The 3 methods Connecticut uses to enforce child support orders

On Behalf of | Apr 30, 2021 | Child Support |

As a parent with more custody of the children, you have more expenses than your ex does related to the kids. It is perfectly reasonable for the courts to order the parents with less custody time to pay child support to the other parent.

When the Connecticut family courts finalize your divorce, they will typically review the family’s finances and order one parent to pay the other one support if necessary. You probably depend on getting those checks to cover all of the costs associated with parenting. When your ex doesn’t pay, how can the Connecticut courts enforce the order?

The state can withhold income

In most child support scenarios, Connecticut will intercept income before it reaches your ex’s bank account and withdraw the appropriate amount for child support. Sometimes, you may have to update the courts when your ex leaves a job for a new one. Other times, the state may have to take child support out of workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits or even retirement pay.

The courts can suspend someone’s license

A parent who fails to pay child support can face serious personal repercussions. Connecticut can choose to suspend or not renew driver’s licenses, professional licenses and even recreational licenses, like fishing licenses, for those who fall behind on child support.

The courts can declare someone in contempt

Child support obligations come from a court order. Failing to pay means failing to comply with that court order. In some cases where someone goes extended periods without paying or falls far behind, a judge may issue a warrant for their arrest for contempt of court or order someone to take a lump sum due to not keeping up with their obligations.

The sooner you initiate child support enforcement proceedings, the sooner you can recover the funds. An experienced attorney can help.

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