Child support orders are meant to ensure children receive the financial support they need for housing, food, clothing, education, and medical care. Unfortunately, not all parents meet their court-ordered obligations. When payments are missed or delayed, it can create stress and hardship for custodial parents and children alike. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we help parents understand their enforcement options and fight for the financial stability their children deserve.
How Child Support Is Ordered in California
When parents separate or divorce, the court may issue a child support order based on California’s child support guidelines. These guidelines take into account each parent’s income, time spent with the child, and specific needs such as healthcare or childcare.
Once the order is in place, it carries the force of law. A parent who fails to pay is not just behind financially—they are in violation of a court order.
Common Reasons for Nonpayment
While some parents deliberately avoid their obligations, others fall behind due to circumstances like:
- Job loss or reduced income
- Unexpected medical bills
- Relocation or financial mismanagement
- Intentional refusal to pay out of conflict with the other parent
Regardless of the reason, children should not be the ones to suffer. California law provides several enforcement tools to ensure child support is paid.
Child Support Enforcement Tools in California
If a parent falls behind on payments, the court or local child support agency can take action. Enforcement methods may include:
- Wage garnishment: Support payments are deducted directly from paychecks.
- Bank account levies: Funds can be withdrawn from accounts to cover arrears.
- Tax refund intercepts: Federal and state refunds may be applied to overdue support.
- Driver’s license suspension: Parents who are significantly behind may lose driving privileges.
- Professional or business license suspension: Certain licenses may be revoked until payments resume.
- Property liens: The state can place liens on property or other assets.
- Contempt of court proceedings: In extreme cases, failure to pay can result in fines or jail time.
These enforcement tools are powerful, but they must be used properly to ensure fairness and compliance with the law.
What If You Can’t Afford Payments?
For parents who genuinely cannot afford their child support payments, ignoring the order is never the right solution. Instead, you may request a modification of the support order. Courts can review changes in income, employment status, or the child’s needs to determine whether the payment amount should be adjusted.
At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we help parents file modification requests to reflect their current financial reality, protecting both their rights and their children’s well-being.
How an Attorney Can Help
Child support enforcement can feel overwhelming for both the parent owed support and the parent struggling to pay. Having an attorney on your side ensures the process is handled correctly. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we assist with:
- Filing enforcement motions in court
- Working with local child support agencies
- Exploring wage garnishment or asset recovery options
- Requesting modifications when appropriate
- Protecting your rights while prioritizing the child’s best interests
Ensuring Children Get the Support They Deserve
At the heart of child support enforcement is one goal: making sure children are financially supported. Whether you need help collecting overdue payments or modifying an order to reflect life changes, legal guidance can make the process smoother and more effective.
Call 949-585-9055 today to schedule a consultation with Law Office of Michael L. Fell. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward ensuring your child’s financial security.