experienced family law firm in Florida, to discuss your options and rebate a plan to address your child support arrears.

Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in child support matters and can help you understand your legal rights and options. We can work with you to negotiate a payment plan or file a petition to modify your child support payments if necessary. We will also represent you in court if you are facing legal action for child support arrears.

At ZAGERLAW, P.A., we understand that child support can be a sensitive and emotional issue, and we are committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation to our clients. We know that each case is unique, and we will work with you to develop a plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

If you are in child support arrears in Florida, don't wait until it's too late. Contact ZAGERLAW, P.A. today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We are here to help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.