Child Support Enforcement in Fort Lauderdale: What Are Your Options?
Raising children requires more than just love. It requires financial support. If you have a Fort Lauderdale child support order in place, but the other parent refuses to pay, you are not alone.
Too many parents in Broward County face this frustrating and financially stressful problem. Our Fort Lauderdale child support lawyer explains your enforcement options and how to take action when the other parent refuses to comply with the court’s orders.
What Happens When a Parent Fails to Pay Child Support in Fort Lauderdale
Paying child support in Fort Lauderdale represents more than just a moral duty. It is the law. Under the Florida Statutes, once the Broward County Family Court issues a support order, the paying parent is legally obligated to make timely payments. However, common problems that often arise include:
- Chronic late or missed payments that disrupt your child’s financial stability;
- Partial payments that do not meet the full court-ordered amount;
- Failure to cover health insurance or medical expenses included in the child support order;
- Unreported income or job changes that affect the parent’s ability to pay;
- Efforts to avoid payment by quitting a job, working under the table, or hiding assets.
If a parent ordered to pay child support in Fort Lauderdale falls behind, they can face serious consequences, even if the missed payments were due to job loss or personal issues.
Legal Options for Enforcing Child Support in Fort Lauderdale
The Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Program works in tandem with family courts to ensure compliance, but delays are common. An experienced Fort Lauderdale child support lawyer can help in getting the total amount you are owed in the quickest amount of time possible. Legal options for enforcing child support in Broward County include:
- Filing a motion for civil contempt: This puts the other parent before a judge, who can impose fines or even jail time for non-compliance.
- Wage garnishment: The court may require that the employer deduct child support payments directly from the parent’s paycheck.
- Interception of tax refunds: The IRS may withhold tax refunds to pay back child support arrears.
- Driver’s license suspension: Florida can suspend the driver’s license of a parent who owes substantial back child support.
- Liens and asset seizure: Liens on property or seizing bank accounts and other assets can help in collecting unpaid support.
- Credit reporting: Missed child support payments can appear on the parent’s credit report, affecting their financial reputation.
In certain cases, the court may even issue an arrest warrant for failure to pay child support in Broward County.
Get Professional Legal Help From Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Support Lawyer
You and your child shouldn’t have to suffer due to their other parent’s refusal to meet their obligations. At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we understand how overwhelming enforcing a child support order can be, and we’re here to help. To get the total amount you and your child are owed, call or contact our office online. Schedule a consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale child support lawyer today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.30.html
floridarevenue.com/childsupport/Pages/default.aspx
