Failing to pay child support in California can have serious legal and financial consequences. The state takes child support enforcement seriously, and both custodial and noncustodial parents are held accountable under California law. If you are facing challenges related to child support, understanding the potential penalties is crucial — and getting the right legal help is even more important.

At Williams, Drexler, & Mand PC, we help California parents navigate the complexities of child support enforcement and defense.

Legal Obligation to Pay Child Support

When a court orders a parent to pay child support, that order becomes a legally binding obligation. Whether the order was established as part of a divorce, custody case, or paternity action, failing to comply can lead to enforcement actions initiated by the local child support agency or the other parent.

Consequences of Not Paying Child Support in California

If you fall behind or stop making child support payments, you may face the following penalties:

• Wage Garnishment: The state can garnish your wages directly from your employer to collect past-due support.
• Driver’s License Suspension: The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend your driver’s license until you become compliant.
• Tax Refund Interception: State and federal tax refunds can be intercepted to cover unpaid child support.
• Bank Levies and Liens: Your bank accounts may be frozen, and liens can be placed on your property or assets.
• Credit Damage: Missed payments can be reported to credit bureaus, negatively affecting your credit score.
• Passport Denial: You may be denied a U.S. passport if you owe more than $2,500 in past-due support.
• Contempt of Court: Willfully ignoring a support order can result in contempt charges, which could carry jail time and fines.

Possible Defenses and Modifications

If you are unable to pay due to a change in circumstances—such as job loss, illness, or incarceration—you may be able to petition the court for a modification of your child support order. It is important to file this request as soon as possible; the court generally cannot reduce past-due support retroactively.

You might also have defenses if you were not properly served with the original order or if paternity was wrongly assigned.

How Williams, Drexler, & Mand PC Can Help

Whether you're trying to enforce a child support order or are struggling to meet one, our team is here to help. We can:

• Petition for support modifications
• Defend against enforcement actions
• Negotiate payment plans
• Represent you in court proceedings

Child support issues can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. At Williams, Drexler, & Mand PC, we are committed to helping California parents find workable, lawful solutions to their support concerns.