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What are my options if my ex isn’t paying child support?

On Behalf of | Oct 28, 2024 | Firm News

When your ex stops paying child support, it can create a significant financial burden, making it harder to provide for your child’s needs. In Maryland, there are several actions you can take to enforce the child support order and ensure your child receives the support to which they are entitled.

File a motion for contempt

One option is to ask the court for help through a motion for contempt. This legal action asks the court to enforce the existing child support order. If the judge finds your ex in contempt for not complying, they could face penalties, such as fines or even jail time. This can be a strong incentive for them to resume payments.

Wage garnishment

Maryland law allows for wage garnishment to collect unpaid child support. This means a portion of your ex’s paycheck will be automatically deducted and sent directly to you or the state’s child support agency. This method helps ensure consistent payments and reduces the chance of future missed payments.

If your ex receives unemployment benefits or workers’ compensation, the Maryland Child Support Administration can garnish a portion of these payments to cover child support arrears (child support debt owed). This helps maintain support payments even if they are not currently employed.

Intercepting tax refunds

If your ex owes back child support, the CSA can ask the IRS to intercept their federal tax refund and have state tax refunds intercepted as well. The intercepted funds are then applied toward the overdue child support, which helps to reduce or eliminate the arrears.

Reporting to credit bureaus

Unpaid child support can be reported to credit bureaus by the CSA. This negative mark can lower your ex’s credit score, which might motivate them to pay the overdue amounts to avoid long-term credit issues affecting loans, housing and other financial matters.

Suspension of licenses

The state can suspend various licenses held by your ex, including driver’s licenses, professional licenses and even recreational licenses, like hunting or fishing permits. Losing these privileges can pressure them to fulfill their child support obligations to have their licenses reinstated.

Seizing assets

Maryland has the authority to seize assets, such as bank accounts, property or other financial resources to cover unpaid child support. This action ensures that the owed support is collected directly from your ex’s assets.

You have several avenues to pursue if your ex is not paying child support in Maryland. Acting not only helps alleviate your financial stress, but also ensures your child receives the support they need. Remember, these enforcement tools are in place to assist you.