From paternity actions to visitation, fathers may encounter a variety of challenges involving their children. For some, child support is particularly complicated and an inability to fulfill their obligations could carry serious ramifications. In Lee County, and other parts of Florida, fathers who have back child support often face a number of consequences, from prison time and fines to a permanently damaged reputation. As a result, it is essential for fathers to understand how child support orders are enforced and try to avoid hardships that are preventable.
According to the Florida Department of Revenue, there are a variety of ways that child support orders are enforced. If a parent does not pay the child support they owe, they will receive a notice informing them of their late payment. Additionally, they could have their license suspended, their lottery winnings withheld and funds withdrawn from their bank. Credit agencies are also informed of back child support, which can have a deleterious effect on an individual’s financial life. Moreover, tax refunds and workers’ comp benefits are taken, liens are placed on real estate and recreational permits are suspended.
In fact, the state of Florida can enforce child support orders from other states. If the parent who owes child support lives in another state, Florida will ask for assistance from that state when it comes to the enforcement of child support orders. Parents who owe back child support are able to work out a payment arrangement with the Department of Revenue, which could help them avoid the aforementioned penalties.
